Since the early days of vinyl and its 44-minute limitation, technology has influenced the way we listen to music. But now, with young ‘uns increasingly turning to the likes of Spotify and social media platforms, that too is affecting the way songs are written or recorded. According to researchers, 25% of listeners will hit the skip button in the first 5 seconds – which is why so many songs now begin with the hook or chorus. Song lengths have also shortened, with the average UK #1 single clocking in 3 minutes 16 seconds – 26 seconds less than the average song a decade ago. Swedish pop star Tove Styrke is among those saying they’re “sick of everything being the exact same formula”. But she’s not against change altogether… After her 2014 single Borderline went viral on TikTok, she said she was “glad that songs … can have a second life and live on and be relevant.”