Difference between Compilations and Album Artists

Hello,

I would like to know the exact differences between Compilations and Album Artists.

I know you can use either one to combine different tracks into a group.

I would like to know how each one behaves relative to iTunes and to the Music app on iOS.

Which one do you use? Or do you use a combination of both?

I read that Compilations is being used less and less in favor of Album Artists.

Is there an advantage of one over the other?

Thanks!

Nick

MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Mavericks (10.9.1)

Posted on Jan 11, 2014 9:26 AM

20 replies

Nov 21, 2014 3:57 PM in response to Nicolas Online

Genres make it far worse.

I like old-time Bib Band music. I have the 1960s-era Time-Life "Swing Era" CD set. Each CD contains roughly 15 songs different Big Bands (well, re-creations, actually). All songs are tagged with genre "Big Band."

When "Group by Album Artist" is on, going into Music and tapping on the "Big Band" item yields emptiness -- No songs. Zero. Nil. Nada. Yet, if I switch "Group by Album Artist" to off, all the songs from all the albums miraculously appear.

Of course, leaving Group turned off wreaks havoc elsewhere. No doubt about it, it's a complete, utter, disgraceful mess.

The Music app in iOS 6.x was far superior. When tapping on an Artist, you could see them listed in a collapsed view, and you could select ALL Songs. No more. Disgraceful.

Jan 11, 2014 1:24 PM in response to turingtest2

thank you turingtest2 happy new year everyone!

turingtest2

Level 10

278,113 points

Jan 11, 2014 1:28 PM in response to Nicolas Online

You're welcome. 🙂

Still celebrating the new year? Good for you! 😀

tt2

Oct 19, 2014 11:09 AM in response to turingtest2

Thank you for the feedback.

If I choose the first option, as the example you have posted there, how am I going to be able to search / find by "John Smith" on the iPod if I want to ?

turingtest2

Level 10

278,113 points

Dec 22, 2014 4:41 PM in response to floppy disk

You'll need a common album artist and for iOS devices switch Settings > Music > Group By Album Artist > On.

tt2

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Difference between Compilations and Album Artists