Vinyl records have, in recent years, started to come back in style. These players that seemed obsolete are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, especially amongst young people. Local record stores now have a clientele of adults who owned a record player in their youth, but also teenagers and 20-somethings who have discovered a love for vinyl. The process of building a record collection is no small feat and is certainly a commitment. However, it is one I have found vastly rewarding. I have discovered so many new songs and artists through perusing local record stores. To help anyone who is just starting their vinyl collection, I have compiled a list that in my opinion, along with some research, has ten fantastic albums to start your collection.
1. Rumors by Fleetwood Mac
This album released in 1977 is a staple in any music-lover’s collection. It’s widely considered one of the greatest albums of all time and Fleetwood Mac’s best piece of work. The album features songs like “Go Your Own Way,” “The Chain” and “Dreams.” This album fully encapsulates the 70s rock sound and culture.
2. Thriller by Michael Jackson
“Thriller” is the best-selling album of all time, so there is no doubt it deserves to be on this list. This album has songs like “Thriller,” “Billie Jean,” “Beat It” and even a duet with Paul McCartney on “The Girl Is Mine.” Every single song on “Thriller” is a classic.
3. Folklore by Taylor Swift
Written and produced entirely during quarantine, Swift’s eighth studio album blew fans and critics away. Featuring alternative rock and folk pop influences, Swift proved she can dominate any genre. This album is full of beautiful ballads and poetic lyrics. In fact, it just won Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
4. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road by Elton John
This album is widely regarded as Elton John’s best album with songs like “Candle in the Wind,” Saturday Night’s Alright (for Fighting)” and “Bennie and the Jets.” If you are going to invest in any Elton John record, start with this one.
5. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by the Beatles
This album was released in 1967 and is considered an important moment in 1960s culture, coinciding with the Summer of Love movement. Applauded as one of the first concept albums, The Beatles combined art with pop/rock music.
6. AM by Arctic Monkeys
This is the fifth studio album from the English indie/rock group. “AM” helped the band achieve wide-spread success in the U.S. The album combines psychedelic rock and soul to form songs like “Do I Wanna Know” and “R U Mine.” “AM” is also the best-selling vinyl albums in the UK of the previous decade.
7. The Stranger by Billy Joel
This was Joel’s fifth studio album and is considered a commercial, as well as critical, breakthrough. It won two Grammys at the 1978 Grammy Awards. It features classic Billy Joel tracks like “Movin’ Out (Anthony’s Song),” Only The Good Die Young” and “Vienna.”
8. Hozier by Hozier
This was the debut album from Irish singer Hozier. Released in 2014, this album received praise for its debut single “Take Me to Church.” Hozier’s voice is completely unique, and he makes every song feel like a work of art. Some of my favorites off this album include “Jackie and Wilson,” “Work Song,” “Someone New,” “Foreigner’s God” and “Run.” In all honesty, there is not a bad song on the album.
9. Saturday Night Fever by the Bee Gees
This is the soundtrack album for the 1977 film “Saturday Night Fever.” It is one of the best-selling albums of all-time and the second best-selling soundtrack of all-time. The album features the classic Bee Gees sound of high-notes and harmonies. The album quite literally has hit after hit with songs like “Stayin Alive,” “More Than A Woman” and “How Deep Is Your Love.”
10. Tapestry by Carole King
Released in 1971 by singer-songwriter Carole King, this album encapsulates the Laurel Canyon sound coming out of California in the 60s and 70s. This year, it celebrates its 50th anniversary and is still as beloved as ever. My favorite songs on the album include “I Feel the Earth Move,” “It’s Too Late,” “So Far Away” and “Where You Lead.”