Listening to older music from the 60’s, songs spanned at most to around mid 2 minute ranges. Now it’s common to see them 4 to 5 minutes.
Please refrain from citing songs over that mark that I’m referring to as I’m aware if the few exceptions.
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It’s increased by one minute in 60 years. I don’t call that drastic. That being said I imagine if you went back to before the 50s song lengths are even longer given the popularity of big band music and jazz. As to why, I would say it’s a combination of music genres that are popular and technology/modes of consumption.
To me it’s like asking why there are more parts in a car now than there were in the 60s.
Here is an article that gives a bit of background:
[https://www.vox.com/2014/8/18/6003271/why-are-songs-3-minutes-long](https://www.vox.com/2014/8/18/6003271/why-are-songs-3-minutes-long)
But then again, this is more in the genre of pop songs. Other music in that era could have longer versions for live play etc. So what we know of “runtime” of songs for radio/vinyl in the 45 singles is not the same for LPs.
You are wrong. It hasn’t really. There’s always long and short songs. Especially depending on the music.
Thriller, not radio edited, is long. Stairway to heaven? A bunch of other rock too.
I don’t know which type of music you’re referring to but as far as far as rock is concerned, songs have actually drastically shortened these past few decades. Back then, it was pretty normal for a rock song to span 6+ minutes, taking time for proper solos, instrumental and vocals. Nowadays everything feels rushed.
Super simple… just listen to Billy Jeol’s “The Entertainer.”
Gotta shorten the songs to times that market research shows people are willing to listen to on the radio…
Now that people have their own portable music libraries, it isnt as important and artists can release songs as long as their audiences/fans want to listen to.
Some songs, especially in EDM/Techno genres have full versions and radio edits…
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