single
formSING-gul
A recorded song released individually, typically as a promotional track from an album.
A single is a music release featuring one primary song, often accompanied by a B-side or additional tracks. Before the album era, singles on 78 RPM and 45 RPM vinyl were the primary format for popular music distribution. Hit singles drive radio play, streaming numbers, and chart positions. The Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart rank songs by sales and airplay. In the digital age, singles can be released instantly on streaming platforms, allowing artists to maintain visibility between albums. A lead single is the first track released to promote an upcoming album, chosen for its commercial appeal. The single format has regained dominance in the streaming era, as listeners increasingly consume music one track at a time rather than as complete albums.
Bing Crosby's "White Christmas" (1942) remains the best-selling single of all time, with estimated sales exceeding 50 million copies worldwide.