Editing Single (music)

{{Short description|Release with one to three tracks}}
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| caption1          = A 7-inch [[vinyl record]] single
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| caption2          = A [[CD single]] (12cm/"full-size")
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In [[Music industry|music]], a '''single''' is a type of [[Art release#Music|release]] of a song [[Sound recording|recording]] of fewer tracks than an [[album]] ([[LP record|LP]]),<ref name=":0" /> typically one or two tracks. A single can be released for [[record sales|sale]] to the public in a variety of physical or digital formats. Singles may be standalone tracks or connected to an artist's album, and in the latter case would often have at least one single release before the album itself, called [[lead single]]s.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Leight |first=Elias |date=2018-05-07 |title=Why Your Favorite Artist Is Releasing More Singles Than Ever |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/why-your-favorite-artist-is-releasing-more-singles-than-ever-629130/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

The single was defined in the mid-20th century with the ''45'' (named after its speed in [[revolutions per minute]]), a type of 7-inch sized [[vinyl records|vinyl record]] containing an [[A-side and B-side|A-side and a B-side]], i.e. one song on each side.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beatles Singles Discography |url=http://udel.edu/~mm/beatles/music/singles.html |access-date=29 March 2019 |publisher=University of Delaware |language=en-US}}</ref> The single format was highly influential in [[pop music]] and the early days of [[rock and roll]], and it was the format used for [[jukeboxes]] and preferred by younger populations in the 1950s and 1960s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Pollack |first=Andrew |date=1990-04-01 |title=Recording Enters a New Era, And You Can't Find It on LP |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1990/04/01/us/recording-enters-a-new-era-and-you-can-t-find-it-on-lp.html |access-date=2024-05-06 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Browne |first=David |date=2019-03-15 |title=How the 45 RPM Single Changed Music Forever |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/45-vinyl-singles-history-806441/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>

Singles in [[Digital distribution|digital]] form became very popular in the 2000s.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Covert |first=Adrian |date=2013-04-25 |title=A decade of iTunes singles killed the music industry |url=https://money.cnn.com/2013/04/25/technology/itunes-music-decline/index.html |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=CNNMoney}}</ref> Distinctions for what makes a ''single'' have become more tenuous since: the biggest [[digital music]] distributor, the [[iTunes Store]], only accepts as singles releases with three tracks or fewer that are less than ten minutes each (with longer releases being classified as ''[[EPs]]'' or ''albums'').<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=https://www.emubands.com/blog/single-and-ep-definitions-on-itunes/|title=Single and EP Definitions on iTunes |publisher =Emubands.com |date=22 April 2013|access-date=24 June 2016}}</ref> However, releases which do not fit these criteria have been promoted as singles by artists and labels elsewhere, such as on [[Spotify]] and the [[Bandcamp]] storefront.

Nowadays physically-released music is mainly bought in the form of full-length albums instead of singles.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2007-05-10 |title=The single returns from the dead, digitally |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna18596767 |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=NBC News |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-01-26 |title=Attempting To Explain The UK Official Chart Without Losing My Mind |url=https://pickybs.com/2022/01/26/attempting-to-explain-the-uk-official-chart-without-losing-my-mind/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |website=Picky Bastards |language=en}}</ref> The most common physical formats of singles had been the 7" (45) vinyl records and the [[CD single]], but singles have also been released on other formats such as [[Twelve-inch single|12" vinyl records]], 10" [[Shellac disc|shellac]] records, [[cassette single]], and [[CD single#Mini CD (CD3)|mini CD]].

==Early history==
The origins of the single are in the late 19th century, when music was distributed on [[phonograph cylinder]]s that held two to four minutes' worth of audio. They were superseded by disc [[phonograph record]]s, which initially also had a short duration of playing time per side. In the first two to three decades of the 20th century, almost all commercial music releases were, in effect, singles (the exceptions were usually for classical music pieces, where multiple physical storage media items were bundled together and sold as an album). Phonograph records were manufactured with a range of playback speeds (from 16 to 78&nbsp;[[rpm]]) and in several sizes (including {{convert|12|inch|cm|disp=or}}). By about 1910, however, the {{convert|adj=on|10|inch|cm}}, 78-rpm [[shellac]] disc had become the most commonly used format.

