If you look at playlists on Spotify, you will immediately notice that there is no separate button for listening to them chronologically. That should change. Paying users now get a separate play button next to the shuffle option.
The change will be rolled out in the coming weeks. It applies to both Android and iOS devices. The only exceptions are people who are not paying for their Spotify account. Anyone who accepts advertising still only has the option of listening to playlists in shuffle mode. Here is the official statement from Spotify:
“This new change will make it possible to select the preferred mode above the album or playlist. Whether you love being surprised by the unexpected with shuffle mode or you prefer to listen to music in order, Spotify has you covered.”
Musician criticism
Artists can look forward to the change. Adele, for example, had complained to Spotify. It was said that certain albums had to be heard in chronological order. The streaming group has already reacted and removed the shuffle button for albums. Only the play button remained.
There is no news regarding the planned Spotify Hi-Fi project. A year and a half ago the announcement came: Music should be streamed in higher quality. That sounds good. But when Spotify Hi-Fi is set to launch is unknown. Other services like Amazon Music already offer HD playback.