The album must have ONE producer, unless two producers worked as a team. For example: LA and Babyface; Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis; André 3000 and Big Boi. Do not choose a record that was self-produced. The goal is to analyze the production work of someone who was not the artist or performer.
Before you begin: Find a reliable source for the credits! Points will be deducted if you get this wrong. You should research multiple databases: Jaxsta, AllMusic, Discogs, TIDAL. The producer’s website can also be a reliable source.
Listen to the album in the sequence intended by the artist and producer. Consider the producer’s vision for this album and note:
How the songs flow into each other.
How the keys of adjacent songs seem to fit, or not fit, each other.
How the tempos are sequenced (e.g., fast–moderate–slow–moderate–fast, etc.)
If the rhythms are similar across the album or if it showcases a variety of styles.
If the sound design is consistent throughout or if the record makers used a variety of sounds.
If the lyrics convey a single attitude or mood, or if it expresses a wider range of opinions or emotions.
How this album may help or hurt the artist’s career. In other words, is it a good album or a bad album? You may offer your own opinion but should also look up what the critics had to say about this record.
Write a final report on this album and the aesthetic choices made by the producer to tie all of these songs together. The bullet points are offered to guide your thinking. You can and should say more about the album than what they address.