The inherent technical limitations of the [[gramophone disc]] defined the standard format for commercial recordings in the early 20th century. The relatively crude [[Disc cutting lathe|disc-cutting]] techniques of the time and the thickness of the needles used on [[record players]] limited the number of grooves per inch that could be inscribed on the disc surface and a high rotation speed was necessary to achieve acceptable recording and playback fidelity. 78&nbsp;rpm was chosen as the standard because of the introduction of the electrically powered [[synchronous motor|synchronous turntable motor]] in 1925, which ran at 3,600&nbsp;rpm with a 46:1 gear ratio, resulting in a rotation speed of 78.3&nbsp;rpm.

With these factors applied to the 10-inch format, songwriters and performers increasingly tailored their output to fit the new medium. The three-minute single remained the standard into the 1960s, when the availability of microgroove recording and improved mastering techniques enabled recording artists to increase the duration of their recorded songs. The breakthrough came in the U.K. with The Animals "The House of The Rising Sun" of 4 minutes 29 seconds (cut down to 2 minutes 59 seconds for the U.S.A. market) in 1964, followed by Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" in 1965: although [[Columbia Records]] tried to make the record more radio-friendly by cutting the performance into halves and separating them between the two sides of the [[phonograph record|disc]], both Dylan and his fans demanded that the full six-minute [[take]] be placed on one side and that radio stations play the song in its entirety.<ref>{{cite book|author-link = Greil Marcus|first = Greil|last = Marcus|date = 2005|title = Like a Rolling Stone|page = 145|isbn = 9781586482541 |publisher = PublicAffairs}}</ref> The next milestone, which cemented pop radio's tolerance for longer songs, was the Beatles [[Hey Jude]]; released August 1968 it clocked in at over seven minutes, pushing the limits of the 45 rpm single.

==Types of physical singles==
Singles have been issued in various formats, including {{convert|7|in|cm|0|adj=on}}, 10-inch and [[12-inch]] discs, usually playing at 45&nbsp;rpm; 10-inch shellac discs, playing at 78&nbsp;rpm; [[maxi single]]s; 7-inch plastic [[flexi disc]]s; [[cassette single|cassettes]]; {{convert|8|or|12|cm|in|abbr=on}} CD singles, and less commonly on  [[Digital Compact Cassette]] and many non-standard sizes of vinyl disc ({{convert|5|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=or}}, {{convert|8|in|cm|abbr=on|disp=or}}, etc.). Singles were also released on [[DVD single|DVD]] and [[Laserdisc]] [[video]] formats, which would additionally contain [[music videos]] to be watched on a display such as a [[television set]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nelson |first=Chris |date=2003-04-28 |title=MEDIA; Recalling 45's, Music Labels Push Market for DVD Singles |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2003/04/28/business/media-recalling-45-s-music-labels-push-market-for-dvd-singles.html |access-date=2024-05-03 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref>

==={{anchor|7-inch}}7-inch format===
[[File:140405 Wega-Dual-300-01.jpg|thumb|45 rpm EP on a turntable with a {{frac|1|1|2}}-inch hub, ready to be played]]

The most common form of the vinyl single is the ''45'' or ''7-inch''. The names are derived from its play speed, 45&nbsp;rpm, and the standard diameter, {{convert|7|in|cm|1}}. The 45&nbsp;rpm speed was chosen to allow a {{frac|5|1|2}} minute playing time from the 7-inch disc.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://aes2.org/publications/par/num/ |title=Pro Audio Reference |at=45&nbsp;rpm record |access-date=2024-08-08}}</ref>

The 7-inch 45&nbsp;rpm record was released March 31, 1949, by [[RCA Records|RCA Victor]] as a smaller, more durable and higher-[[fidelity]] replacement for the [[78&nbsp;rpm]] shellac discs.<ref name=ffrsing>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=H1tWAAAAIBAJ&pg=6991%2C6756292 |newspaper=Spokesman-Review |agency=(''Los Angeles Daily News'') |last=Britt |first=Bruce |title=The 45-rpm single will soon be history |date=10 August 1989 |page=C4}}</ref> The first 45&nbsp;rpm records were [[monaural]], with recordings on both sides of the disc. As stereo recordings became popular in the 1960s, almost all 45&nbsp;rpm records were produced in stereo by the early 1970s. [[Columbia Records]], which had released the {{frac|33|1|3}}&nbsp;rpm 12-inch [[vinyl LP]] in June 1948, also released {{frac|33|1|3}}&nbsp;rpm 7-inch vinyl singles in March 1949, but they were soon eclipsed by the RCA Victor 45. The first regular production 45&nbsp;rpm record pressed was "PeeWee the Piccolo": RCA Victor 47-0146 pressed December 7, 1948 at the Sherman Avenue plant in [[Indianapolis]]; R.O. Price, plant manager.<ref>Indiana State Museum ID no. 71.2010.098.0001</ref>

