As a GenXer, I’m no stranger to the beloved concept of the album—a cohesive, artistic expression that could turn an ordinary afternoon into an emotional journey. But here’s the thing: even though I grew up with albums, there’s a part of me that resonates more with the modern-day millennial spirit. You see, I’ve grown to love the convenience of downloading just one song. A la carte, baby!

Gone are the days when I’d sit through an entire album because that’s just what you did. I’m not saying albums are irrelevant (I’d never betray my generation like that!), but now I cherry-pick. I don’t need to find a story in every album, although, to be fair, there are some I’d happily play from start to finish on a road trip—like Purple Rain by Prince. That album, man. I could be dancing, feeling sexy, or having a full-blown emotional catharsis, all in the span of an hour.

And let’s not forget Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails. It’s got all the anger and angst you’d expect from a quintessential GenX favorite. REM’s Document? A college-life anthem that helped shape my worldview. Shakira’s Laundry Service? Pure dance-fueled fun. Synchronicity by The Police? A hauntingly perfect blend of everything I loved about the ’80s.

But while I love these albums, I must admit: in the streaming age, I often just snag a single or two. Songs by Eminem, The Black Keys, Chris Stapleton, Selena Gomez—there’s no rhyme or reason; I grab what feels good. GenXers were the “mixtape generation” after all, and maybe that’s my theme. Life, like a good playlist, is a mix of moods, phases, and vibes.

So, are albums dead? Nah. But this GenXer has mastered the art of curating her own musical journey.