Ditching streaming for CDs brought me back to music in a way that feels more meaningful and satisfying. With the joy of ownership restored, I’m listening more than ever before and experiencing music like never before.
I listen to music all day, every day. It’s a habit that’s hard to shake off, and one that I’ve found brings me immense joy. For years, I relied on streaming services like Spotify to fuel my musical tastes, but in recent months, I made the bold decision to switch back to buying CDs.
Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, with early civilizations using instruments and vocalizations to communicate and express emotions.
The development of music can be traced back to ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle wrote about the importance of music in education and society.
Throughout history, various genres and styles have emerged, including classical, jazz, rock, and hip-hop.
Today, music is a global industry, with billions of people listening to and creating music worldwide.
For most of us, music streaming is the norm. We tap into a digital jukebox that offers an endless library of songs at our fingertips. But for me, this convenience came at a cost. As streaming algorithms got more sophisticated, they began serving up ‘music I didn’t enjoy,’ and I found myself trapped in a never-ending cycle of listening to things I didn’t like.
The problem with relying on algorithms is that they can be arbitrary and unforgiving. What one day was great might the next become irrelevant. For me, this meant that my Spotify playlists became increasingly stale and uninspiring. I’d cue up new albums by artists I liked, but the algorithm would often steer me towards music that didn’t resonate with me.
As a result, I found myself listening to less and less of the music that truly mattered to me. The joy of discovery was lost, replaced by the monotony of listening to the same old songs over and over again. It was like having a conversation with someone who thought they knew more about music than I did – not in a good way.
So, when my Spotify subscription recently went up, I knew it was time for a change. I cancelled my subscription and started buying CDs again. It’s been a revelation.
Launched in 2008, Spotify is a Swedish music streaming service that has transformed the way people consume music.
With over 400 million monthly active users, it has become one of the largest music libraries globally.
Spotify offers a vast collection of songs, playlists, and podcasts, making it a go-to platform for music enthusiasts.
Its innovative features, such as 'Discover Weekly' and 'Release Radar', have further enhanced user experience.
As of 2022, Spotify is available in over 180 markets worldwide, solidifying its position as a leader in the music streaming industry.
For one, I can finally listen to the same album as many times as I want without worrying about running out of songs or getting bored. The joy of owning physical music is hard to beat – there’s something special about holding an album in your hand, marveling at the artwork, and scrutinizing the inner sleeve. And when you buy a CD, you’re supporting artists directly, which can be incredibly empowering.
Compact discs (CDs) were first introduced in 1982 by Sony and Philips.
They revolutionized music storage, offering higher sound quality than cassette tapes or vinyl records.
CDs store digital information on a small, flat disc coated with a thin layer of metal.
The data is read using a laser, allowing for precise control over playback.
Initially, CDs were used primarily for music, but they soon became popular for storing data and software.
Today, CDs are still used for archival purposes and as a nostalgic medium for music enthusiasts.
I also love that I can rediscover old favorite albums without relying on algorithms. With CDs, I can browse through my collection, pick up an album that’s been sitting there for years, and give it another spin. It’s like having a treasure trove of musical memories waiting to be uncovered.
Of course, there are downsides to buying physical music – the cost, for one. But for me, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. I’m listening more than ever before, and I feel like I’m experiencing music in a way that I never did with streaming.
Take my current favorite album, ‘Drive to Goldenhammer by Divorce,’ for example. I’ve listened to it so many times, I’ve lost count. And when I need a pick-me-up, I put on ‘Silk by Wolf Alice – the soundtrack to T2 Trainspotting is still one of the best things I’ve ever heard.’
For me, ditching streaming for CDs has been a game-changer. It’s allowed me to reconnect with music in a way that feels more meaningful and satisfying than it ever did with streaming. And as I look at my shelves, overflowing with CDs and vinyl records, I know that I made the right decision.
