The Essential Vinyl Records Every Hardcore Collector Must Own

Vinyl records are officially back baby, and as a new collector, you probably want to have some of the best records in your collection. However, knowing which records are critically acclaimed is hard to get the hang of at first. Lucky for you, we put together a list of some of the essential vinyl records you need to have in your collection to be a true collector! Prepare to empty your wallet on some of these classics…

Thriller – Michael Jackson

This is one vinyl that all collectors have and should have in their collection. Not only is it one of the best selling albums of all time, but it is Michael Jackson’s best-known album. Including some of Jackos best work of his entire career. “Beat It” “Billie Jean” and “The Girl is Mine” are a few examples of this album. But besides,, who does not love Thriller?! This album is pretty easy to find because people will always buy it, however, the original can be a little pricey if you are trying to get original copies. If you do not care about that and just want a vinyl, you can find one just about anywhere that sells them for about twenty to thirty dollars.

Dark Side Of The Moon – Pink Floyd

Easily considered one of the greatest albums of all time by many music connoisseurs, the songs on this album are about life and something that everyone can relate to. Every collector has this in their collection of vinyl records because it is something everyone knows. Even people that do not listen to rock music know it. The album has sold over 45 million copies. The vinyl costs a bit more, between thirty and fifty dollars for the rerelease.

Madvilliany – Madvillain

Considered by many as one of the greatest rap albums ever crafted, the legendary MF DOOM collaborated with Madlib on one of the most unique albums ever crafted, period. The metal-faced terrorist brings some of his best flows and rhyme schemes to this album, mixed with the colorful samples of Madlib, all beautifully produced by the duo. None of the tracks overstay their welcome either, and each track feels different from the last. Some of these songs may be an acquired taste, such as Accordion, but you will not be able to stop listening, making this the must-have rap album for any vinyl collector.

In the Aeroplane Over The Sea – Neutral Milk Hotel

In The Aeroplane Over The Sea at first, listen might sound like your standard indie rock album, but after just a short while, you will be able to see why this album is so special. Not only does it blend Indie rock with psychedelic folk, but it was one of the best early examples of lo-fi. Originally, the critics were happy but did not think it was anything special, but a few years later would go back and give it the recognition it deserved. Pitchfork awarded the 2005 reissue of In The Aeroplane a perfect 10/10 rating.

Nevermind – Nirvana

Kurt Cobain was a true gift to the music world, and as such, the classic Nevermind needs to be in any vinyl record collection. Featuring a few of the most classic Nirvana songs such as “Smells Like Teen Spirit” and “In Bloom”. Unfortunately, I am part of the generation who never knew Kurt Cobain when he was alive, but this album has stood the test of time, and found an entirely new generation of Nirvana fans. This album was not just a huge step for grunge music, but an icon for punk rock.

Because the Internet – Childish Gambino

Donald Glover has got to be one of the most talented individuals on the planet. Acting, comedy, producing, it seems like there is nothing this guy can not do. More proof of this comes from the 2013 album “Because the Internet”, which is a movie in a hip hop album. It tells the story of a young internet troll, and actually had a 72-page screenplay to accompany the album. Anybody who is a fan of dissecting what an album is supposed to mean will have a field day with this because Glover hid his meanings so well, most are just up to interpretation. You can actually find a vinyl version of this album which features the entire screenplay, which will only take you deeper into the rabbit hole.

Purple Rain – Prince

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today, to discuss why you need this Purple Rain album yesterday. Purple Rain is Prince in his prime, offering a surely unique listening experience only the great Prince could provide. “When Doves Cry” still remains one of my favorite songs ever made, and the entire album will make you vibe out no matter if you are with a group or alone. Prince received true critical acclaim for this album, and it is still just as good nearly 40 years later.

IGOR – Tyler, the Creator

The final album on this list is also the most recent one on this list. Tyler, the Creator found an entirely new sound on Igor, the self-produced 5th album from Tyler. The album mixes influences of hip hop, neo-soul, funk, and R&B perfectly, with an underlying story of a love triangle that will make you listen back multiple times. All-in-all, this vinyl is one of those that you will always find yourself coming back to, and that is for the song “earfquake” alone. Tyler seems to be able to only go up, so I hope that means he will bring us multiple more of these albums, one can only hope!