Have you ever listened to an entire album without skipping because it was just that good? What is the key to having a no-skip album, or playlist? The answer to that question is sequencing. Sequencing is what makes the songs into a story with a beginning and end, and gives it a special flow. When it comes to album sequencing a question that you should ask yourself is, what song should come first? What goes last? And what is in between?
In this article, we will be answering all of the important questions of how to create a captivating sequence, how to fade and zoom out, and how to create a dream sequence.
What is album sequencing and why do you need it?
From a Wikipedia definition, sequencing is “The restatement of a motif or longer melodic (or harmonic) passage at a higher or lower pitch in the same voice. It is one of the most common and simple methods of elaborating a melody in eighteenth and nineteenth-century classical music”. In plain man words, sequencing is the process of ordering musical notes to create a harmonic flow. For albums, this means curating the order of songs to create a dynamic story through techniques of fade-ins, fade-outs between songs.
Think of sequencing as writing a story, it would be odd if in the 1st chapter the characters are introduced, and in the next chapter, they are dead. For your listeners, it would be awkward to hear a soft song that transitions into a heavy fast-paced song. Singles are what attract your listeners, but an album is how you make them into fans. You have worked hard to create and produced every part of your story, so take the time to focus on the sequencing. Listeners will easily skip from one song to the next, you need to give your listeners a reason to stay for the whole story, and not to skip chapters.
But how do you make a captivating story?
How to Create a Compelling Sequence
This is the fun part of creating the perfect sequence. You have done the hard part of writing the songs and producing the songs, now it is time to put them in an order that can showcase the purpose of the story. This part is also the most intuitive, if it sounds right, then it probably is. There is no right or wrong way to sequencing, but we have provided some helpful tips:
Start Off Strong
The first song is the one that grabs the attention of the listeners first. It is the first impression, so make it count!
Cherry-Picking
If you released a single before the album, you want to make sure that the single is early up in the line. BUT you do not want to put out too many singles, or else your listeners will feel like they already listened to the album. It is just like watching a movie trailer, and all the best scenes are in the trailer, when you watch the movie, you already know what is going to happen.
The Importance of a Narrative
Your album (or playlist) is a journey, a story! The format is the main reason why albums are still very important. When curating an album keep in mind to sequence your tracks to release and build tension, doing this will make the songs leave a more impactful listening effect. If you have a couple of songs that soft, pair that with a couple of songs that are livelier after. However, grouping similar tracks work too.
Using DAW to Sequence Your Album
DAW, also known as a digital audio workstation, that is an electronic device or application software used for recording, editing, and producing audio files. Now that you have the ideal order of your songs you can put them in the right order using DAW. This will allow you to add gaps, switch the order and use fades to your tracks. The most important tools you need are fades and silences.
Silence
The gaps in between songs allow for pacing for the album. Using silencing can help create a “reset” effect for the listener. Long breaks can help bring the listener’s focus away from the tracks, and shorter breaks can help create a mood in the album.
Fades
This one of the most basic functions of DAW. Using fades can help enhance the sequencing and set a tone for the listener. When used correctly, fades can create the perfect transition and dramatic effect in the album. There is a set rule when it comes to fades, so your best tool your ear and intuitive.
Dream Sequence
Understanding how you want your listeners to experience your finished album (or playlist) is extremely important, and once you do it is also extremely satisfying. It is easy to see why sequencing is helpful for an awesome music experience.
Now that we understand how perfect sequenced albums are created. I have made a short list of some of the albums that I think are perfectly sequenced.
The Score by Fugees (1996)
Instead of following the trends of sampling, The Fugees wanted to give birth to a new sound that was their sound. The recording began in 1995, and over five months, they created a vibe that would then change the rap game.
The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars by David Bowie (1972)
Bowie created the character “Ziggy Stardust” as an omnisexual alien rockstar, sent to Earth as a messenger of hope. And in the end, destroyed by his fans, a bittersweet story. The album is the definition of Proto-Punk, this album not only ranks as one of Bowie’s best works but also the best Rock albums of all time.
Speakerboxxx/The Love Below by Outkast (2003)
Outkast did something that no duo has ever done before, creating two solo “albums”, and putting them on one joint. Each highlighting their individuality. Big Boi’s Speakerboxxx was a true Atlanta affair, keeping the sonic and lyrical content alive in his music. He also gave a spotlight to the then newcomers Ludacris, Lil Jon, and Killer Mike. While the Love Below was the Gangster of Love, telling the story of a well know player who finds a woman so perfect it makes his lady-killer ways. 20+ years later, this album is still one of the highest-selling Hip-Hop albums of all time (11+ platinum) joining Ms. Lauryn Hill.
Discovery by Daft Punk (2001)
Some might say that Pop music took a turn for the better on February 26, 2001, when Daft Punk released Discovery making it one of the most important dance albums of any era. This album allowed both soft rock and EDM to enter the world of Pop music. Not to mention, they also brought the world of anime into mainstream music with their innovative music videos.
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill by Ms. Lauryn Hill (1998)
I saved the best, for last. The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill changed the Hip Hop industry forever. Before the album, the Hip Hop giants were Tupac, the Notorious B.I.G. After their untimely death, the Hip Hop games were looking for a new star child. When Ms. Lauryn Hill won the GRAMMY’s, did Hip Hop find its star? Not only that Hill made music history when she became the first Hip Hop artist to win a GRAMMY for Best Album of the Year, but also the first woman to win five GRAMMY’s in one night.
Now that you know what some of the most important factors are for an amazing, sequenced album, go and create your perfect musical mixtape!
Also check out this amazing blog post that helped with the research of this article, Album Sequencing: How to Give Your Releases Perfect Flow by LANDR
If you like this article, check out The Most Anticipated Albums of 2021, maybe your favourite artists made the list!
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