Single (music) - Definition and Overview

Alternate meanings: Single

In music, a single is a song considered commercially viable enough by the artist and record company to be released separately from an album, usually featuring on an album as well. It is often accompanied by several "B-sides"—usually remixes or songs which did not make it onto the album. Singles often feature "radio edit" or "single edit" versions of the main song, which differ from the original recording in being edited to an attractive length for radio play, having expletives censored, or both.

Singles have been issued on various formats, including 7-inch, 10 inch and 12 inch vinyl discs (usually playing at 45 rpm); 10 inch shellac discs (playing at 78 rpm); cassette, 3" and 5" CD singles and 7 inch plastic flexidiscs. Other, less common, formats include singles on digital compact cassette and DVD, as well as many non-standard sizes of vinyl disc (5", 8", etc.)

The sales of singles are recorded in charts in most countries in a Top 40 format. These charts are often published in magazines and numerous television shows and radio programs count down the list. In order to be eligible for inclusion in the charts the single must meet the requirements set by the charting company, usually governing the number of songs and the total playing time of the single.

See also

• List of best selling singles
• One-hit wonder