Why don't all the songs on a CD end up on the radio?

Question

Somtimes there are really good songs on CD's that never make it onto the radio. Why not?

Answer 1

The simple answer is because there's not enough time.

Think about it from the radio point of view. They have only so many minutes per day. Some go to music, some go to other things. So the stations will play whichever cut from an album they feel will become familiar quickly (or has already become familiar through airplay at smaller stations or internet or non-commercial radio play). This is so you don't tune away when you hear an unfamiliar song. Most people only listen for short bursts, so, in order to keep you as long as possible, the station must present you with a familiar song when you buzz-in.

The stations are free to play whichever cuts they like...

... but, as has been said, the label makes it clear which song they feel will make the best single. And they don't like it when you don't agree with them. The label wants consensus. They want all the stations playing the same song to establish the artist/CD. They spend lots of money promoting the single to radio through trade publications and promo reps calling on music directors.

Once the song is established They're hoping  you'll want to hear the rest and will go buy or download it (legally I hope).

Good question - a star for you!

- a guy named duh

Answer 2

They only play the singles on the radio the singles are the songs that are made into music videos

Answer 3

because most radio stations  look at the numbers listening and most people only want hits and nothing else

Answer 4

it is because the producers of a artists songs decide which songs will be a bigger hit and will make people want to buyt the album of the artist

Answer 5

Well, as much as we would all like them to be there - bands and artists choose which ones to release as singles and only those ones will get radio plays in order to plug single sales.

Occasionally there will be the one-off play however, for example, in 2007, Zane Lowe on his radio show (Mondays to Thursdays 7pm-9pm) player 4 albums, one on each of his shows for a week, in full without any gaps, so if that's your thing listen out for those sort of shows

Answer 6

Only singles that are actively released as singles get played on the radio unfortunately...

Answer 7

it is because the record label fully get to decide which songs to release & market.  (often the ones they beileve will be liked global) The artist had a say but , it is the labels decision.

Answer 8

Usually radios only play the most popular songs.

Answer 9

IT'S UP TO THE ARTIST AND PRODUCERS THE LABEL GOT NOTHING TO DO WITH IT, WHICH EVER SONG THEY FEEL IS GOING TO BE A BIGGER HIT THEY RELEASE ON TO RADIO THEY KNOW WHAT THERE DOING LOOK HOW MANY ALBUMS GOOD ROCK BANDS SELL THANKS TO THE BAND AND PROMOTERS I THINK THE ARTIST HAVE THE LAST SAY...............................  SECOND PERSON WHAT IS SHE 12