Sound normalization is the process of adjusting the volume of an audio file to a standard level. This is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures that all audio files play at a consistent volume, eliminating the need to adjust the volume manually. This is particularly important for music playlists, where a sudden loud or soft track can be jarring. Secondly, sound normalization helps prevent distortion and clipping, which can occur when an audio file is played at a volume that's too high. Finally, normalization makes it easier to compare audio files, ensuring that they are on an equal footing.