hidden track

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hidden track" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of music to refer to a song that is not listed on the album's tracklist but is included at the end of a recording. Example: "After the final song fades out, there is a hidden track that fans have been eagerly discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The album ends with a "hidden" track, "The Wonderwhy".

The New Yorker

"Nobody," a hidden track, was the theme for Bert Williams, the minstrel star.

The New York Times - Arts

Pick of the Album: Tiki That: the hidden track, 'She Said'.

Independent

Rufus and sister Martha provide backing vocals; Teddy's dad, Richard, plays guitar, mum Linda crops up on the hidden track.

The Guardian - Music

As Mr. West asks in "Pinocchio Story," the album's hidden track: "Do you really have the stamina?

The New York Times - Arts

One is a paradoxically upbeat surf-rocker with big harmony choruses; the other is a hidden track that closes the album.

The New York Times - Arts

The Cure wrote a short instrumental, The Weedy Burtons, which featured as a hidden track on their debut album Three Imaginary Boys in 1979.

Independent

After solo projects for both brothers, the regrouped Field Music remains concise but newly prolific on its third album, "Field Music (Measure)" (Memphis Industries), which is packed with 19 songs and a closing instrumental (actually two, including a hidden track).

The New York Times - Arts

This is an album that concludes with a larkish hidden track, after about half an hour of dead air: "Mr. Cigarette," sung to the tune of "I've Been Working on the Railroad," with lyrics by Paul Westerberg.

The New York Times - Arts

It has its meandering moments where you wonder whether you're actually hearing studio warm-ups, out-takes and doodles, but it wraps up nicely with the ghostly, echo-laden hidden track at the end.

Independent

Each version features its own unique introduction and hidden track.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "hidden track", consider the context. Use it when the track is genuinely concealed or unlisted on the album art. If it's simply a bonus track, that term might be more appropriate.

Common error

Don't assume every extra track is a "hidden track". A true "hidden track" is intentionally unlisted. If it's listed as a bonus, it's not hidden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hidden track" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically a compound noun, that acts as a subject or object within a sentence. It describes a specific type of audio recording that is intentionally concealed on an album. As Ludwig AI explains, it’s a correct and usable expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

58%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hidden track" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to an unlisted song on a music album. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is appropriate in written English. It’s frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts. Alternatives include "bonus track" and "secret track". When using the term, ensure the track is truly concealed, and don't confuse it with listed bonus tracks. It is typically found at the end of an album after silence or rewinding before track 1. The meaning of the phrase is consistent and the usage is widespread.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Bonus track

Focuses on the additional, often unadvertised, nature of the track.

Unlisted track

Directly refers to the fact that the track is not included in the official tracklist.

Secret track

Emphasizes the concealed or surprise aspect of the track.

Concealed track

Highlights that the track has been intentionally hidden from the standard track listing.

Bonus cut

Uses "cut" as a synonym for track, highlighting its extra status.

Additional track

Simply indicates the track is an extra component of the album.

Ghost track

Suggests an elusive or unexpected appearance of the track.

Surprise track

Highlights the unexpected nature of finding the track.

Embedded track

Suggests the track is contained within or after another track.

Afterthought track

Implies the track was added to the album at the last minute.

FAQs

What exactly defines a "hidden track" on an album?

A "hidden track" is a song or audio element on a music album that isn't listed in the tracklist and often appears after a period of silence at the end of the last listed song, or sometimes before the first track. It's intended as a surprise for the listener.

Where can I typically find a "hidden track" on a CD?

You can often find a "hidden track" either by letting the last track play through its silence or by rewinding before the first track of the CD. Some may also be accessible via computer as a separate file.

What's the difference between a "hidden track" and a "bonus track"?

While both are additional tracks, a "hidden track" is intentionally unlisted and meant to be discovered, whereas a "bonus track" is usually listed as such and is included as an extra feature.

Are "hidden tracks" still common in digital music formats?

No, "hidden tracks" are less common in digital formats because tracklists are readily visible. However, artists may still include bonus content in less obvious ways within digital releases.