The Album Cycle is Dead, Long Live the Single:

The Album Cycle is Dead, Long Live the Single:

The Album Cycle is Dead, Long Live the Single: The Shift to "Constant Drops" in the Music Industry The traditional "album cycle," a lengthy process from creation to touring that could span three years, is being replaced by a new paradigm of "constant drops" in the music industry. This shift is driven by technological advancements, the rise of streaming services, and evolving artist and industry demands.  I. The Album Era: From Annual Releases to the 3-Year Behemoth The music industry once operated on a predictable rhythm, with artists releasing albums annually or even more frequently. This pace, common from the 1960s to the 1980s, was driven by the need for continuous physical sales and simpler recording processes. However, as technology advanced, so did the complexity of album creation. Early Days (1960s-1980s): Artists like The Beatles, David Bowie, and Creedence Clearwater Revival released albums annually or more frequently. This pace was fueled by record …