A-side and B-side facts for kids

A-side and B-side are terms used in the music world. They originally referred to the two different sides of a 7-inch vinyl record. These records were commonly used to release singles starting in the 1950s. Today, these terms describe the main song and a secondary song, even for digital music.

What Are A-Sides and B-Sides?

The A-side was usually the main song that a record company wanted to promote. This was the song they hoped would get played a lot on the radio. The goal was for it to become a popular "hit" song.

The B-side, also called the flipside, was a second song on the record. This song was often not as well-known. Sometimes, it was a song that didn't appear on the artist's main LP (long-play album). It could be a bonus track or a different style of music.

Why Did Records Have Two Sides?

Vinyl records are flat, round discs that store music. They have grooves on both sides. These grooves hold the sound information. When records were popular, it made sense to put two songs on one small record. This way, listeners got more music for their money.

The Importance of the A-Side

The A-side was crucial for artists and record labels. It was the song chosen to grab people's attention. If an A-side became a hit, it could make the artist famous. It also helped sell more records and albums. Record companies spent a lot of time deciding which song would be the A-side.

The Role of the B-Side

B-sides had several uses. They could be:

• A new song that wasn't on the artist's album.
• A different version of an album song.
• A song that showed a different musical style.
• A way to give fans extra content.

Sometimes, a B-side became unexpectedly popular. It might even get radio play and become a hit itself!

A-Sides and B-Sides Today

Even though vinyl records are less common now, the terms "A-side" and "B-side" are still used. In digital music, an "A-side" refers to the main track released as a single. A "B-side" might be a bonus track or an extra song included with the main single. It's a way to describe the primary focus song versus a secondary one.

See also

In Spanish: Lado A y lado B para niños