It used to be that an artist had between 1-4 albums before a top 10 single was expected to keep them on the label. Before that, if you didn't get some play with a "side" you were done. That is what we are back to, if you're "single" does not get millions of hits on youtube or go viral-well you can pretty much kiss it. Maybe that's where we should be right now, everybody's attention span including mine are gone. Instant gratification abounds, if you can keep your attention on one song, or an album than it must be good.
This trend is cyclical that is all i am saying, the "album" of some form will come back-but only after the format(s) improve. I know, tired argument...
We cannot expect the public to enjoy records the way we grew up listening, they were born too late. It's actually very sad, when someone says: "mp3's don't sound bad." They don't know what is sound "good" or even great.
Quality is way down, in all phases of record production. Can that really be argued? Now, the least common denominator is making they're own "singles" in they're room to show to friends or post on youtube. Love it or hate it, it is here to stay.
Here's what it boils down to: "Singles" have been reduced to "Jingles".
Independent artist's and label's still make decent music. Most so-called major or vanity label "popular" music is little more than catch phrases set to a catchy beat.
P.s., nice keyboard solo! lol
Nathan.