NEWS
A recent poll has found that 41 per cent of UK adults have not played an entire album during the past 12 months.
The findings came from a study commissioned for National Rail’s Track Reset campaign, an initiative created to inspire people to explore music beyond their usual preferences. The survey questioned 2,000 adults across the UK and revealed a concerning decline in the popularity of complete albums as streaming continues to shape listening habits.
Among the participants, 41 per cent said they had not played an album from start to finish over the previous year, while eight per cent revealed they had never listened to one in its entirety. Many respondents also repeatedly returned to familiar music, playing their favourite song an average of 343 times annually. The main reasons included nostalgia and comfort, both cited by 50 per cent, while 65 per cent simply explained, “I like what I like”.
To help audiences discover unfamiliar music, National Rail teamed up with DJ Adriano Desire and music psychologist Dr Ruth Herbert to produce Track Reset. The three minute recording was created to “clear the palette” and help people become more open to exploring different sounds. Hear the piece below.
National Album Day began in 2018 as a celebration of “the album as an art form”, with musicians selected to serve as Album Champions every year. The 2026 edition is scheduled for October 17, and PinkPantheress was revealed as one of this year’s Album Champions in May.
“Music is experienced in ways that are unique to every listener,” the artist shared in a statement. “I love revisiting albums that I discovered at different times in my life, while always keeping an ear out for new sounds. This year, I encourage everyone to do the same for National Album Day.”
Last Summer, Hot97 had a shake-up at the radio station, which led to the dismissal of names like Ebro, Peter Rosenberg, Laura Stylez, and even DJ Enuff. At the time, there were fears that Funk Flex would be let go as well, although that turned out not to be the case.
Not long after he departed from the radio station, DJ Enuff told TMZ that he believed Flex had a hand in getting him fired. This led to widespread debate, with Peter Rosenberg claiming that Funk Flex had nothing to do with it. Furthermore, Rosenberg suggested that the corporate branch of the station wanted everyone to turn on each other.
Now, almost a year later, Funk Flex is leveling a response against DJ Enuff. In fact, he is accusing the long-time DJ of taking payola. For those who may not know, payola is the act of taking money and then playing specific songs or albums on the radio in return. Effectively, it is a bribe.
"DJ ENUFF / HEAVYHITTERS I GOT U FIRED?," Funk Flex asked. "DID FRENCH MONTANA PAY U 25k FOR THE HEAVYHITTER CONFERENCE CALL? DID MAINO PAY YOU 40k FOR THE MIXSHOW LIST ADDS? WAS NORE OFFERED A “DISCOUNT” OF $2,500 FOR A MONTH OF SPINS? DID MYLES BRANDO PAY U 10K TO PERFORM AT MIXSHOW MEETING AND GET ADDED TO MIXSHOW LIST? WAS DJ WAVY ASKED TO PAY $2,500 TO SPIN ON SUMMER MIX WEEKEND?"
These are serious allegations, especially when you consider how payola is a crime that can come with grave penalties. For instance, if someone were to be convicted of the act, they could face five-figure fines and even jail time.
At press time,DJ Enuff has yet to respond to the allegations.
