Just kidding, but now that I have your attention, here goes. I'm curious as to why CDs are still called albums. I was reading Billboard online, and they still call them albums.

It doesn't make sense to me. Does anyone know why?

Some definitions:

a) A phonograph record, especially a long-playing record stored in a slipcase.
b) A set of musical recordings stored together in jackets under one binding.
c)The bound set of jackets for such a set.
d) A recording of different musical pieces.


OR:

The noun album has 2 meanings:

Meaning #1: one or more recordings issued together; originally released on 12-inch phonograph records (usually with attractive record covers) and later on cassette audio tape and compact disc
Synonym: record album

It just seems to me that there should be consistency on which term to use. Amazon and Target refer to them as CDs, while Rolling Stone uses the term album. I see them called both albums and CDs equally, in stores and reviews. Personally, I find the term album to be antiquated.

Regardless of the official definition, when I think of album, I think of vinyl.

Regardless of the official definition, when I think of album, I think of vinyl.
Granted, but you can also have a photo album. I guess I just always think of an album as a collection of things. :)
I usually find myself using either CD or album in conversation. But, I think generally I just refer to the artist.
Example: "Hey, have you checked out the new Prince?"

I guess it's an age thing, relating album to vinyl, lol. I hear album, and I'm thinking along the lines of Frampton Comes Alive or Saturday Night Fever. I use the term cd, as does just about everyone I know. On this board, cd seems to be the term of choice as well. There's a thread, 'The last cd you purchased'.

I hear album, and I'm thinking along the lines of Frampton Comes Alive or Saturday Night Fever.
Janice, those are 2 classics!! Albums or CD's. :lol:

Just kidding, but now that I have your attention, here goes. I'm curious as to why CDs are still called albums. I was reading Billboard online, and they still call them albums.

It doesn't make sense to me. Does anyone know why?

Good question!! Because I still catch myself calling them albums, when I mean CDs.

I don't have an answer to your question, but maybe it's just still out of habit, even if CD's have been out for over 20 years now.

I was watching something on CMT the other day and the singer who was interviewed(I can't remember who it was) still referred to his recordings as RECORDS!:crazy: :lol: