Since the beginning of the new year, I’ve been trying to set some real and achievable goals for myself not only when it comes to health and fitness, but hobbies and pastimes that will enrich my life. With that in mind, I decided one of my 2025 goals is to start a vinyl collection. As a music lover and avid collector of things, I actually have no idea how I don’t have a record collection yet. Since I’ve made this goal, I’ve been thinking what albums I 100% need to own on vinyl.
The criteria for this list is simple: it’s all about mood. When I think about listening to an album on vinyl, there's a certain vibe and aesthetic that accompanies that; I want my vinyl collection to feel comfy and warm, like a Sunday morning in the summertime or a cozy winter night with a glass of wine. There are albums that I love and listen to all the time that I would never buy on vinyl because I don’t see myself bumpin it on a record player - you know? Of course we also have to take into account my personal all-time favorite projects and classics from artists I love when building this list - after all, I’d hope to keep building this collection until… I die? I guess?
With that being said, these are the albums I’d reach for first while building my vinyl collection:
Folklore by Taylor Swift
The perfect vinyl album. Moody and powerful and beautiful and ethereal. This album feels like late summer and clean air. I love it and I need to hear it on vinyl NOW!
Cleopatra by The Lumineers
Lumineers is a must have. This lyrical masterpiece has a place on my shelf forever.
Positions by Ariana Grande
I was thinking about what Ari album I’d want first and landed on her for many reasons, one being I think Positions is her chillest album. I truly listen to it all the time - it’s full of positivity and upbeat tracks with slower ballads mixed in to create one dynamic project.
Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves
Another tough choice between Kacey albums, but I chose this one to add a lil country flare to this list. Top to bottom, this album is perfect in its own sparkly and twangy way. I’ve loved this album for so long and need to own it on vinyl.
Midnights by Taylor Swift
Decided I don’t need to choose between Taylor albums. This one is darker and more moody and I think I’d enjoy this one with a nightcap kinda vibe.
The Stranger by Billy Joel
A classic in my home. Some of my favorite songs ever are on this album and I definitely need this forever and ever. Side note - I was trying to go see BJ in Connecticut and tickets were over $300 for the sh*ttiest seats in the place. Tears.
One of These Nights by Eagles
Another classic I’ve loved since I can remember. I need Eagles entire discography but this is where I’d start. So many all time greats on this record.
Fine Line by Harry Styles
This album represents a defining moment in life for me and brings up so many emotions every time I listen to it. I also need HS1 so bad also but Fine Line is more emotionally charged for me and I think it would hit differently on vinyl. Maybe I just need to hear those horns on “Fine Line.”
Emails I Can’t Send by Sabrina Carpenter
A perfect pop album - ballads, bangers, bops. All classics. Front to back I adore this album - it’s versatile and absolutely timeless. Perfect for a girls night. And to play in the background while you’re cooking fyi.
Norman F****** Rockwell! by Lana Del Ray
Love Song. NFR. Happiness is a Butterfly. Cinnamon Girl. Bartender. My biggest flex is this album came out on my birthday.
Hozier by Hozier
DUHH this is a need. I’d listen to this record forever. Such a staple in my music taste and would be playing in my house all the time.
Teen Dream by Beach House
This album makes me transcend space and time and I need it on vinyl. It exudes nostalgia and comfort yet sadness like I have never heard. Such a beautiful record but it’s absolutely heartbreaking. I could see myself playing this on one of those spooky nights where I can’t sleep.
Four by One Direction
No skip album. Their BEST record. Made In The AM is another one I could see myself adding to the collection in the future, but Four is perfect. I could play this record any time and it would fit the mood, which doesn’t seem possible but it’s real.
Gaslighter by The Chicks
I loooooove these women you guys don’t even know. Gaslighter is a perfect storytelling album and Jack Antonoff did NOT ruin it!! Very powerful tracks and vocals. Cried the first time I heard this album fully.
An Evening with Silk Sonic by Silk Sonic
Certified Diamond Platinum Gold on my Spotify. A timeless and perfect record that deserves to be played on vinyl! S tier project. I could listen to these tracks over and over.
The Dance by Fleetwood Mac
Maybe I just need to hear "Silver Springs" live on vinyl. That’s reason enough to buy this album but the fact that the rest of the tracks are equally as iconic is… insane.
Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers
I listen to this when I read and write all the time and it’s perfect - I imagine it would sound even better on vinyl.
Thanks for reading! When I have money (manifesting $$$) one day I’ll have all of these on my shelf and you’re all invited to the dinner party.
PS - I do not yet have a record player! If anyone has any recommendations I’m all ears :)
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