From albums to playlists: Music just hits different now

These days, most people listen to music through streaming. But before all that, albums were how you really got into an artist. 

Whether it was on CD or digital download, people would play the whole thing through, track by track, and get a feel for the full vibe of the project, writes Music News Blitz’s Lamiya Huda.

What streaming has done to the music landscape

With platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, it’s now super easy to just hit play on your favourite songs or playlists. 

You can find new music in seconds and switch between artists without thinking twice. It’s convenient for sure - but it also means we don’t always take the time to enjoy a full album the way we used to.

Now, we play our favourite songs on repeat or shuffle through playlists made by algorithms or influencers.

It’s all about the hits - songs that go viral on TikTok or get added to popular playlists. Albums, which used to be treated like full stories or artistic projects, are now often skipped over.

Because of that, artists are changing how they release music. Many now drop one single at a time instead of putting out a full album. 

Others surprise fans by releasing an album without any warning - like Beyoncé did back in 2013. It’s a way to grab attention quickly and make a splash on social media.

Even the music itself is changing. Songs are getting shorter, often just two to three minutes long, because streaming platforms reward more plays - and shorter songs get played more often. 

Some artists make albums with 15 or 20 tracks just to boost their stream counts, even if not all the songs are strong. 

It becomes less about making great music and more about working the system.

Streaming has also changed how we enjoy music. Since we can skip around so easily, it’s common to move on from a song before it really gets going.

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The effects of social media

A lot of the time, we only hear the catchy part that’s gone viral on TikTok or Reels, and that’s it. Because of that, full songs - or even full albums - don’t always get the attention they used to.

Still, it’s not all bad. Streaming has made it way easier for new and independent artists to get noticed. 

Before, you needed a record label to get your music out there. Someone can go viral from their bedroom and build a fan base online. 

And platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud still support unique, creative sounds that don’t always fit the mainstream.

So, has streaming killed the album? Not really - but it’s changed how we look at it.

Albums may not be the main focus anymore, but they’re still important for artists who want to tell a story or show their full creative side.

In the end, it comes down to how we choose to listen. If you love an artist, try listening to their whole project, not just the big hits. 

You might find hidden gems that never made it onto a playlist. In a fast-moving world, slowing down and giving music your full attention might be one of the best ways to enjoy it.

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