I think the way music is consumed is very different now and a contributory factor. When I was getting into music in 60s/70s it was all about the album (and the single for some genres obviously). But I remember saving up for the next LP on my list and then sitting with my mates and listening to it A side and B side, in order, often in relative silence too - several times over.
My kids consume music more by song than by CD, although my lad does like owning the CD too so something has rubbed off.