The claim made that 48-0001 by [[Eddy Arnold]] was the first 45 is evidently incorrect (even though 48-0000 has not turned up, 50-0000-Crudup, 51-0000-Meisel, and 52-0000 Goodman are out there) since all 45s were released simultaneously with the 45 player in March 1949. There was plenty of information leaked to the public about the new 45&nbsp;rpm system through front-page articles in ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' magazine on December 4, 1948, and again on January 8, 1949. RCA was trying to blunt the lead Columbia had established upon releasing their {{frac|33|1|3}}&nbsp; LP system in June 1948.<ref>Billboard</ref>
 
To compete with Columbia, RCA released albums as boxes of 45&nbsp;rpm seven-inch singles that could be played continuously like an LP on their record changer. RCA was also releasing 7-inch singles pressed in different colors for different genres, making it easy for customers to find their preferred music. The novelty of multicolored singles wore off soon: by 1952, all RCA singles were pressed in black vinyl.<ref>Spencer Drate ''45&nbsp;RPM: A Visual History of the Seven-Inch Record'', Princeton Architectural Press, 2002, p.9</ref> The lowest recording numbers found (so far) for each genre of RCA 45s are: 47-0146 yellow, 47-2715 black, 48-0001 green, 49-0100 deep red, 50-0000 cerise, 51-0000 light blue. 52-0000 deep blue. What became of 48-0000 is not known, perhaps a copyright or other legal problem.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}

The lightweight and inexpensive 45 rpm discs introduced by RCA were quickly popular and in the early 1950s all major US labels had begun manufacturing seven-inch singles.<ref>Spencer Drate ''45&nbsp;RPM: A Visual History of the Seven-Inch Record'', Princeton Architectural Press, 2002, p.10</ref> In the decades that followed, the seven-inch single was the format that many major artists made their recording debut on and some recordings were exclusively released as vinyl 45s only. According to the ''[[New York Times]]'', the popularity of the seven-inch single reached a peak in 1974 when 200 million were sold. In the 1980s its popularity began to decline as [[jukebox]]es became fewer, consumers tended to prefer to buy albums and formats such as [[Cassette tape|cassette]]s and [[CD]]s was overtaking vinyl 45s. Despite its major decline, vinyl seven-inch singles has continued to released in the 2000s by [[Indie (music)|indie]] labels such as [[Sub Pop]] and [[Third Man Records]].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/45-vinyl-singles-history-806441/ |title=How the 45 RPM Single Changed Music Forever |author=Browne, David |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |date=15 March 2019 }}</ref>

====Variations====
{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2024}}
In some regions (e.g. US), the default hole size fitted the original RCA {{convert|1.5|in|cm|adj=on}} hub which, due to a [[format war]], was incompatible with the {{convert|0.25|in|adj=on}} spindle of a Columbia-system 33 1/3 RPM 12-inch LP player. In other regions (e.g. UK, Australia), the default was a small hole compatible with a multi-speed 0.25-inch spindle player, but with a ''knock out'' that could be removed for usage on a larger hub player.[[File:45-knock-out.png|thumb|In some regions (e.g. UK), 7-inch 45&nbsp;rpm records were sold for a quarter-inch spindle with a knock out for playing on a {{frac|1|1|2}}-inch hub]]

One could play a large-hole record on a player with a quarter-inch spindle by inserting a single ''puck'' or by using a [[45 rpm adapter|spindle adapter]].

