Some album titles take their name from one of the songs on that album.
Looking at a sample set of these so-called title tracks, are they representative of the rest of the album?
Should they be the album’s title, or do they not reflect the style of the other songs on that album?
“More Adventurous” by Rilo Kiley:
The Verdict: “More Adventurous” is a fitting title track since its acoustic guitars, harmonica, melancholia, and religious allusions represent the rest of the album well. However, “Ripchord” is the only other song on the album without drums. “More Adventurous” also alludes to Rilo Kiley’s slight shift of musical styles from prior albums (moving closer to the realm of country/folk).
“On My Way” by Ben Kweller:
The Verdict: “On My Way” is a bit slower and less energetic than the rest of the album. It does, however, bring up the theme of change, which is also seen in the rest of the album.
“This Time Around” by Hanson:
The Verdict: “This Time Around” is the perfect title for this album since it declaratively distinguishes itself from 1997′s Middle of Nowhere. The piano-driven, strong choruses of the song represent the rest of the album well, especially songs like “Runaway Run,” “If Only,” and “A Song To Sing.”
“Raise the Dead” by Phantom Planet:
The Verdict: Very apt title. “Raise the Dead” summarizes the album’s theme: cults and the occult. Songs like “Leader” and “Demon Daughters” fit with “Raise the Dead” like pieces of a musical puzzle.
