Sequencing an album
Back in the days before streaming, when the order of tracks on an album was essentially set in vinyl at the press, there was an important job to be done once everything was mixed and ready to go – sequencing.
The order of songs on my latest album – Genre Fluid – was a bit haphazard, so I prompted an LLM with the current order and asked it to assess the songs and sequence them for me. I also asked it to tell me which song I should use to showcase the album, choose the single, you might say.
Here’s the list of songs in the original order
- Never Grows Old 03:58 – Skynryd leave Alabama for Madchester
- Fake it till you make it 03:44 – Meat Loaf does The Stones Elton on piano
- History Written on the Water 04:13 – George Harrison gets funky
- Like a Flame to a Moth 03:30 – Peter Gabriel type proggie-pop
- It’s not our time for the sea 04:30 Proggie Pink Floyd type song but pop
- My Light, My Sky 06:10 – Acoustic early Bowie-type ballad
- Ticking Clocks 03:10 – Simple progressive rock
- Take the Waters 05:09 – Preachy power pop
- Old Nick is Quick 02:44 – Elvis Costello type late 70s new wave
- Festival Friends (Cool as Folk) 02:53 – Acoustic guitar instrumental
- Got it? 03:17 – Funky jazz fusion
The LLM came back with this:
Crafting a compelling listening order for an album involves balancing different styles, tempos, and moods to create a cohesive and engaging experience. Given your diverse track list, here’s a suggested sequence that aims to create a smooth flow while highlighting the uniqueness of each song:
- Festival Friends (Cool as Folk) – Start with this mellow acoustic guitar instrumental to set a laid-back, introspective tone.
- My Light, My Sky – Transition into this early Bowie-type ballad, continuing the introspective mood but with a bit more depth.
- Like a Flame to a Moth – Introduce a bit of Peter Gabriel-inspired pop to energize the flow while maintaining a thoughtful atmosphere.
- Never Grows Old – Shift to the Lynyrd Skynyrd meets Madchester scene vibe, bringing in a new layer of interest with its unique blend.
- History Written on the Water – Follow with this funkier, George Harrison-inspired track to keep the energy up and offer a refreshing change.
- Take the Waters – Bring in some preachy power pop for a punchier feel and to maintain the upbeat momentum.
- Got it? – Move into funky jazz fusion to add a complex, jazzy edge and keep the listener engaged.
- Fake it till you make it – Introduce this Meat Loaf cover with Elton John on piano, providing a dramatic and recognizable highlight.
- It’s not our time for the sea – Follow with a proggie Pink Floyd pop song to balance the dramatic with a bit of mystique.
- Ticking Clocks – Shift back to simple progressive rock to maintain an engaging rhythm and keep the pace steady.
- Old Nick is Quick – Conclude with this upbeat, Elvis Costello-type new wave track, leaving listeners on a high note with its lively energy.
This sequence aims to balance introspective and energetic tracks, keeping the album dynamic and engaging from start to finish.
This is what it had to say about the choice of single:
Choosing the showcase track depends on what you want to highlight—whether it’s a standout in terms of composition, vocal performance, or overall impact. Given your track list, here’s a recommendation based on different strengths:
- “My Light, My Sky” – If you’re aiming for an emotional, evocative centrepiece, this early Bowie-type ballad could be the showcase. Its length and acoustic nature suggest it has a depth that could resonate deeply with listeners, making it a powerful statement track.
- “Fake it till you make it” – For a dramatic, high-energy showcase with notable features (Meat Loaf’s style, Elton John’s piano), this track could stand out as a commercial highlight and draw significant attention.
- “Got it?” – If you want to showcase technical prowess and a unique fusion of styles, this funky jazz fusion track might be the standout. Its complexity and distinctiveness could be a memorable highlight.
- “History Written on the Water” – As a funkier reboot of a classic sound, this track could serve as a compelling showcase for its blend of nostalgia and freshness, appealing to fans of George Harrison and funk.
I opted to showcase my most recently written and recorded song – Fake it till you make it. Seems apt.