How Many Songs Should Be in an Album?
Dreaming of making your own album but not sure how many songs it should have? You’re not alone! Whether you’re just starting out as a songwriter or you’ve been creating music for a while, figuring out the perfect album length can feel like a big decision. Should you aim for 10 tracks, or is 15 better? Do you keep it short and sweet or go all out with tons of songs?
The process of making an album can be overwhelming, especially when deciding how many songs to include. You want your album to feel complete, yet you don’t want to overwhelm your listeners with too much music. The pressure to get everything “just right” is real! And when it comes to deciding on the tracklist, it can feel like a never-ending puzzle. How do you choose which songs make the cut? And how do you know if you’ve got the right balance?
Don’t worry! This guide will walk you through what an album actually is, how many songs you should aim for, and—most importantly—how to pick the best tracks to include in your big release. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what your album could look like and how to make it one you’re proud of.
What Is an Album?
An album is a collection of music that showcases an artist’s style, creative journey, and identity. But what exactly qualifies as an album? Generally, an album contains five or more songs, but this can vary depending on the platform or the style of music. For example, some albums may only have a handful of tracks if they’re short or experimental, while others may have 20 or more songs.
You might have also heard of EPs, which stand for “extended play.” An EP is a shorter album, usually containing around 3-6 tracks. While an EP is still a collection of songs, it’s not considered a full album. Artists often release EPs when they want to share new music quickly or experiment with different sounds before committing to a full-length album.
The purpose of an album goes beyond just gathering a bunch of songs together. It’s a way for an artist to tell a story or express a specific theme or emotion through music. Think of an album like a journey, where each song is a step along the way, showing a different part of the artist’s world. This is why albums are such an important part of an artist’s career—they give listeners a deeper insight into who the artist is and what they’re all about.
How Many Songs Should Be in an Album?
When it comes to how many songs should be in an album, the common range is typically between 8 and 12 tracks. This is often considered the sweet spot for full-length albums, giving enough material to showcase an artist’s style and creativity without feeling too long or too short.
However, depending on the genre, album type, and artistic goals, this can vary. Some artists might opt for more tracks—up to 15 or more—while others may go for a more concise release.
Factors that Influence Album Length:
- Genre: The genre of music you’re working in can play a huge role in determining how many songs should be in your album. For example, pop and indie albums typically hover around 10-12 songs, while genres like hip-hop or EDM might feature longer albums with 15 or even 20 tracks, especially if they include bonus content, remixes, or collaborations.
- Audience expectations: Different audiences have different expectations. Pop fans might expect a more streamlined album, while die-hard rock or alternative fans might appreciate an album that offers more depth with extra songs. Understanding your audience’s preferences is key when deciding on the number of tracks.
- Artist goals: What do you want to achieve with your album? Are you aiming for a well-rounded collection of songs that tells a story, or do you want to release more experimental material? If you’re a new artist, keeping your album shorter might help you maintain focus, while established artists with a loyal fan base might feel comfortable releasing a larger number of songs.
The Streaming and Digital Impact
Back in the day, how many songs could fit on a vinyl record totally depended on two things: how long the songs were and the size of the record itself. The CD’s came about and now we are in the world of digital music.
With streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube, artists today often think about song counts differently than in the past. These platforms allow artists to release albums digitally without worrying about physical space, meaning they can release more songs if they wish.
Many artists even release albums with fewer songs but still make an impact by focusing on quality rather than quantity. Some artists also opt to release shorter EPs, especially as single tracks are becoming a dominant form of consumption.
How to Decide Which Songs to Put on an Album
1. Create a Cohesive Theme or Journey
Think of your album as a story. From the first song to the last, you want your listeners to experience a journey that feels connected. This doesn’t mean every song has to be about the same thing, but there should be an underlying theme or mood that ties everything together. Maybe it’s a personal growth story, a love journey, or even an exploration of different emotions.
