When did new albums start releasing on Fridays?

You can release an album whenever you want. Tuesday is just the best day to maximize return, based on several factors. So most labels tend to release on Tuesday.

From a quick google search:

quote:

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If you release an album on a Tuesday, then you get the maximum seven days of sales counted toward your total (including a full weekend). The other is inertia — distributors are all set up to shuttle stock out to stores over the weekend and on Mondays. Most only do runs a couple of times a week.

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I just noticed this as well and was confused. I always remember it being on Tuesday.