How to Separate Disc 1 and 2 of a Double Album on Apple Music (iTunes vs iPad)

When working with double albums on Apple Music and iTunes, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to separate and organize discs 1 and 2 more efficiently, especially when using your iPad. Below, we will guide you through the necessary steps to maintain proper organization, allowing you to enjoy your music in disc order without losing the label, whether you're using iTunes on your computer or the Apple Music app on your iPad.

Overview of the Problem

If you have a double album such as Pink Floyd - The Wall with Disc 1 and Disc 2 under a single album, you might encounter issues when you view or play the songs on your iPad. Often, these discs appear merged back into a single big album without any labels indicating Disc 1 or Disc 2. This can be frustrating if you're trying to follow along with the corresponding booklet, lyrics, or the narrative of the album.

Separating Discs on iTunes

The first step to addressing this issue is to manage your double album using iTunes on your computer. Here’s how you can do that:

Create Separate Playlists: Instead of keeping Disc 1 and Disc 2 under the same album in the album view, create two separate playlists for each disc. If you prefer, you can still keep the tracks under a single main album playing just by switching between the playlists. Name the Playlists: You may name each playlist as per the album title, and add a clear label such as "Disc 1" or "Disc 2" for clarity. Sync Your Playlists: Once you have created and synced these playlists to your iPad, you can easily switch between the playlists and enjoy disc 1 on one playlist and disc 2 on another.

Managing Discs on Your iPad

When you use the Apple Music app on your iPad, you may notice that it merges the disc tracks into a single album again without any label. Here are a few solutions to help you display the discs correctly:

Select Individual Tracks: When trying to find specific tracks, select individual tracks instead of opening the album. This way, you can still see the Disc 1 and Disc 2 labels in the track browser. Use Get Info: Right-click on the tracks in the iTunes Music folder on your computer. Choose Get Info, and in the Info window, you can tick or add additional information, including labels for Disc 1 and Disc 2. Hold down the Shift key to select multiple tracks at once. Organize by Disc: Use the Track By Disc option within the iTunes Music folder. This will help you organize and sort the tracks in the order they appear on each disc.

Keeping Your Collection Organized

No matter whether you're on iTunes or the Apple Music app, here are some additional tips to ensure your collection of double albums stays organized:

Check Track Numbers: Apple Music and iTunes usually assign track numbers based on the order within the disc. Ensure that the track numbers correspond correctly to the disc number you are working on. Use Advanced Search: Utilize advanced search features in iTunes to quickly find tracks by disc number, song title, or any other metadata. Regularly Update: Regularly check for updates on both your computer and iPad to ensure you have the latest features and bug fixes that might affect how albums and discs are managed.

Conclusion

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