[[File:Single-Puck 1.jpg|thumb|A single ''puck'' can be inserted in a large-hole single (US) to play a 45 on a 1/4-inch spindle]]

==={{anchor|12-inch}}12-inch format===
[[File:12 Inch Single BBQ Band.jpg|thumb|A twelve-inch [[gramophone]] record]]
{{Main|Twelve-inch single{{!}}12-inch single}}

Although 7 inches remained the standard size for vinyl singles, [[12-inch single]]s were introduced for use by DJs in [[discotheque|discos]] in the 1970s. The longer playing time of these singles allowed the inclusion of extended dance mixes of tracks. In addition, the larger surface area of the 12-inch discs allowed for wider grooves (larger amplitude) and greater separation between grooves, the latter of which results in less cross-talk. Consequently, they are less susceptible to wear and scratches. The 12-inch single is still considered a standard format for [[dance music]], though its popularity has declined in recent years.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

==={{anchor|10-inch}}10-inch format===
Before the 7-inch single was introduced, 78&nbsp;rpm 10-inch shellac records with around three minutes of music on them were the standard format.<ref name="WRD-20140711">{{cite magazine |last=Allain |first=Rhett |title=Why Are Songs on the Radio About the Same Length? |url=https://www.wired.com/2014/07/why-are-songs-on-the-radio-about-the-same-length/|date=11 July 2014 |magazine=[[Wired (magazine)|Wired]] |access-date=11 July 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140711190729/http://www.wired.com/2014/07/why-are-songs-on-the-radio-about-the-same-length/ |archive-date=11 July 2014 }}</ref> Later, 10-inch vinyl singles have commonly been released as limited edition collectors items, which sometimes includes rare tracks or special artwork.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.freestyle-vinyl.com/blogs/news/size-matters-what-are-10-inch-vinyl-records-best-for |title=Size matters: What are 10-inch vinyl records best for |publisher=Freestyle Vinyl }}</ref>

===CD-singles===
{{Main|CD-single}}

===Cassette singles===
{{Main|Cassette single}}

==Digital era==
With the rise of digital downloading and audio streaming, individual tracks within an album became accessible separately. Despite this shift, the notion of a ''single'' from an album remains, pinpointing the more promoted or favored songs. The surge in music downloads escalated following the introduction of Apple's iTunes Store originally known as [[iTunes]] in January 2001, along with the emergence of portable music devices like the [[iPod]].

In September 1997, with the release of [[Duran Duran]]'s "[[Electric Barbarella]]" for paid downloads, [[Capitol Records]] became the first [[major label]] to sell a digital single from a well-known artist. Previously, [[Geffen Records]] also released [[Aerosmith]]'s "[[Get a Grip|Head First]]" digitally for free.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7964771/history-music-industry-first-ever-digital-single-20-years-later |date=September 13, 2017 |first1= Brett |last1=Atwood |title=The History of the Music Industry's First-Ever Digital Single For Sale, 20 Years After Its Release|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2 June 2018}}</ref> In 2004, the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) introduced digital single certification due to significant sales of digital formats, with [[Gwen Stefani]]'s "[[Hollaback Girl]]" becoming RIAA's first platinum digital single.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/riaa-adds-digital-streams-to-historic-gold-platinum-awards-2/|title=RIAA Adds Digital Streams To Historic Gold & Platinum Awards |date=6 May 2013|website=RIAA |access-date=2 June 2018}}</ref> In 2013, RIAA incorporated on-demand streams into the digital single certification.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/music/2013/05/09/gold-and-platinum-song-certifications/2146985/ |first1=Steve |last1=Jones |date=May 9, 2013 |title=Digital streams to count for Gold and Platinum songs|website=USA Today|access-date=2 June 2018}}</ref>

