How to Cite a Music Recording in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography)

This guide explains how to format a music recording citation in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a music recording in Chicago 17th Edition (Notes-Bibliography):

Template

Note: Artist First Last, "Song Title," track N on Album Title, Label, Year, format. Bibliography: Last, First. "Song Title." Track N on Album Title. Label, Year, format.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

1. Kendrick Lamar, "United in Grief," track 1 on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, pgLang/Aftermath, 2022, streaming audio.

Bibliography Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your bibliography:

Bibliography entry

Lamar, Kendrick. "United in Grief." Track 1 on Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. pgLang/Aftermath, 2022, streaming audio.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Name the artist
In notes, use First Name Last Name. In the bibliography, invert the first artist's name. For bands, use the band name as-is.
2
Write the song title
Place the individual song or track title in quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.
3
Reference the album
Write "track N on" followed by the italicized album title.
4
Add the label and year
Include the record label name and the year of release, separated by a comma.
5
Specify the format
Indicate the medium: CD, LP, streaming audio, MP3, etc.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not placing the song title in quotation marks.
Forgetting to italicize the album title.
Omitting the record label.
Leaving out the format (CD, LP, streaming audio) — Chicago recommends specifying it.
Confusing the recording date with the release date of the specific edition cited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite an entire album rather than a single track?

Omit the song title and track number. Lead with the artist and italicize the album title directly: Kendrick Lamar, Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers, pgLang/Aftermath, 2022.

Do I need to include the format for streaming music?

Yes. Chicago recommends specifying the format. For music accessed via a streaming service, use "streaming audio" and optionally note the platform (e.g., Spotify).

How do I cite a classical music recording with a composer and performer?

Lead with the composer, then include the performer and conductor after the title: Ludwig van Beethoven, Symphony No. 9, performed by Berlin Philharmonic, conducted by Herbert von Karajan, Deutsche Grammophon, 1962, CD.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your music recording:

Artist/Composer
Title
Album
Label
Year
Track Number

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Step-by-Step Guide

Name the artist

In notes, use First Name Last Name. In the bibliography, invert the first artist's name. For bands, use the band name as-is.

Write the song title

Place the individual song or track title in quotation marks with headline-style capitalization.

Reference the album

Write "track N on" followed by the italicized album title.

Add the label and year

Include the record label name and the year of release, separated by a comma.

Specify the format

Indicate the medium: CD, LP, streaming audio, MP3, etc.