Five reasons why album releases are still the way to go (CD Baby)

 In a world of streaming playlists, some artists seem to have abandoned albums entirely. Instead, they just drop an endless succession of singles.

But here are five reasons why I think album releases are still a valuable strategy for emerging and niche artists:

1. More PR opportunities
Artists generally release numerous singles each year, but an album only every few years. Even modern fans raised on singles know that an album release is a big deal, so play it up! Releasing an album is the perfect excuse to go big on your marketing.

2. A way to mark your musical evolution
An album is a new chapter in your musical journey. Look at the Wikipedia page of any artist with a deep discography, and you’ll see their career history marked by album releases. Albums are a major creative statement and a line of demarcation from your previous work—especially if you’ve only released singles up to now.

3. Higher visibility on streaming platforms
Spotify, Apple Music and the other major streaming platforms still place albums at the top of artist profiles. A new album goes right to the top for all to see your achievement.

4. A chance to sell physical media and merch
You’re not pressing vinyl or CDs for singles, because only the most obsessive fans buy single-song records and CDs. You know what fans do buy? Full albums. Contrary to rumor, music on physical formats is far from dead. In fact, Music Week reports that sales surged in 2021, growing 34% to 4.4 million units. People still want to own the music their favorite artists spent so much time creating—along with a T-shirt, tote, or hoodie to mark the occasion.

5. More clout with reviewers and press
Albums are how most critics and other music press cover musicians’ work. While there are some reviews of singles, no one’s dedicating six column inches to one song. Reviewers want to sink their teeth into a full album. Likewise, journalists write features on artists who release an album—and fans want to read the story of how you created an entire collection of songs.