Why are ballads usually the 3rd track on records?

[Hardbopjazz]

Since I started listening to my collection from a-z, I noticed that almost ever CD so far the 3rd track is usually the ballad. Is this a formula or mere coincidence?

Edited May 26, 2004 by Hardbopjazz

[Dan Gould]

I haven't noticed it so far in my A-to-Z listening. But I do notice, especially in the Young Lion era, a tendency to program catchy, soulful type tunes last.

[John Tapscott]

I don't think it's coincidence, but a deliberate programming decision. It's much like one might call tunes on a live set, in order to give variety and balance to the program. I also read somewhere that you should start your recording with one of the strongest, brightest tunes, since that's the one DJ's are most likely to play (the thought being that they're too time challenged or just can't be bothered to listen to the whole recording).

[Philip]

Humphrey Lyttelton, on his BBC show, once asserted that he had once been advised to place the slower tunes in the middle of the program to allow the music to breath.

[7/4]

or a chance for the dancers to rest.

[couw]

or a chance for the dancers to rest.

you DAHnce to them rekkids! Gasp!

[7/4]

or a chance for the dancers to rest.

you DAHnce to them rekkids! Gasp!

Yeah, the horizontal bop.

[couw]

[mikeweil]

Ah, those commercial considerations .....

that's why I love albums that start with medium or even slow numbers. Same with live gigs. Play a heavy number to catch the audience and make them shut up.

[mgraham333]

Watch the end of "High Fidelity", staring John Cusack. He goes into a little 'bit' about making a mix tape. Something along the lines of:

1) Come out swinging

2) Crank it up a notch

3) Bring it back down

Great movie BTW.

[7/4]

Watch the end of "High Fidelity", staring John Cusack. He goes into a little 'bit' about making a mix tape. Something along the lines of:

1) Come out swinging

2) Crank it up a notch

3) Bring it back down

Great movie BTW.

Classic.