Single sales in the United Kingdom reached a low in January 2005, as the popularity of the compact disc was overtaken by the then-unofficial medium of the music download. Recognizing this, on 17 April 2005, [[Official UK Singles Chart]] added the download format to the existing format of physical CD singles. [[Gnarls Barkley]] was the first act to reach No.1 on this chart through downloads alone in April 2006, for their debut single "[[Crazy (Gnarls Barkley song)|Crazy]]", which was released physically the following week. On 1 January 2007, digital downloads (including unbundled album tracks<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=24419 |url-access=subscription |title=OCC test charts reveal likely effects of rule changes|work=[[Music Week]]|access-date=18 February 2010|date=11 December 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110918040619/http://www.musicweek.com/story.asp?sectioncode=1&storycode=24419|url-status=live|archive-date=18 September 2011}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rules For Chart Eligibility - Singles |date=August 2009|publisher=The Official Chart Company|url=http://c0903002.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/25-official-uk-singles-chart-rules-august-2009.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724105445/http://c0903002.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/25-official-uk-singles-chart-rules-august-2009.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref>) became eligible from the point of release, without the need for an accompanying physical.<ref name="OCCPack">{{Cite web|url=http://c0903002.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/20-information-pack-2009.pdf|publisher=The Official UK Charts Company |title=Information Pack |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724105630/http://c0903002.cdn.cloudfiles.rackspacecloud.com/20-information-pack-2009.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 July 2011}}</ref> Sales gradually improved in the following years, reaching a record high in 2008 that still proceeded to be overtaken in 2009, 2010 and 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bpi.co.uk/assets/files/music%20sales%20slip%20in%202011%20but%20digital%20grow%20strongly.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120116230945/http://www.bpi.co.uk/assets/files/music%20sales%20slip%20in%202011%20but%20digital%20grow%20strongly.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 January 2012|title=Music Sales Slip in 2011 But Digital Singles and Albums Grow Strongly |publisher=BPI |access-date=23 January 2020}}</ref>

In the late 2010s, artists began a trend of releasing multiple singles before eventually releasing a studio album. An unnamed A&R representative confirmed to ''[[Rolling Stone]]'' in 2018 that "an artist has to build a foundation to sustain" and added that "When artists have one big record and go run with that, it doesn't work because they never had a foundation to begin with." The same article cited examples such as [[Cardi B]], [[Camila Cabello]] and [[Jason Derulo]] releasing four or more singles prior to their album releases.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/why-your-favorite-artist-is-releasing-more-singles-than-ever-629130/ |first1=Elias |last1=Leight |title=Why Your Favorite Artist Is Releasing More Singles Than Ever|magazine=Rolling Stone|date=6 May 2018|access-date=28 September 2019}}</ref> [[Kanye West]] released singles weekly in 2010 with his [[GOOD Fridays]] series. He did this to support his upcoming release at the time, ''[[My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy]]'', and ended up releasing 15 tracks in the program.

CD singles and 7-inch records are now obscure and uncommon for new releases: as of the 2020s singles are predominantly digital, and physical releases are mainly full-length albums instead, on CD and 12-inch LPs.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Upadhye |first=Neeti |title=Neeti Upadhye joins the vinyl revival |url=https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/lifestyle/music/2015/01/30/vinyl-revival/22595895/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Democrat and Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Altman |first=Lauren |date=2021-09-08 |title=Everything You Should Know About Vinyl Record Sizes |url=https://thesoundofvinyl.us/blogs/vinyl-101/vinyl-record-sizes |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=The Sound of Vinyl |language=en}}</ref>

==Culture==
[[File:Gold record for Put a Little Love in Your Heart.JPG|thumb|"Put a Little Love in Your Heart" was a hit single for [[Jackie DeShannon]] in 1968. It was certified Gold in the US, selling over 1,000,000 copies.]]
The sales of singles are recorded in [[record chart]]s in most countries in a [[Top 40]] format. The charts are often published in magazines and numerous television shows and [[radio programming|radio]] programs count down the list. To be eligible for inclusion in charts, the single must meet the requirement set by the charting company that governs the playing time of the single.

In [[popular music]], the commercial and artistic importance of the single (as compared to the [[Extended play|EP]] or album) has varied over time, technological development, and according to the audience of particular artists and genres. Singles have generally been more important to artists who sell to the youngest purchasers of music (younger teenagers and [[pre-teens]]), who tend to have more limited financial resources.<ref name=ffrsing/>

Starting in the mid-1960s, albums became a greater focus and became more important as artists created albums of uniformly high-quality and coherent themes, a trend that reached its apex in the development of the [[concept album]]. Over the 1990s and the early 2000s, the single generally received less and less attention in the United States as albums, which on compact disc had virtually identical production and distribution costs but could be sold at a higher price, became most retailers' primary method of selling music. Singles continued to be produced in the UK and Australia and survived the transition from compact disc to digital download. The decline of the physical single in the US during this time has been cited as a major marketing mistake on the part of record companies, as it eliminated an inexpensive recording format for young fans to become accustomed to purchasing music. In its place was the predominance of the album, which alienated customers by the expense of purchasing a longer format for only one or two songs of interest. That in turn encouraged interest in [[file sharing]] software on the internet like [[Napster]] for single recordings, which began to undercut the music recording market.<ref>{{cite book|last=Knopper|first=Steve|title=Appetite for Self-Destruction: The Spectacular Crash of the Record Industry|year=2009|publisher=Simon and Schuster|pages=105–7}}</ref>

[[Dance music]], however, has followed a different commercial pattern and the single, especially the 12-inch vinyl single, remains a major method by which dance music is distributed.