Creating a cohesive narrative can help give your album depth and make the listening experience more immersive. You could organise your tracks in a way that takes the listener on an emotional ride, starting slow and building up, or alternating between highs and lows to keep them engaged.
2. Focus on Your Strongest Songs
It’s easy to get carried away and want to include every song you’ve written, but remember, albums are about showcasing your best work. Don’t feel like you have to fill your album with filler tracks just to hit a certain number of songs. Instead, pick the tracks that showcase your unique style, voice, and sound. Be ruthless in selecting only your strongest songs, the ones that truly represent who you are as an artist. A shorter album with powerful songs is far more impactful than a long album that feels bloated.
3. Keep Listeners Interested
While your album should feel cohesive, that doesn’t mean it has to be monotonous. A mix of song tempos, vibes, and moods will keep your audience engaged. If all your tracks sound the same, listeners might tune out.
Balance is key: you can have upbeat anthems, chill ballads, and maybe even something experimental to show off your versatility. This variety also helps maintain a sense of flow and surprises listeners, making them more excited to hear what comes next.
4. Get Input from Friends, Family, or Other Musicians
Sometimes, it’s hard to see your own work clearly. That’s where feedback comes in. Ask friends, family, or fellow musicians to listen to your tracks and give their honest opinions. They might catch something you missed or suggest a better track order. Feedback helps you step back from your music and see it through fresh ears, which can be invaluable in picking the final selection of songs.
Did you know Song Academy offers feedback on any songs you’ve written? You can get direct advice from professional songwriters!
5. Pick Songs That Represent Your Style
This is your moment to express yourself, so choose songs that feel personal to you. The songs that are most meaningful to you will resonate with your listeners too. Whether it’s a song you’ve worked on for months or one that came together in a single afternoon, if you feel emotionally connected to it, it’s likely to stand out on the album. Choose tracks that reflect who you are, your experiences, and your unique style, because when you’re authentic, people will connect with you more deeply.
3 Examples of Famous Albums and Their Song Counts
When it comes to creating an album, it’s always helpful to look at some famous examples to see how different artists approach song counts. Here are a few iconic albums with varying track numbers, showing that there’s no one-size-fits-all formula:
1. Taylor Swift’s “Folklore” (16 tracks)
Released in 2020, Folklore marked a new, indie-folk direction for Taylor Swift. With 16 tracks, it’s on the longer side for modern albums, but every song feels essential. The album flows like a collection of short stories, with each track adding something new to the emotional journey. Taylor’s decision to include 16 songs works because each one builds on the atmosphere of the album, and it feels cohesive even with a longer tracklist.
2. Kendrick Lamar’s “DAMN.” (14 tracks)
Released in 2017, DAMN. is a critically acclaimed studio album from Kendrick Lamar that includes 14 tracks. With this album, Kendrick blends hip-hop, storytelling, and political themes, packing powerful messages into each track. While it’s slightly shorter than some albums, the variety of topics and musical styles keeps it fresh from start to finish.
3. Adele’s “25” (11 tracks)
Adele’s 25 is a great example of quality over quantity. With 11 tracks, it’s more concise, but every song is a hit. Adele’s powerful vocals and emotive lyrics shine through in this shorter format, proving that sometimes fewer tracks can make a bigger impact. It shows that a smaller, carefully curated selection of songs can be just as powerful as a longer album.
Your Album, Your Rules!
To wrap things up, there’s no magic number when it comes to how many songs should be in an album. While 8-12 tracks is a common range, it really depends on your genre, your audience, and the story you want to tell. Whether you go for a longer album or a more concise one, what matters most is the quality of each song and how they fit together to create a complete experience.
Remember, focus on picking the songs that truly represent your style, passion, and message. Don’t feel pressured to fill an album with filler tracks just to hit a certain number. Instead, keep your tracklist strong and meaningful. You’ve got this!
So, keep writing, experimenting, and releasing your music — the world is waiting to hear what you’ve got! The perfect album starts with one great song, and with each track, you’re one step closer to your musical dream.
