Must Have Vinyl Records

Photo by Mick Haupt on Unsplash

Few things are better than pulling out a vinyl record for an intimate listen. In our digital age, it's a relief to slow down. Vinyl encourages you to spend one-on-one time with your favorite artists, or to share the moment with loved ones. Either way, the experience is meaningful.

Whether you're just starting your record collection, or you're looking to add new spins to your rotation—feel free to reference our list of must-have records. A good rule of thumb is to choose albums that you can listen to over and over. Think about soundtracks for different moods, social occasions, and stages in life.

While lists of must-have vinyl records are always subjective, we're excited to share some essentials and personal favorites below.

Why Curate a Vinyl Collection

The Resurgence of Vinyl

Expected by some to join the list of outdated technology, vinyl records made an epic comeback in recent decades. And for good reason, too. Starting around 2007, vinyl sales stopped their downward trend and started rising. Eventually, the rise in popularity prompted major labels to put more resources into vinyl pressing production (which slowed in the '80s after CDs became popular). It makes sense that listeners would cherish vinyl records as music's full artistic form. This includes viewing album artwork, enjoying warm tones, and fully listening to an artist's work from start to finish.

As opposed to the all-you-can-eat buffet of streaming, vinyl records encourage you to slow down and explore artistic nuances. Moreover, spinning records on a Wrensilva HiFi record console fosters social listening experiences. Listen to music more thoroughly, surrounded by people you love.

That Special Vinyl Connection

If vinyl records are the soundtrack to your life, it makes sense that you'd develop deep connections to them. Let's say, for example, you find a used copy of Patti Smith's Horses at the local record store. That first listen could change the way you think about music, including what music can be about, and how it can be told. Then, you keep spinning the record over the years, either to share it with others or just to access that feeling of discovery.

Records have that special touch. Literally – the cover of Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young has a faux-leather texture. The cover also features an 1800s-looking band portrait, as opposed to the 1970s era when the album was released. These old-time aesthetics play into the Déjà Vu title, and the meaning of the music. Open up the gatefold cover design and you'll find a scrapbook-like collage of nostalgic band photos. What else can records contain? Lyric printouts, posters, and extra bells and whistles. Find some of these album bonuses in our must-have vinyl records list below.

Déjà Vu by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young features the gatefold album cover design. Photo from Discogs.

Must-Have Vinyl Records for Your Collection

Classic Albums Every Collection Needs

We think of these classic vinyl records as a starting point for any collection. Spanning multiple genres between the '50s and the turn of the century, these records likely contain songs you grew up with, songs you hum regularly, and even some great songs you're less familiar with.

Frank Sinatra – In the Wee Small Hours (1955)

A beautiful and painfully searching concept album, In the Wee Small Hours explores the throes of broken love like few other albums. Beyond that, you have Sinatra at a charismatic high, painting scenes and portraits with imaginative lyricism and heartfelt vocal melodies.

Miles Davis – Kind of Blue (1959)

Commonly thought of as the best and most influential jazz album of all time, Kind of Blue is Miles Davis' magnum opus. This masterpiece encapsulates his shift into experimental playing that combined lean melodies with modal improvisation. The sextet, including John Coltrane (another favorite of ours), will blow you away.

Muddy Waters – Muddy Waters at Newport 1960 (1960)

Among the most respected blues artists ever, Muddy Waters unleashes a crooning and charismatic performance at the legendary Newport Jazz Festival. Backed by his all-star band, the electric ensemble leaves no doubt as to why Muddy influenced both The Rolling Stones' namesake (based on Muddy's song “Rollin' Stone”) – and the rock-and-roll revolution.

Beach Boys – Pet Sounds (1966)

Pet Sounds is regarded by many as the most progressive and influential pop rock album of its time. The Beach Boys combined orchestra, rock, and immaculate vocal arrangements in this mostly introspective concept album. Responding to The Beatles' Rubber Soul album, Brian Wilson reportedly wrote, composed, and arranged Pet Sounds essentially by himself. The groundbreaker is now a classic.

Aretha Franklin – I Never Loved A Man The Way I Love You (1967)

Known as the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin deploys her uncanny yet controlled voice, reaching her first major commercial success with this album. Covering Otis Redding's “Respect,” Franklin transformed the song into an anthem for Black female empowerment (prompting Redding to regard the song as Franklin's rather than his). The first track, “Respect” sets the bar high – but the following songs are also brimming with music magic.

Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks (1975)

Although difficult to pin Dylan down to a single album, we give the three-way tie to Blood on the Tracks. It was released 10 years after his iconic Highway 61 Revisited – which was controversial due to his folk-to-rock crossover. However, in Blood on the Tracks Dylan's poetic vision burns brightly. It also has an overarching concept feel, and sonically pleasant vocals and instrumentation from the first to last track.