Another development of the 2000s was the popularity of mobile phone [[ringtone]]s based on pop singles. In September 2007, [[Sony BMG]] announced that it would introduce a new type of CD single, called ''ringles'', for the 2007 holiday season. The format included three songs by an artist, plus a ringtone accessible from the user's computer. Sony announced plans to release 50 singles in October and November, and [[Universal Music Group]] expected to release somewhere between 10 and 20 titles.<ref>{{cite news|url = https://www.reuters.com/article/industryNews/idUSN0921673020070912|title = Music industry betting on 'ringle' format|first = Ed|last = Christman|date = 9 September 2007|access-date = 21 May 2008|work = [[Reuters]]}}</ref> In a reversal of this trend, a single has been released based on a ringtone itself: the [[Crazy Frog]] ringtone, which was a cult hit in Europe in 2004, was released as a [[mashup (music)|mashup]] with "[[Axel F]]" in June 2005 amid a massive publicity campaign and subsequently hit No. 1 on the UK chart.

The term ''single'' is sometimes regarded as a misnomer since one record usually contains two songs: the [[A-side and B-side]]. In 1982, CBS marketed one-sided singles at a lower price than two-sided singles.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JSQEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PT17|title=99 CENTS|publisher=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|date = 15 May 1982}}</ref>

===In South Korea===
{{Redirect|Single album|the NOFX album|Single Album}}

In [[South Korean music]], the terminology for ''albums'' and ''singles'' is unique and includes an additional term, the '''single album''' ({{ko-hhrm|hangul=싱글 음반|rr=singgeul eumban}}). In contemporary usage in English, the term ''album'' refers to an LP-length recording regardless of the medium. In contrast, under the country's copyright law, the Korean usage of "album" ({{ko-hhrm|hangul=음반|rr=eumban}}) denotes a musical recording of any length that is released specifically on physical media.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 15, 2017 |title=G-Dragon responds to controversy over external form of latest album |url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20170615008200315 |website=Yonhap News Agency}}</ref> A ''single album'' refers to a physical release (such as a CD, LP, or other media) that typically contains one to three unique tracks, while a ''single'' is only a song itself, typically a digital stream or download.<ref>{{Cite web |title="Everyone else uses 'Single' or 'Album' but K-pop uses 'Single Album{{'"}} K-netizens ask why the K-pop industry uses the term 'Single Album' |url=https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/08/everyone-else-uses-single-or-album-but-k-pop-uses-single-album-k-netizens-ask-why-the-k-pop-industry-uses-the-term-single-album |access-date=2023-08-24 |website=allkpop |language=en |date=August 22, 2023 |author1=Sophie-Ha |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230824031856/https://www.allkpop.com/article/2023/08/everyone-else-uses-single-or-album-but-k-pop-uses-single-album-k-netizens-ask-why-the-k-pop-industry-uses-the-term-single-album |archive-date= Aug 24, 2023 }}</ref> Although the terms ''single albums'' and ''singles'' are similar and sometimes may overlap, they are generally considered two distinct release types in South Korea. In Western contexts, a ''single album'' would otherwise be called a ''single'' or ''extended play'', depending on the length.

As a distinct release type, the single album developed during the CD era in the 1990s. Single albums were marketed as a more affordable alternative to a full-length CD album.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jun|first=Yes Yeong|url=https://news.joins.com/article/3175234|title=Gangsuji sing-geul-eumban chulsi-dan dugog sulog gagyeog-eun bissanpyeon|script-title=ko:강수지 싱글음반 출시-단 두곡 수록 가격은 비싼편|trans-title=Kang Sooji Single Album Release|website=[[JoongAng Ilbo]]|date=7 December 1995|access-date=17 January 2019|language=ko |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190119174345/https://news.joins.com/article/3175234 |archive-date= Jan 19, 2019 }}</ref> The [[Circle Album Chart]] tracks sales of all albums released as physical media (described as ''offline'' media), therefore, single albums compete alongside full-length studio albums (LPs) and mini-albums (EPs) on the chart, even if they only contain one song. The [[Circle Digital Chart]], which tracks downloads and streams of sole tracks, is regarded as the official singles chart.

