The 2nd Song Makes Or Breaks An Album
I have been developing this opinion for a while. Basically, if I like the second song as much as the first one, then it usually is a pretty solid album. This obviously does not work with pop music, so for this we are considering honest to goodness music.rHas anyone else noticed this trend or other trends in albums? |
| 1 | | Track 1
Always good
The first track is always one of the better tracks on the album because well if you hated the first track why listen to the other 10 or 11 tracks? |
| 2 | | Tracks 2-3
Make or Break
Here is my argument. Think of all of your favorite albums and listen to the second song. If the second song was really good then its usually a keeper. My thinking is that a lot of bands put the worst song either 2nd or 3rd on the album because it comes directly after one of the stronger songs (track 1). And that way they can just get it out of the way so you don't encounter it at track 7 when your patience is gone and you decide to turn off the album. |
| 3 | | Tracks 4-6
Good almost always
If it is going to be a great record usually these are good tracks |
| 4 | | Tracks 7-8
Kinda sketchy
Usually some of the "eh" songs get thrown in around here for whatever reason. This is about the time when I decide to change it or continue. |
| 5 | | Tracks 9-10
More of the same
Its either ear piercingly awful or continues out the album strong. |
| 6 | | Tracks 11-12
Finishes strong (usually)
Just finishing it up usually one or the other is a strong track. If its a really good record then I usually like the last two just as much as before and it completes the experience. |
| 7 |  | Saves the Day
Through Being Cool
You Vandal is one of my favorites. It is the second song, therefore the album looks prosperous to me. 7, 9, and 10 are kinda week and the last two are decent to great. Pretty solid 4/5 for me. |
| 8 |  | Zao
Where Blood and Fire Bring Rest
To Think of You Is To Treasure an Ancient Memory is an awesome song. And therefore the rest of the album follows suite. |
| 9 |  | Underoath
The Changing of Times
Letting Go of Tonight is great and probably my favorite. This album follows the above formula to a tee with Alone in December being a very strong closer. |
| 10 |  | Taking Back Sunday
Tell All Your Friends
While the sound has a lot to do with how I feel about this one, the second track is kind of weak and therefore the album is solid, but nothing too good. 3.5-3.8/5.0 |
| 11 | | Rancid
Let's Go
Sidekick is one of my all time favorites. It allows me to segue way nicely into the rest of the album. |
| 12 |  | Rage Against the Machine
Rage Against the Machine
Let's be honest, the whole album kicks ass. But if it weren't for Killing in the Name this album wouldn't have exploded like it did and still does. Fuck you, I won't do what you told me! |
| 13 |  | Pink Floyd
Wish You Were Here
Shine On... is great, but Welcome to the Machine solidified this album for me. |
| 14 |  | Mayhem
De Mysteriis Dom Sathanas
The best example of this. Its a really solid album but the second track, Freezing Moon, is overwhelmingly brilliant. |
| 15 | | Misery Signals
Of Malice and Magnum Heart
Intros don't count so we will consider That Year Summer Ended in June. This is a fantastic song. The lyrics are so passionate and heartfelt that I can't help not to love it and the rest that comes after it. |
|
