Definition

The phrase “artist album” refers to an LP showcasing original work by an artist or group. This term is used to differentiate in cases where the artist has released albums that do not primarily feature their own work, such as compilation albums that include multiple artists on one record.

Description

While in other genres the phrase artist album would be redundant, in the dance music world it is useful because many producers (i.e. artists) are are also DJs who build their reputations by playing other people‘s music. DJs sometimes gain notoriety by releasing compilation albums that they have curated and mixed, which are credited under their name, even if the album does not feature any music produced by the DJ. (Just as editors are credited for compiling anthologies regardless of whether the editor’s written work appears within the book’s pages, compilation albums are credited to the person or people who curated and/or mixed the collection.)

Example

Consider for example the the Anjunabeats Volumes series of compilation albums, which showcase the work of artists on the Anjunabeats label. The albums are compiled and mixed by Above & Beyond, who therefore receive credit for the album, even though the albums typically only feature a handful of songs contributed by the group. Above & Beyond have released several artist albums, including Tri-State, Group Therapy, and We Are All We Need.