Which type of album do you prefer?
 

Do you prefer when an artist (Artist 1) releases an album where they experiment with a variety of different genres (I don't mean like grindcore on one track and baroque pop on another, but still different) and do a good job with each one of those genres/sounds i.e., "the White Album", or do you prefer it when an artist (Artist 2) releases an album that's more "focused", in which they stick to pretty the same genre and/or sound, but do an amazing job with that specific genre/sound...?

Also, assuming that the album was their first and only release... who would you respect more; Artist 1, or Artist 2?

I have no preference, I just like albums that are good. Some great albums are extremely varied (bands like Mr. Bungle or Swans come to mind here) while others are more focused into a specific style. Either can be great if done well.

I have no problem with a band trying to experiment with different genres on an album, so long as they can do so well, and without losing the focus of the album. It is very difficult for a band to transcend genres and be successful at it, and I haven't seen it done well very often. For the most part, I think the majority of bands and/or artists should stick to making more focused efforts in album form, and save the trans-genre experimentation for an EP or web-release.

Artist 2, I've never been that keen on experimental music. But if both Artist 1 and Artist 2 make good music, then who cares? But the latter sounds more appealing than the former.

Hmmm, this is indeed incredibly difficult to ultimately say...

If I am specifically aiming to satisfy a particular mood/feeling at my time of listening, I would obviously much prefer the album created by artist 2 because of the consistency being offered.

But more often than not, I'm in a much more lax frame of mind, so I'll welcome any and all experimentation throughout an album, so long as it's done well from song to song with proper effort being awarded each time (artist 1).

.....

As for if the release was the band's only one, I wouldn't think of the situation any more or any less in either case...
A good album is a good album, afterall

I like both options equally.


Sorry for not being controversial.

I'm somewhere inbetween Janszoon & crash_override on this one. Per Artist 1, I think as long as the album flows well and transitions between genres effectively it'll be a good listen. Of course you do have groups like Mr. Bungle who sort of throw everything into the pot from the get-go. Just depends on if they're going for a linear listening experience I guess.

^ so you sometimes like when people vary styles on albums, and you sometimes like when they dont? Hmm... I don't know how many different ways we can all state that.
Honestly, am I the only one who thinks the discussion here is a little "given"?

Just wondering. No offense to anyone here.

No you're not alone. On a site like MusicBanter it definetly seems like a given, factoring that the majority of active users here seem to have agreed in past debates that genres have become increasingly meaningless.

i like abums that are of good lyrics just like Eminem. He is the true rapper.