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The 40 Best Vinyl Records for Your Collection
To get you started or to round out your stash.
Vinyl albums are back in fashion. For some, physical media never went out of style, but there has been a major resurgence in the retro form of music listening in the last few years. Not only are turntables a must-have essential for almost every music lover, but artists are also releasing limited-edition vinyls along with big streaming rollouts. As old-heads ourselves, we can't complain. There's something special about a needle drop.
But if you are newly starting your collection or have a handful of LPs but really need to round out your collection and aren't sure where to start, these albums will be literal music to your ears. From classic bands like Led Zeppelin and the Beatles to more current favorites like Harry Styles, there's a mix of styles and genres that are sure to make your guests feel welcome. Here are 40 faves that every music fan should have in their collection.
One of the most talked about (*cough* gossiped about *cough*) records of all time? Yeah, that's a keeper.
Everyone can appreciate Old Blue Eyes crooning "Fly Me to the Moon" and "Come Fly with Me."
Did you think we could ever forget The Beatles? Abbey Road is a common favorite, and for good reason. Everyone should have this one ready to play.
Live albums don't always translate well on vinyl. Nirvana is, once again, a magnificent exception.
You haven't lived until you've heard the opening strain to "Purple Haze" on vinyl.
If you are just starting to dip your toe into the waters of jazz music, this Miles Davis album will fill your home with the captivating sounds of Davis's trumpet.
This greatest hits album has spent over 500 (nonconsecutive) weeks on the Billboard charts since its initial release in 1984. If that doesn't convince you that it's a must-have, nothing will.
If you're trying to collect his complete discography, it's going to take a while. If you're looking for a definitive collection of EJ's landmark hits, though, they're all packed into this set.
This best-selling album has been remastered so you can hear the Gallagher brothers's pure voices on songs like "Don't Look Back in Anger." It also comes with a digital download of bonus content like live recordings, B-sides, soundchecks, and unheard demos.
The Queen of Soul is backed up by a full orchestra on this can't-miss record. Listen to new renditions of some of her most popular songs and experience her mind-blowing vocals all over again.
Consider this a challenge to put this album on and see how long you can last without singing along. Spoiler alert: everyone loses at "Dancing Queen."
With hit songs like "Captain Jack" and the timeless "Piano Man," this album has lesser-known tracks that true fans love just as much.
No record collection is complete without Prince, and Purple Rain is a solid starting point.
Charting at #1 in the UK and #3 in the US when it was released in 1969, this iconic album from The Rolling Stones is a must.
Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond," "Welcome to the Machine," "Have a Cigar," and "Wish You Were Here" come together for a truly signature pick.
From the Boss himself, this record features classic tracks from the New Jersey native like "Thunder Road," "Badlands," and, of course, "Born To Run."
Another hot take I have: this is the Johnny Cash record. Keep all the well mastered studio albums and give me the man in black singing gospel to a bunch of convicts. This is what made him a legend.
Still Maroon 5's most notable and chart-topping album, Songs About Jane is worth revisiting. It's gone platinum four times since its 2002 release.
Hear the haunting sounds of Jim Morrison on this debut album from The Doors, featuring tracks like "The End," "Break on Through (to the Other Side)," and "Light My Fire."
Whether you're a One Direction holdover or you've become a Harry Styles fan more recently, Fine Line was a work of art.
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