Willie Nelson – Red Headed Stranger (1975)

Rather than the deeper-cut work of Hank Williams (who was a big influence on the artist), we are rolling with Willie's Red Headed Stranger for the classic country record. It's a beautifully pared-down concept album with tasteful composition and instrumentation. Enjoy the intimate story about an unexpected outlaw, full of sweet nylon strings and vocal vibrato.

A Tribe Called Quest – Midnight Marauders (1993)

The ultra-influential hip hop group lays down perhaps their most pinnacle work. The chemistry and vibe of the ensemble mixes with jazz, funk, R&B, and soul. The album resembles a vehicle guided by the voices of urban poetry. The vehicle drives you smoothly down the storied, humorous, and haunting scenes of ‘90s New York City – all in a positive, non-violent light.

More Genre Essentials

These must-have vinyl records expand on our classics list and cover more genres. Check out a few in the genres you dig, or try the musical taste of a less familiar genre.

Rock: The Beatles – Revolver (1966)

Choosing one album to fully represent a genre is impossible – and that rings true for rock. That being said, we choose Revolver as a top rock vinyl record to have in your collection. Capturing The Beatles' shift to more complex songwriting, Revolver explores dynamic lyrical expression and experimental production techniques – mixed with iconic instrumentation and vocal melodies. It's a turning point for a central rock-and-roll band. Don't worry, we like The Rolling Stones, too.

Metal: Black Sabbath – Paranoid (1970)

Bridging the gap from hard rock to metal, Black Sabbath were pioneers of the emerging genre. Paranoid is a good place to start. It plays like a best-of compilation, but with the cohesive aesthetic of an album Inspired by their idea to bring the horror genre to music, Paranoid combines horror imagery with heavy, distorted guitar riffs. The end result is a truly powerful combination, due in no small part to Ozzy Osbourne's sincere vocal delivery and Tony Iommi's ingenious guitar playing.

Folk: Joni Mitchell – Blue (1971)

Considered by critics to be among the best albums of all time, Blue captures the essence of folk music – accompanied by progressive singer-songwriter elements. Joni Mitchell's confessional lyrics explore love, heartbreak, longing, and sentiments of the California avant-garde. Written and produced by Mitchell, the cohesion between her exceptional songwriting, impossible vocals, and tasteful production is at a cloudy high.

R&B / Soul: Marvin Gaye – What's Going On? (1971)

This intensely brilliant and well-thought-out album comes across as living, breathing, and candid – in the best possible way. Influential in many regards, the concept album is sung from the point of view of a Vietnam vet returning to the U.S. The songs (like scenes in a film) flow seamlessly into each other, grounded by Gaye's vocals and the musical backing of the Funk Brothers.

Reggae: Bob Marley & The Wailers – Catch A Fire (1973)

Bringing Bob Marley – and reggae music at large – into international consciousness, Catch A Fire, produced by the luminary Chris Blackwell, is one of the most historically and musically rich albums on this list. The album provides a candid, everyday point of view of Kingston, Jamaica. Mix that with the unique roots textures of Jamaican music, not to mention Jamaican-Caribbean histories, and you'll hear why this is a top vinyl to own.

Punk: The Clash – London Calling (1979)

One of punk's original aesthetics was the pairing down of rock's overly complicated instrumentations and arrangements. It strove to make music approachable, anti-establishment – and energetic. That being said, London Calling is more complex than you'd think. This is because the album bridges earlier, “first wave” punk with the emerging “new wave” direction. Incorporating jazz, reggae, and importantly – punk essence – the reasons stack in place for this to be a must-have record.

Post-Punk / New Wave: Talking Heads – Speaking in Tongues (1983)

This album is nothing but good times. It also happens to be the Talking Heads' commercial breakthrough, climbing dance music charts. Spearheaded by art school students (enter frontman David Byrne), Talking Heads ushered in new genres. For starters, this album's dependence on synthesizers rather than guitar breaks from previous punk parameters. Check out the album's live tour film, Stop Making Sense, for another artistic layer.

Alternative: Radiohead – OK Computer (1997)

A landmark (or cyber milestone) in musical evolution, Ok Computer did exactly what the alternative genre wasn't supposed to do – become popular. Often defined by its “alternative” sound compared to mainstream acts, the new genre was the most apt medium for Radiohead to explore their concept album about the dawn of the computer age.

Rap: Kendrick Lamar – To Pimp a Butterfly (2015)

To Pimp a Butterfly – a literary and street nod to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird – earned Kendrick a GRAMMY in 2016 for Best Rap Album. The experimental hip hop album explores themes of Black American culture, racial dynamics, and mental health. It does this partially by synthesizing styles that Black artists have developed, such as jazz, funk and soul. It's a masterpiece album that includes a village of top-name contributors.

Rare Records

Part of the adventure of crate digging is searching for rare vinyl records. You'll find rare records at pretty much any record store. