When it arrived in the early 1980s, the CD promised flawless sound and durability that vinyl and cassettes could not match. Marketed with the slogan “perfect sound forever,” the compact disc reshaped the music industry, boosted global sales, and ushered in the digital era. In this episode of Pop Origins, we explore how the CD transformed listening habits, created new superstars, and eventually paved the way for downloads and streaming — proving that even “forever” has an expiration date.