Compare the Difference Between Similar Terms

Difference Between Mixtapes and Albums

Mixtapes vs Albums
 

Speaking about music always invokes different ideas and opinions. There are people who just talk about music, but there are others who create music. They create, produce, perform and write music. However, in order to showcase their talents, these artists need certain equipment and tools. That is where mixtapes and albums come in. 

What is a Mixtape?

A mixtape is the name given to a compilation of songs performed by an artist, recorded onto any audio format. It usually reflects the taste of the compiler and can widely vary in genre depending on what types of genre. A mixtape may be not limited to one artist but be composed of various tracks of various artists, as well. A mixtape usually includes songs that the compiler believes that other people would want to hear and would appreciate the most. Usually mixtapes are somewhat less professional and are seen to be serving purely entertainment purposes. For the singer, mixtapes are the compilation of the best songs he or she has ever recorded for the purpose of showcasing the very best of his or her talent.

What is an Album?

An album denotes a professional form of music recordings that in the beginning came in the vinyl or gramophone format but what later on came in a digital format. The content of the album depends basically on the choice of the producer or the recording company which the singer is collaborating or working with. Usually the genres are limited to one or two, with the songs revolving around a particular theme. Albums also come with decorative art work on the covers with notes and background information about the recordings as well as lyrics and images of the performers. Albums are sold in record stores with the aim of making a profit for the record companies or the performers. 

What is the difference between Mixtape and Album?

Both mixtape and album may contain songs, but both feature different styles of compiling. One may lean more towards pure entertainment and having fun while the other may connote a far serious side in music. It is good to understand where the words come from and what each means so that we could get to understand music well enough to appreciate it more.

A mixtape is created by a compiler or the artist him or herself while an album is created by a music producer or a recording company.

An album usually sticks to a theme and is usually comprised of the tracks of a single artist or a band. The content of a mixtape depends on the personal taste of the compiler and may be comprised of tracks or songs of different artists or bands.

An album is a more formal or professional way of presenting music. A mixtape is an informal means of presenting music with entertainment as its sole purpose.

 

In Brief:

1. Mixtapes and albums both consist of music sang by a singer to showcase and share his or her talent.

2. Both are made to entertain.

3. A mixtape is a compilation of songs chosen by the artist himself or herself while the company or producer has the last say on what songs goes into an album.

4. Mixtapes are perceived informal while albums are seen as formal, and prestigious.

5. Albums usually revolve around 1 genre and theme while the mixtapes can be composed of several genres and varying music theme.