FAQ: How do I cite a song or album in Chicago Style?

Citation Examples

See 14.163: Musical recordings This link opens in a new window for more information.  For digital recordings other than compact discs, a streaming service or file format may be noted if relevant but is not required.

General Notes Format

1. "Title of Song," track # on Name of Group or Performer, Title of Album, Label, year of release, file format if relevant.

OR

2."Title of Single," by Name of Group or Performer, produced by Name of Producer if known, Label, released as a single on date.

OR

3. Composer First Name Last Name, Recording Title, with Performer/Ensemble, conducted by Conductor’s First Name Last Name, recorded Month Day, Year, Label label number, release year, recording format.

For Example

1. “Umbrella,” featuring Jay-Z, track 1 on Rihanna, Good Girl Gone Bad, Island Def Jam, 2007, Spotify.

OR

2. “Everything I Wanted,” by Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell, produced by Finneas O’Connell, Darkroom / Interscope Records, released as a single on November 13, 2019.

OR

3. Richard Strauss, Don Quixote, with Emanuel Feuermann (violoncello) and the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Eugene Ormandy, recorded February 24, 1940, Biddulph LAB 042, 1991, compact disc.

Corresponding Bibliography Entry

Eilish, Billie. When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? Produced by Finneas O’Connell. Darkroom / Interscope Records (US); Polydor Records (UK). Released March 29, 2019.

Rihanna. Good Girl Gone Bad. Island Def Jam. 2007.

Strauss, Richard. Don Quixote. The Philadelphia Orchestra. Eugene Ormandy. Recorded February 24, 1940. Biddulph LAB 042, 1991, compact disc.

Special Notes

Note: Musical recordings are usually listed in a separate discography and not listed in a bibliography.

Note: “Label number” refers to the catalog number for the recording. This information can be found on the back cover or online at websites like Discogs This link opens in a new window.

More Information

• Chicago Manual of Style This link opens in a new window (Chicago Manual of Style)
• Chicago Style Guide (Shapiro Library)

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.