So Im trying to understand albums, they dont give you decibels, they get you awards that count as decibels? is that right?

Correct. At end of each of the two career phases, you compare the total record value for each player and assign the awards. Your debut records carry over into the apex career phase as well, where the awards get twice as valuable.

Strategically speaking, it's preferable to win the record awards efficiently. Ideally, you invest in just enough records to beat your opponents.