What makes something a concept album?

A concept album is a collection of songs written by a musician or group that is based around a central theme or concept. These themes can be compositional, lyrical, instrumental, or narrative.

Do artists still make albums?

Though the musical world has transformed over the past two decades, most artists still find success by making great albums; each one garnering slightly larger fan and media attention than the last. Albums reflect artistry and compositional creativity in more well-rounded ways than singles can.

Why are concept albums so important?

“When done well, a concept album will have a smooth transition between songs, and the order of the songs will always be perfect.” The main purpose of a concept album is to tell a story, not to sell.

Are albums sold anymore?

Well, let’s look at some numbers. According to Statista, RIAA has reported a steady decline in CD sales since 2000, from $943 million in sales at the turn of the century to just under $52 million in sales as of 2018.

What is the difference between a concept album and a rock opera?

A rock opera is a collection of rock music songs with lyrics that relate to a common story. Rock operas are typically released as concept albums and are not scripted for acting, which distinguishes them from operas, although several have been adapted as rock musicals.

Is Lady Stardust a man?

Lady Stardust is actually a boy, one who wears makeup, has long hair, and dresses in bright colors. He was destined to be considered a freak, until that moment happened when he jumped on the stage.

What is a concept album?

Concept albums are most often associated with prog rock and the 70s, since epic LPs really did flourish in that era. But prog rockers didn’t completely own the concept of concepts. As this list shows, funkateers, country artists and even punks got into the act, often with grand results.

Do prog rockers own the concept of concept music?

Funkateers, country stars and punks contributed to the best concept albums in music, proving that prog rockers didn’t entirely own the concept of concepts.

Did Frank Sinatra invent the concept album?

Sinatra is occasionally credited as the inventor of the concept album, beginning with The Voice of Frank Sinatra (1946), which led to similar work by Bing Crosby. According to biographer Will Friedwald, Sinatra “sequenced the songs so that the lyrics created a flow from track to track, affording an impression of a narrative,…

What was the first rock concept album?

“Popular consensus” for the first rock concept album, according to AllMusic, favours Sgt. Pepper. According to music critic Tim Riley, “Strictly speaking, the Mothers of Invention’s Freak Out! [1966] has claims as the first ‘concept album’, but Sgt. Pepper was the record that made that idea convincing to most ears.”.