When You Buy The Whole Album And Only Like One Song.

After fifty years of buying albums, really prefer the format. I have bought a few stinkers. But a good album is so much more than just a random collection of tunes.

I listen by far mostly to Qobuz. I will preview the first tune, if not hooked I’ll try the second… in no connection, I’ll move on. To me is like a symphony, a multiparty composition. A single tune… not worth it for me… I need substance.

@russ69 

 "I buy full albums but I'm old school and don't stream". 

You're not alone, brother.  I too only buy "full albums"-- CDs in my case-- and then, only if I like every (or very nearly every) song. 

I grew up in the 60's/70's when an album was valued as a unified, discrete entity; I cannot imagine deriving any satisfaction from "play-lists". In fact, there have been posts on the forum in the past from converts to streaming who eventually gave it up. 

@mitch4t we must be in the same age demographic as I too have had that experience. Lately I have found some additional enjoyable songs on albums that didn’t capture my attention at the time . As I age , I have also found artists I didn’t get or enjoy at the time who put out some really good music but I wasn’t ready for it. So much good music and so little time.

I will usually listen to a full offering by an artist(s) at least four times before I decide if I like it or not; at least by artist in genres I like. Even on artist I like I find I might not immediately like a new release upon first listen. I've spent time thinking about perception and things familiar are easier to like. That 'one cut' you like is often because you've heard it a few times. For myself I generally find if there's a cut I like I end up liking the whole thing.

It is however one of the selling points for me in going full digital. Streaming saves me the money and the storage of albums that truly end up being clunkers as well as being able to explore so much more.

You guys don’t own any 7" 45’s? I have about 600 of ’em, mostly by "non-album" kind of artists (early-60’s). "Maybe" by The Chantels---a stupendous, glorious Pop masterpiece, later covered by Dave Edmunds on his fantastic second album Subtle As A Flying Mallet. "Halfway To Paradise" (written by Carole King & Gerry Goffin) by Tony Orlando (yeah, THAT Tony Orlando), covered in 1977 by Nick Lowe on his 3rd Stiff Records 45 (non-LP) in a fantastic version

Another reason to own 45’s: Some of them contain non-album songs (such as the Nick Lowe above), or alternate versions/mixes of album songs. The original 45 of Dylan’s "Positively 4th Street" was mis-pressed, and actually contains his first recording of "Can You Please Crawl Out Your Window", a very cool song. One recording of the song was done with his NYC studio band, the other with The Hawks (later of course known as The Band).

7" 45 RPM singles are cool! So are 12", one great one being "Would I Lie To You" by The Eurythmics, a killer song with drumming by Clem Burke (Blondie) and excellent recorded sound quality.