# The Enduring Value of Albums: A Stand Against Playlists
Written on
Chapter 1: The Importance of Albums
In recent months, I've taken to ending my articles by mentioning the album I’ve listened to while I write. Initially, I had no particular reason for this habit. As a musician, I often find that music can be distracting when I'm focused on other tasks. However, ambient music has shown me that it's possible to write while engaging my ears with sound. This realization came at a time when I had resigned myself to the belief that I could only listen to music in an active manner. Now, I find that ambient sounds help me concentrate, ground me, and facilitate my entry into what I like to call the "writing zone." The influence this music has had on my ability to articulate my thoughts has been significant enough to merit mention.
Section 1.1: Embracing the Album Format
The crux of this discussion is my intention to reference albums specifically, rather than solely the artist or individual tracks. This choice is intentional. I have a profound appreciation for albums. It’s challenging for me to evaluate an artist based on just a couple of songs. I often struggle to enjoy isolated tracks without the broader context of the album. The concept of singles has always been difficult for me to embrace. Since their emergence, playlists have felt disjointed, as the rapid changes in musical context disrupt my listening experience. In contrast, albums, typically around 40 minutes long, offer a cohesive journey akin to a novel or short story, complete with a narrative arc.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Experience of Listening
Section 1.2: The Challenges of Modern Consumption
Today, the landscape is increasingly unwelcoming to the album format. Our society is marked by a relentless pace that leaves little time for reflection. Musicians are urged to bypass song intros, diving straight into catchy hooks, lest they lose the fleeting attention of listeners. In this climate, creators of concept albums are celebrated as visionaries. Ambient music has seized this moment: it’s a genre that allows for multitasking, adapting itself seamlessly to the listener's environment.
Chapter 2: The Resistance to Trends
We need not always bend to market demands, current trends, or popular tastes. For those of us who cherish the unconventional, artists who forge ahead regardless of convenience are lifelines. Those who persist in their craft despite limited audiences are nothing short of heroic. Albums serve as platforms for musicians to articulate their messages beyond mainstream expectations.
The first video, V.A. – In Defence Of Our Future - A Tribute To Discharge (2001), highlights the significance of albums in the music landscape, showcasing artists committed to their craft.
The second video, The Sicilian Defence (1979, released 2014) - The Alan Parsons Project #shorts, serves as a reminder of the storytelling power of albums and their enduring relevance.
Albums are more than just collections of songs; they are personal narratives, carefully crafted messages, and antidotes to the fast-paced world around us. I envision the resistance as a collective of like-minded individuals, secretly meeting in hidden spaces, fueled by the power of vintage record players spinning their beloved vinyl.
I cherish the album format now more than ever.
Today's mood of cautious hopefulness: 60%.
Written while listening to: "Mette Henriette" by Mette Henriette.
Thank you for your support on this journey! Your engagement means a lot as I continue to share my thoughts on this platform.