In general, there is no doubt that an album is (primarily) meant to be listened to in its entirety. In this spirit, it has to be reasonably cohesive but, at the same time, it needs also to surprise the listener in an interesting way, without being labeled as disjointed.
It should be noted also that many times specific songs on albums are meant to serve other purposes (artistic intent, for example). In my opinion, this is perfectly normal & understandable on condition that it does not ruin the overall, natural flow of the album.
I think that when it comes to MJ’s studio albums, cohesion was a matter of high priority. Certain, really good songs were not included on his studio albums just because they did not relate to the final tracklisting, not only musically but also thematically. This has been documented well over the years (also) by his personnel (for example, producers).
At this point, I will add my very first, initial thoughts in regard to that matter:
‘Off The Wall’:
I think that the uplifting disco/pop elements of this album along with a really nice (for the most part) vocal performance make this album flow really well. MJ seemed to have had a good time during those recording sessions & even the (lyrically) sad songs give way to the predominant, positive & disco felling of this record. As a result, the pace of this album is really fast & enjoyable.
‘Thriller’:
The quality of the production (of the songs that were included on this album) leaves the listener almost breathless &, it goes without saying that it acts favorably when it comes to its flow. For example, this album starts perfectly & even the very long duration of the first track goes almost unnoticed. But, I think even the impeccable ‘Thriller’ has its issues. For example, an issue exists in regard to the next two songs (that is, ‘Baby Be Mine’ & ‘The Girl Is Mine’ not only melodically but also in terms of their titles (in my opinion, the word ‘mine’ looks & sounds a bit repetitive).
‘Bad’:
I find it hard to believe that there are fans who may find negative issues regarding the flow & cohesion of this album. The adage ‘less is more’ applies here the most. Personally, I like the idea that two socially oriented songs are placed in a consecutive order. I like also the diversity regarding the various personalities of the female characters (sex objects, romantic affairs, etc.), something, in my opinion that effectively keeps the listener literally glued to this album (when it is being played from start to finish).
‘Dangerous’:
Many fans express their disagreement over the imbalance of this album. They claim that the first, ‘new jack swing’ half of this album is totally disconnected & unrelated to the second one. In my opinion, not only is this not a problem, but also this adds to the overall cohesion of this album. For example, after the energetic, first half of the album it is time for the listener to delve into more serious (& darker) themes & to ponder over other aspects of life. On the other hand, it would have been a total, artistic mess if the ‘new jack swing’ tracks were scattered all over the record (leading also to a disoriented sound result).
‘HIStory’ (second disc):
For the most part, this album is highly cohesive, for obvious reasons. I think the listener gets a musical confession & this makes him (more) concentrated, in a similar way when he reads an interesting book. The (condensed) lyrics get some very serious messages across & I doubt if the listener has even a chance to unwind while the album is being played without interruption from start to finish.
‘Invincible’:
Many fans express their disapproval over the long duration of this album. In my opinion, this has to do mostly with the fact that fans have been fully conversant (thematically) with certain songs long before. For example, I think there was no reason for the (lyrically predictable) ‘Cry’ to be included on that album, considering that, at the same time, another socially aimed track is included on that record (‘The Lost Children’. Lastly, even fans had probably started to become rather uninterested in MJ’s personal issues (‘Privacy’, ‘Unbreakable’, for example), let alone the general public.
It should be noted also that many times specific songs on albums are meant to serve other purposes (artistic intent, for example). In my opinion, this is perfectly normal & understandable on condition that it does not ruin the overall, natural flow of the album.
I think that when it comes to MJ’s studio albums, cohesion was a matter of high priority. Certain, really good songs were not included on his studio albums just because they did not relate to the final tracklisting, not only musically but also thematically. This has been documented well over the years (also) by his personnel (for example, producers).
At this point, I will add my very first, initial thoughts in regard to that matter:
‘Off The Wall’:
I think that the uplifting disco/pop elements of this album along with a really nice (for the most part) vocal performance make this album flow really well. MJ seemed to have had a good time during those recording sessions & even the (lyrically) sad songs give way to the predominant, positive & disco felling of this record. As a result, the pace of this album is really fast & enjoyable.
‘Thriller’:
The quality of the production (of the songs that were included on this album) leaves the listener almost breathless &, it goes without saying that it acts favorably when it comes to its flow. For example, this album starts perfectly & even the very long duration of the first track goes almost unnoticed. But, I think even the impeccable ‘Thriller’ has its issues. For example, an issue exists in regard to the next two songs (that is, ‘Baby Be Mine’ & ‘The Girl Is Mine’ not only melodically but also in terms of their titles (in my opinion, the word ‘mine’ looks & sounds a bit repetitive).
‘Bad’:
I find it hard to believe that there are fans who may find negative issues regarding the flow & cohesion of this album. The adage ‘less is more’ applies here the most. Personally, I like the idea that two socially oriented songs are placed in a consecutive order. I like also the diversity regarding the various personalities of the female characters (sex objects, romantic affairs, etc.), something, in my opinion that effectively keeps the listener literally glued to this album (when it is being played from start to finish).
‘Dangerous’:
Many fans express their disagreement over the imbalance of this album. They claim that the first, ‘new jack swing’ half of this album is totally disconnected & unrelated to the second one. In my opinion, not only is this not a problem, but also this adds to the overall cohesion of this album. For example, after the energetic, first half of the album it is time for the listener to delve into more serious (& darker) themes & to ponder over other aspects of life. On the other hand, it would have been a total, artistic mess if the ‘new jack swing’ tracks were scattered all over the record (leading also to a disoriented sound result).
‘HIStory’ (second disc):
For the most part, this album is highly cohesive, for obvious reasons. I think the listener gets a musical confession & this makes him (more) concentrated, in a similar way when he reads an interesting book. The (condensed) lyrics get some very serious messages across & I doubt if the listener has even a chance to unwind while the album is being played without interruption from start to finish.
‘Invincible’:
Many fans express their disapproval over the long duration of this album. In my opinion, this has to do mostly with the fact that fans have been fully conversant (thematically) with certain songs long before. For example, I think there was no reason for the (lyrically predictable) ‘Cry’ to be included on that album, considering that, at the same time, another socially aimed track is included on that record (‘The Lost Children’. Lastly, even fans had probably started to become rather uninterested in MJ’s personal issues (‘Privacy’, ‘Unbreakable’, for example), let alone the general public.