To give an example of the differences between full-length albums, single albums, and singles, the K-pop girl group [[Wonder Girls]] released the single album ''[[The Wonder Begins]]'', which consists of the single "Irony" alongside two other unique tracks and a remix. "Irony" was later included on their debut studio album ''[[The Wonder Years (Wonder Girls album)|The Wonder Years]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title= Wonder Girls First Single - The Wonder Begins CD  |url=https://www.yesasia.com/global/wonder-girls-first-single-the-wonder-begins/1004648492-0-0-0-en/info.html |access-date=2023-08-23 |website=YESASIA }}</ref>

A single album is distinct from a single even if it includes only one song. The single "[[Gotta Go (Chungha song)|Gotta Go]]" by [[Chungha]] was released on a single album titled ''XII'', which was a one-track CD. Even though "Gotta Go" was the only song on ''XII'', the two releases charted separately: ''XII'' reached No.{{nbsp}}4 on the Gaon Album Chart, and "Gotta Go" reached No.{{nbsp}}2 on the Circle Digital Chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=02&hitYear=2019&termGbn=week|title=2019년 02주차 Digital Chart|date=January 6–12, 2019|website=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|access-date=January 17, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190117122243/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=02&hitYear=2019&termGbn=week |archive-date= January 17, 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=01&hitYear=2019&termGbn=week|title=2019년 01주차 Album Chart|date=December 30, 2018 – January 5, 2019|website=Gaon Music Chart|language=ko|access-date=January 10, 2019 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110051623/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=01&hitYear=2019&termGbn=week |archive-date=January 10, 2019 }}</ref> Even when a single album and single share the same name, they still chart separately, as was the case with the Wonder Girls single album and single "[[Why So Lonely]]": the single album peaked at No. 3 on the Gaon Album Chart, while the single peaked at No. 1 on the Gaon Digital Chart.<ref name="gaon digital 2016-18">{{Cite web | title = 2016년 28주차 Digital Chart | date = July 14, 2016 | accessdate = July 14, 2016 | url = http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=28&hitYear=2016&termGbn=week | publisher = Gaon Music Chart | language = ko |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719020401/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/online.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=ALL&targetTime=28&hitYear=2016&termGbn=week|url-status=dead |archivedate=July 19, 2016}}</ref><ref name="gaon album 2016-18">{{Cite web | title = 2016년 28주차 Album Chart | date = July 14, 2016 | accessdate = July 14, 2016 | url = http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=28&hitYear=2016&termGbn=week | publisher = Gaon Music Chart | language = ko |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160719020453/http://gaonchart.co.kr/main/section/chart/album.gaon?nationGbn=T&serviceGbn=&targetTime=28&hitYear=2016&termGbn=week|url-status=dead |archivedate=July 19, 2016}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[Gramophone record]]
* [[Lead single]]
* [[List of best-selling singles]]
* [[Promotional recording]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite web|title=DVD Singles Can Be Chart Success|website=DVD Intelligence|date=17 August 2001|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78397916.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911040014/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-78397916.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 September 2016|access-date=10 June 2016}} {{subscription required}}
* {{cite magazine|title=Tool Plots 'Vicarious' DVD Single|magazine=Billboard|date=10 May 2006|url=http://www.billboard.com/articles/news/58489/tool-plots-vicarious-dvd-single|ref={{sfnref|Billboard|2006}}|access-date=10 June 2016}}
* {{cite news|title=Web fans boost Marillion single|work=BBC News|date=16 April 2004|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/3632743.stm|ref={{sfnref|BBC NEWS|2004}}|access-date=10 June 2016 }}
* Carson, B. H.; Burt, A. D.; Reiskind, H. I., "A Record Changer and Record of Complementary Design", ''RCA Review'', June 1949
* {{cite web|last=Wolf|first=Jessica|title=RIAA lauds DVD singles|date=25 May 2003|url=https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-102681159.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910045001/https://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-102681159.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 September 2016|access-date=10 June 2016}} {{subscription required}}

{{Music industry}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Single}}
[[Category:Singles (music)| ]]
[[Category:Audio storage]]