What makes an album a must

[MikeMusic]

Trying to work it out....

Got hold of Baptist Generals - Jackleg Devotion last week
As soon as I put it on I knew it was a very good album, samples had hinted
Where you stop what you are doing, I was at work, and think "oh yes !"

but

The singing is, shall we say, different, some would not like it at all
The instrument playing is not top notch, perhaps off key in places

So what is it that makes it so good, certainly for me ?
The chords progressions, the dynamics, a.n.other ?

I remember the same feeling when I put on Jeff Beck - You had it coming.
The same "this is something special"

Now you put this on a good system and the SQ is good

Upgrade the system and you have even more good

So what is it that makes an album, or a track so special ?
I'd really like to know what my head is doing

[John]

Its your head Mike.
I think this is such a subjective area as music is personal what makes a good album for me is not going to make a good album for someone else.
For me its about preferences and something either touches me, engages me or energise me I also like to be able to enjoy the whole album and also like music that takes me on a journey

[Rare Bird]

Mellotron, Flutes, Brass instrument all under one roof if possible..

[MikeMusic]

Its your head Mike.
I think this is such a subjective area as music is personal what makes a good album for me is not going to make a good album for someone else.
For me its about preferences and something either touches me, engages me or energise me I also like to be able to enjoy the whole album and also like music that takes me on a journey

Agreed.
But there are some commn factors that affect lots of people - and likely turn others off !
I'm still going to keep trying to work out what works and what doesn't

[synsei]

I know where you are coming from Mike however it is a total bugger to define. The strongest incidence of this that I have experienced is when I picked up a particular album back in the early 80's from Andy's Records in Northampton. I visited the shop with a short list of other albums but the one in question sort of 'spoke to me' as I came across it in the racks. There was something about the simple but gorgeous design of the black and white outer sleeve which appealed. Incidentally, I didn't even look at the details on the cover so was totally unaware of what I had bought musically. I got it home, put it on my TT and from the first few bars of music I knew I had bought a stunner. This was very, very different and exciting. Lots of moody synthesizers, including one which behaved like a guitar. Now, that was a first for me and I liked the sound a lot. On to side two and more quality material flowed from my speakers, until....wait I minute? I've heard that intro before on the radio... What I had bought, without being party to any hype at all, was Ultravox's seminal release, Vienna. I still own that copy of the album and even today it can send shivers down my spine...

[The Black Adder]

I guess it's how it all gels together, then it needs to say something to you about either yourself or your life so far or/and needs to hit something inside that makes it resonate with an emotion or a past memory, situation, a great experience or even an altercation.

[MikeMusic]

I know where you are coming from Mike however it is a total bugger to define. The strongest incidence of this that I have experienced is when I picked up a particular album back in the early 80's from Andy's Records in Northampton. I visited the shop with a short list of other albums but the one in question sort of 'spoke to me' as I came across it in the racks. There was something about the simple but gorgeous design of the black and white outer sleeve which appealed. Incidentally, I didn't even look at the details on the cover so was totally unaware of what I had bought musically. I got it home, put it on my TT and from the first few bars of music I knew I had bought a stunner. This was very, very different and exciting. Lots of moody synthesizers, including one which behaved like a guitar. Now, that was a first for me and I liked the sound a lot. On to side two and more quality material flowed from my speakers, until....wait I minute? I've heard that intro before on the radio... What I had bought, without being party to any hype at all, was Ultravox's seminal release, Vienna. I still own that copy of the album and even today it can send shivers down my spine...

I have bought so many CDs in the past few years, from 0 in 2005, that the special ones stand out.
To complicate things further there are also some growers that grab you after x amount of plays
I am aware of Ultravox, probably heard Vienna. Will give it a go tomorrow (can't sample at home)

[MikeMusic]

I guess it's how it all gels together, then it needs to say something to you about either yourself or your life so far or/and needs to hit something inside that makes it resonate with an emotion or a past memory, situation, a great experience or even an altercation.

Quite.
Also includes listening history too I'm sure
Nicely complicated
Now where is that Howard Goodall bloke to explain it