MCR is really good at this

yeah, because the order makes me think about the album in different light. Like if disenchanted came right after I don't love you on my chemical romances album the black parade I would have gotten a whole new conception on the album and rock opera.

Yes this matters.
I've heard entire albums, that would have been better, if you just took a few songs, or one song, and moved it to another track number.
If you like to get that into music, were we are talking about how it is arranged on a track list, I'd say it really matters.
If we could go back and ask johan sebastian bach, or wolfgang amadeus mozart, if it mattered if you put this D minor, or this C sharp here or there.. they would be outraged.
:D
Know what I mean?!

Especially if the album is themed....for instance.....The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance.....It is a themed album about a young man dying and being welcomed to the afterlife by The Black Parade.....The first 2 songs are about death and dying and the last song ( minus the hidden track) is titled Famous Last Words.....The whole album just falls into place in the order that it is arranged. Critical!

Some albums were written to be whole such as The Wall, Sergeant Peppers, Tommy or anything by Enigma. Most others don't really have a story to keep them in order but have kind of flow to them that seems to come from the artist. Many of the old song writers didn't have this kind of control over their work though so there was supposedly a formula. ..I think that kinda went out the window some time ago but essentially they used to always strike out with the 'hopefully they're gonna hits' songs for the first couple cuts...then the big hit/trendy song everyone knows with a ballad or slow song or two tucked away after. The end of the record or 'B' side was considered filler...although many recording artists liked to experiment with the B songs. some of those turned out to be great ones too.

You can't just have a bunch of random songs in a row. They have to have some sort of connection.

The album needs to have a flow to it. Start off with a bang then gradual slow a little, build up to the end and go out with a bang that makes you want to listen to the whole thing again!

Speaking as a musician, an album/CD should be set up like a set list for a live show.....you want to take your audience through a range of emotions....excite and calm your listeners.....make them feel, think, remember.....you'll do well that way.....

good point!

I loved Journey's little trick of tying 2 songs together back when Steve Perry joined the band.....that little idea got them more airplay, and helped make them a popular group...

didn't Queen do that to some degree too? We are the Champions and such?

Many bands did it.....a little thing thought up by the guys in Marketing at the record companies no doubt.....Queen was always on the edge, doing new things.....what a group...

They really were!

They're not the same without Mercury, but who could fill his place?..... if they do a show/benefit on TV, I watch no matter who's singing for them......

I do like the benefit songs because it's interesting to hear the different takes on songs by other singers but no Freddie no Queen.

I agree...I guess Paul Rodgers (Bad Company) has been working with the band for a while.....that would be an interesting combination...

not anymore they are just songs now with new albums/cds, NOW with older albums it's different, I just bought four Bob Dylan albums yesterday at Borders (Freewheelin, Times Are a'Changin', Another Side, and Bringing it all Back Home) and they are amazing!!! older albums definately rock especially albums by the Beatles, Stones, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, etc then I LOVE Rush because my avatar is the Moving Pictures album cover, but Rush just put a new album out this year so some new albums are okay, but I find it hard to get into new groups....