LP vs EP: Difference and Comparison

What are the major differences between an LP and an EP (LP vs EP)?

LP is an abbreviation for “long play”, while EP stands for “extended play”. They are formats of vinyl albums which were very popular decades ago before songs were made in CD audio.

Vinyl records have become old school, but if you are someone who owns a collection, I believe you are familiar with LPs and EPs.

We will be discussing the differences between an LP and an EP.

What Is an LP?

LP is an abbreviation for “long play” record format. It refers to full-length microgroove vinyl records that were very popular decades ago.

Before the world started enjoying music in CD audio format in the ’90s and early 2000s, iconic singers from the 50s and 60s had their albums on vinyl records.

LP specifically was introduced in 1948 by Columbia Records.

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How long is an LP?

Today, we can stream songs on any streaming platform of choice non-stop. It wasn’t like that with EPs and the LPs.

Each side of a 12-inch LP record could last 30 to 40 minutes long. An LP record generally may consist of 10 to 12 songs and each song may play for about 3 to 3 and a half minutes.

Although we listen to music on different streaming platforms, artists still continue to release full-length albums of 10 to 12 songs, which is more like an LP record back in the day.

What Is an EP?

EP is the abbreviation for “extended play”, which measures 7 inches in size.

The EP (extended play) was released by RCA Victor in 1952 to compete with Columbia Record’s LP.

The EP has one song on each side of the record. One song on side A and side B. The EP “extended play” 45 rpm record fit almost twice the play time of the song on each side of the record as their 45.

The 7-inch “extended play” (EP) allows singles to run for seven and a half minutes on each side on each side of the record.

It was common decades ago for singles to be released again as Eps with demos, bonus tracks, and remixes. However, LPs rarely included any tracks because they were limited on space.

How long is an EP?

Generally, a standard EP “extended play” may consist of 3 to 6 songs with an average running time of 30 minutes. It could also be less since it’s half the length of a full album.

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LP vs EP: Difference between an LP and an EP

Generally, a single vinyl record always had an A and B sides.

A single was sometimes extended to three, with a double A track of an AA on the same side as the B side. What is referred to as a single in modern digital terms can just be a single song. However, it can also include up to 3 tracks provided they still fall into the appropriate length constraints.

An EP should consist of more tracks than a single but fewer tracks than an LP. This is what makes it an extended play.

An EP stands for “extended play”, while an LP for “long play” which is also an album.

The major difference between an LP and an EP is the number of tracks and the length of the running in total. Can an EP have up to 7 songs and how many songs are in an LP or album?

Singles

Singles usually have one to three tracks, with each track running for a playtime of less than 10 minutes. The running time for the whole track is usually less than 30 in total.

EP (extended play)

An EP may consist of one to three songs, with each song playing for like 10 minutes and the total running time for every song is about 30 minutes or less.

An EP can also consist of four to six, with a total running time of 30 or less.

LP (long play)

An LP can contain up to seven or more songs with a total running of 30 to 45 minutes.

LP vs EP: Understanding the Difference between an LP and an EP

Understanding the difference between an EP (extended play) and an album/LP is essential before deciding if it’s best to release an EP or an album.

An extended play (EP) is a collection of about one to three tracks. This collection of songs done by an artiste is considered too short to be a full studio album.

An EP is however longer than a single, with up to three songs but it doesn’t qualify as a full studio album.

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LP vs EP: Why Release an EP

What benefits come with releasing an EP over a full album?

Listening to music is way better than what it used to be three decades ago. We have various streaming platforms where fans can listen to their favourite songs.

Those streaming songs online prefer shorter and easy-to-access playlists. This is one reason streaming platforms like Spotify are one of the best in the business.

Spotify creates weekly playlists for its listeners to easily access their favourite songs. Spotify is using a sophisticated algorithm to help its listeners find new artists.

This also helps an artiste’s EP to feature in the new trend and will make it easier for fans of the artiste to find the songs.

LP vs EP: Between EP and LP, Which Is Better and Why?

Whether an artiste decides to release an EP or an album depends on objectives, audience, and resources.

EP

Upcoming artists prefer EPs over albums for several reasons.

EPs are less expensive for the upcoming artiste and they are quick to produce. It works best for an artiste with limited resources.

Extended plays allow artists to show their projects, connect with an audience, and get feedback. With EPs, artists are able to keep their audience engaged with more releases.

Albums

Albums are released by artists who are already established in the music industry. It requires creativity, time, and resources. Releasing an album wouldn’t be much of a challenge for an artist who already has a full studio album.

Let’s not forget that critics will likely review albums, but they get nominated for a prestigious award anyway.

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LP vs EP: Why LPs and EPs Still Matter Today

EP is a term still used to this day to describe a shorter release of 3 to 6 songs. However, there is no limit to the number of tracks released on a digital EP.

Today, artists and labels may release remix EPs consisting of ten or more remixes of a single song.

On the other hand, LP is rarely used these days. But the term “LP” is still understood to refer to a full-length album consisting of ten or more tracks, with a total running time of 40 or more minutes.

There are still artists who may use the term “LP” instead of “album”.

Conclusion

Before the world started enjoying music in CD audio format back in the 90s and early 2000s, iconic singers from the 50s and 60s had their albums on vinyl records.

The major difference between an LP and an EP is the number of tracks and the length of the running in total. An EP is however longer than a single, with up to three songs but it doesn’t qualify as a full studio album.

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References

Splice: EP vs. LP: What’s the difference (and do they still matter)?
Zinginstruments: What’s the Difference Between an LP vs EP?
Ledgernote: What’s the Difference Between an EP & LP Album in Music?
Musicgateway: LP vs EP Explained – Releasing Music