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Why do singers sometimes choose not to release a song as a single?

What is the downside to releasing it as a single?

by Anonymousreply 7July 21, 2021 2:22 PM

In the old days singers didn't often get to choose records labels did.

For instance Olivia Newton-John found both "Make a Move On Me," and "Physical" to be to suggestive and was certain "Landslide" should be the first singe and would be a huge hit. She was horribly wrong.

In the mid 80s it became common to have more than three songs be released from an LP and be hits. Indeed, Culture Club was the first act since the Beatles to have three top ten hits from a debut album.

Now singles don't matter since you can preview and download any song.

by Anonymousreply 1July 18, 2021 9:51 PM

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing what songs will be released as singles. Sometimes, it just doesn't work out. But during the promotion of the album, some of the non-releases are sometimes performed.

by Anonymousreply 2July 18, 2021 9:51 PM

I've Never Been To Me, was released as a single and bombed. Later a DJ in Florida found a copy of the record and started playing it and it got a lot of requests. The original single did NOT have the talking bridge.

by Anonymousreply 3July 21, 2021 2:06 PM

Madonna has a history of not releasing sure hit, like: "Where's The Party," "Don't Stop" and "Into The Groove." She originally wanted to put "Vogue" as a B-side.

by Anonymousreply 4July 21, 2021 2:07 PM

Singles are so 40 years ago.

by Anonymousreply 5July 21, 2021 2:08 PM

Back when singles were a thing:

1. The artist, particularly if they were new, had little control over which songs were released as singles; it was decided by the TPTB at the record company.

2. Traditionally, it was usual practice to release up-tempo songs as the first single, then follow with a ballad.

3. Two or three singles from an album was considered standard; it wasn't until the mid-80s, with the successes of Michael Jackson, Madonna, Whitney Houston, etc., that 4 or more singles were released from an album.

4. Three to four minutes was considered the standard for singles; if the album cut was longer, it was usually edited down (Chicago's "Will You Still Love Me?" is 5:44 on the album; the single was cut down to 4:14); on rare occasions -- such as George Michael and the 5:46 "One More Try" -- did the artist insist that the full version be released as the single.

by Anonymousreply 6July 21, 2021 2:21 PM

In the past, record labels chose single releases based on what kind of song, or songs, worked in the past. It was rare back then for artists having any control over that. Those singles got a special push, like a promo video and remixes for dance clubs. Radio play(ability) was a considering factor as well.

by Anonymousreply 7July 21, 2021 2:22 PM
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