Vinyls are becoming popular again as record sales have increased significantly in recent years. According to the British Phonographic Industry, sales in the UK surpassed one million in 2014 for the first time in nearly 20 years. In the same year, over 9.2 million vinyls were bought in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Today, in 2021, sales are reportedly much higher. An article by CNBC shows that “in the first six months of 2021, 19.2 million vinyl albums were sold” in the U.S. But what makes vinyls so important and why are they making a comeback?
The experience of flipping through vinyls in a record store
The comeback of vinyl records has brought back memories for many music fans and has introduced new fans to the medium.
The feeling of searching for a record in a record shop is new to many. Trying to spot a gem while flipping through countless vinyls can be inspiring and fun.
Why should you choose vinyl over digital?
It’s the rare experience that makes vinyls so popular these days. Listening to albums which can be purchased in a store and placed on an actual player has become an exciting experience.
Listening to the crackling sound when the needle hits the record and watching it spin on a modern edition of the vintage turntable enables the listener to slow down and pay closer attention to the music.
Album covers have also contributed to the trend as they are filled with diverse works of art that can be physically held and are unique to each artist. Sometimes posters are included within the cover sleeve.
Generations of music fans are enjoying vinyls
From those who remember purchasing their first vinyl to those who simply love the vintage feel and sound of the medium – vinyls are popular among people of different generations.
Doug Putman, who owns HMV, explains that “vinyl hits so many age demographics, it’s cool and retro, you have eight- and nine-year-olds who grew up in the digital era coming in wanting to buy it”.
Today, many albums can be purchased in vinyl form: from G’n’R – Appetite for Destruction and Stevie Wonder’s Talking Book to 25 by Adele.
Vinyls are making a comeback and many are enjoying a trip down memory lane or are just being introduced to this fascinating medium.
