Evolution of an album listening experience

[zac510]

I've noticed myself having done this quite a few times now. After first picking up a new album you might have a favourite or preferred song. Usually it's the first track you heard from it on the radio or tv or somesuch.

But then after a few more listens you begin to appreciate another song or two on the album. You might then decide that one of those ones is the best song on the album and you listen to it on repeat a few times. Surely, you've heard them all many times and you think it's the best.

Not finished yet.. 6 or 12 months later again when you are listening to the album all of a sudden your opinion changes again. A new favourite! How did I not notice this song before? My best on album has completely changed to a different song.

I'm sure this happens to other people too.

[soad]

Happens to me all the time.

[zac510]

hmm, well I was expecting a little more discussion than that!

[Cooky]

me too, especially with either Tool or Porcupine Tree

[Alfanatic]

Yes, once the original song that I liked starts becoming so familiar that the memory is too good and the song isn't adding anything anymore.

[garycat]

Cooky said:

me too, especially with either Tool or Porcupine Tree

Haha - I was going to mention PT and also Radiohead. I think the biggest revealtions is when you listen to the same album in a different way, e.g. on headphones, in a car, on a AV system with a subwoofer etc.

Edited by garycat on Thursday 4th February 11:00

[fildigger]

Yeah, this happens to me regularly....Can also apply to a whole album!

I got into Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) ten yrs ago, primarily based on one song 'Spread your Love', I bought the 1st album on vinyl and only listened to it once or twice! The rest of the tracks just didn't hit the right spot for me!, I subsequently purchased (although some yrs later) their two following albums 'Take them on, on your Own' & 'Howl' played them a lot and then moved away from them for many years .

Two weeks ago , I got to listen to their fourth studio album 'Baby 81' (which was released in 2007) I thought it was fantastic, This got me to dig out their 1st album (BRMC) as it was on vinyl i went and bought it on CD.....It has been constantly on in my car for a week now !!! I now think its excellent !........Why?, well, I guess i never really gave the 1st album a chance in the first place!....You do at times, need to almost force yourself to listen to an album many times, it can grow on you!

ps. regarding BRMC, i have gotton into them so much again, i have purchased tickets for their UK tour in April and eagerly await their 5th album 'Beat the Devils Tattoo' due out in March......Go Listen !

[The Lukas]

I personally listen to an album from start to finish when listening for the first time. It's like turning up to a meal you've payed for and only picking at it! I tend to wolf what I can down .

But after a while, a few songs become less and less moving and I cut them out of my listening experience on some plays. This usually occurs until I come across two or three favorite tracks.