The A and B sides of a record refer to the two distinct faces of a single or 7-inch vinyl record, each typically featuring a different song. Originally, these terms designated the physical sides of the disc, but they have evolved to describe the primary and secondary songs released together, even in digital formats.
The A-Side: The Featured Track
The A-side of a record is the primary, featured song that the record label and artist intend to promote most heavily. This is the track that record producers hope will garner significant radio airplay and become a commercial "hit." It's designed to be catchy, memorable, and representative of the artist's current sound, aiming for widespread appeal and chart success.
Key characteristics of an A-side include:
- Main single: It's typically the lead single from an upcoming album or a standalone release.
- Radio friendly: Crafted to fit radio formats and secure frequent rotation.
- High production value: Often receives more marketing budget and production polish.
- Commercial focus: Its primary goal is to drive sales and popularity.
The B-Side: The Secondary Track (or Flipside)
The B-side, also commonly known as the flipside, is the secondary song accompanying the A-side on a single. Historically, it was literally on the reverse side of the vinyl record. Unlike the A-side, the B-side is often a track that:
- Does not appear on the artist's main studio album (LP).
- Might be an experimental track, an instrumental version, a live recording, a demo, or simply another song that didn't quite fit the album's theme or didn't have the same commercial potential as the A-side.
- Provides added value for fans, offering a glimpse into the artist's other creative endeavors or previously unreleased material.
While less commercially focused than the A-side, B-sides have occasionally gained popularity, sometimes even overshadowing their A-side counterparts, becoming cult favorites or "sleeper hits."
Historical Context and Modern Usage
The concept of A and B sides originated with the physical limitations of vinyl singles, where only one song could be prominently featured on each side. The A-side was the one plugged by radio stations, while the B-side offered a bonus track.
Today, even with the prevalence of digital music, the terms "A-side" and "B-side" persist. When an artist releases a digital single, the main track promoted is still referred to as the A-side, and any accompanying extra track, even if it's not on a physical "flipside," can be considered its B-side. This reflects their meaning as the lead song and the secondary, often exclusive, song in a single release package.
Key Differences Summarized
| Feature | A-Side | B-Side (Flipside) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Featured, commercially promoted song | Secondary, supplementary song |
| Goal | Radio airplay, become a "hit," drive sales | Added value for fans, often album-exclusive |
| Visibility | High, central to marketing efforts | Lower, often a bonus track |
| Album Inclusion | Typically appears on the main album | Often does not appear on the main album (LP) |
