Why One Song Can Ruin an Otherwise Perfect Album
Music enthusiasts often debate the perfect album - a collection of songs that become timeless classics together. However, in the rare instances when a single song disrupts the harmony of an otherwise perfect album, it can be a significant factor in deciding its overall quality. Here are some illustrative examples:
Dear Doctor from The Rolling Stones' Let It Bleed
Consider the beloved classic rock album Let It Bleed by The Rolling Stones. Despite the critical acclaim and the count of its outstanding tracks, one song stands out as a notable blemish: 'Dear Doctor.'
While 'Dear Doctor' is a well-executed song, it does not shine as brightly as its peers. Critics who often commend the album as a whole might fail to notice this off-note. However, personal opinions diverge. For some, such as myself, 'Let It Bleed' and Beggar's Banquet take the cake as The Rolling Stones' best works, with 'Dear Doctor' sticking out like a sore thumb. It's not that the song is entirely inferior but that its placement and style make it noticeably different from the other tracks.
Within Without You from Sgt Pepper
George Harrison's contribution on Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is a celebrated part of The Beatles history. However, the inclusion of 'Within Without You' on the second side of the album is questionable. While the song fits the eccentric vibe of the record, listeners often find themselves skipping past it. This inconsistency with the overall album can detract from the listener's enjoyment and the cohesiveness of the artistic vision.
Countdown on Signals by Rush
Rush, known for their technical precision and thematic coherence, often draw criticism for individual songs that stick out. The album Signals features a track called 'Countdown' that grates many a fan's teeth. The sound of actual shuttle launch recordings intertwined with the band's music creates a disjointed effect. Listening to the track before 'Countdown,' the contrast becomes stark, with 'Losing It' directly preceding it. This inconsistency diminishes the overall album experience, despite 'Signals' being highly regarded by many.
Run for Your Life from Rubber Soul
The final track on The Beatles' Rubber Soul, 'Run for Your Life,' is often cited as an outlier. This song's absence of the charming, insightful, and musically elegant essence of the rest of the LP makes it stand out negatively. Even John Lennon himself has expressed dislike for this song on occasion, which adds to the perception of it as a misfit on the album. The track's departure from the album's cohesive narrative and musical style further contributes to its perceived inappropriateness.
Conclusion
These examples highlight the importance of album coherence and the impact of individual tracks on the overall listening experience. While some tracks might be standout songs, their inconsistency with the rest of an otherwise impeccable album can significantly affect its perceived perfection. It serves as a reminder that even an album filled with masterpieces can have its moment of imperfection.
What do you think? Are there any songs in your favorite albums that you feel disrupt the cohesiveness? Share your thoughts in the comments below!