album
noun (countable)
UK/ˈæl.bəm/US/ˈæl.bəm/
a collection of recorded music tracks released as a single package, traditionally on vinyl, CD, or digitally; can also refer to a book for storing photographs, stamps, or other items
Example Sentences
She bought her favorite band’s latest album as soon as it was released.
My grandfather keeps all of his old photographs in a thick album on the living room shelf.
They plan to launch a new album every year to maintain public interest in their music.
He inherited a stamp album that had been passed down in his family for generations.
A digital album often features bonus tracks and remastered songs, catering to avid collectors and casual listeners alike.
Their first album was a commercial success, propelling the group onto international stages and earning them numerous award nominations.
After traveling for six months across multiple continents, she created a stunning photo album that captured both the grand landscapes and the small, meaningful moments of her journey.
Record labels spend a considerable amount of time determining the track order for an album, believing that the sequence of songs can heighten listener engagement and shape the overall thematic experience.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A compilation, often of music or photos, gathered for cohesive display.Use “album” to describe a themed or organized collection of works—commonly music tracks or photographs. In music, it refers to a set of recorded songs released together, whether on vinyl, CD, or digital platforms, often encompassing a particular style or narrative. Bands or artists craft albums to present a cohesive listening experience, sometimes revolving around a storyline or central theme. In photography, an album might be a physical book or a digital gallery for displaying favorite shots, chronicling events like weddings, birthdays, or travels. The term can also extend to stamp or sticker albums—where collectors neatly arrange items to showcase and preserve them. When you refer to an “album,” you highlight both the act of curation and the desire to deliver a unified presentation, whether for artistic, sentimental, or organizational purposes. In modern usage, an album might be purely digital, stored in online repositories or streaming platforms, but the concept remains the same: a purposeful group of creative or collected pieces arranged in a single location for viewing, listening, or archiving.
Alternatives
When discussing a compilation of art, images, or music, you might consider terms like “collection,” “portfolio,” “catalog,” or “record.” “Collection” is broad, implying a selection of related works or items grouped for a specific purpose—like a “photo collection” or “music collection.” “Portfolio” emphasizes a curated body of work representing an individual’s creativity, typically associated with designers, photographers, or artists. “Catalog” suggests a systematically organized listing, often used by libraries or merchants, but it can also apply to band discographies or art exhibits. “Record” can work in musical contexts, though it sometimes refers specifically to a vinyl record rather than the collection as a whole. Each synonym captures a sense of gathering or showcasing items, but an “album” conveys a structured format where the pieces belong together as a single entity—especially relevant in music or photo contexts. Meanwhile, “EP” or “playlist” may narrow the scope within music. Choosing the right term depends on whether you’re highlighting the format (album vs. EP), the extent of the works (collection vs. single pieces), or the display method (portfolio vs. catalog). These nuances help pinpoint the exact nature of the compiled items while conveying the sense of intentional organization that “album” denotes.
Writing
When writing about an “album,” specify its medium or theme for clarity. If discussing music, note the artist, release date, genre, or overarching narrative: “Their debut album fused folk and electronic influences, exploring themes of personal growth.” This approach contextualizes the compilation, helping readers see why it’s relevant or noteworthy. In photo-centric texts—perhaps detailing a photo essay or creative project—mention the event or topic, like “Her travel album documents rural life in over twenty countries.” Describing the selection criteria for the included pieces (e.g., chronological order, thematic grouping) adds depth, letting your audience appreciate how the curation itself enhances the overall experience. If you want to critique an album, highlight its flow: does each track or picture naturally segue into the next, forming a coherent story? Explore the emotional arc conveyed by song progression or the photographic narrative. You can compare it to other notable albums for context—“This sophomore album built on the lyrical introspection of the band’s first effort but introduced new sonic textures.” For historical or cultural significance, you might examine how the album reflects societal changes or influences future styles, demonstrating that an album can be a cultural artifact. By balancing concrete details—title, genre, artistic choices—and personal or critical insight, your writing about an album becomes both informative and engaging. You show readers the layers behind simply calling it a “compilation,” revealing the deeper intentionality embedded in its creation.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “album” often refers to a favorite music release or a photo collection on social media. You might say, “Check out my holiday album on Facebook,” pointing friends to snapshots of your trip, or “I can’t stop listening to their new album,” highlighting your excitement about the latest tracks. If someone’s planning a wedding, they could mention putting together a photo album afterward, preserving memories for future viewings. Chatting about music with friends might include rating how cohesive or experimental an artist’s album sounds, or comparing your go-to album for workouts versus relaxing evenings. In simpler or more playful contexts, “album” can also pop up for smaller collections, like a sticker album that kids exchange and trade from, underscoring the communal fun of showing off or exchanging items. When used casually, “album” implies a set of something intentionally brought together—usually meaningful pictures or cohesive songs—but it doesn’t have to be formal or fancy. Even the phone’s camera roll might be organized into “albums,” revealing how everyday life gets compartmentalized, saved, and shared in neat digital folders. As a flexible word, “album” fits relaxed chats about personal hobbies, social media uploads, or the latest release from your favorite band—always with the notion that there’s a curated grouping of items behind it.
Etymology
“Album” originates from the Latin word “album,” meaning “white,” initially referring to a blank tablet or board on which public announcements and edicts were written in ancient Rome. These public notices—often painted or inscribed in a conspicuous place—represented essential communal information. Over time, the concept broadened from these ‘white boards’ to any blank book or collection used for annotations or records. During the Renaissance and beyond, people kept “albums amicorum” (friendship albums) as small books containing written notes, sketches, or signatures from acquaintances. The term further evolved in modern times, most notably to describe bound books that store photographs or musical releases collected for distribution. This shift from a literal blank slate for announcements to a curated repository of artistic works underscores how “album” has long been associated with gathering and showcasing content—once official notices, now personal or creative pieces. Today, whether it’s a vinyl record, a digital release on streaming services, or a scrapbook, “album” carries forward the idea of a unified set of items intentionally brought together for display or listening.
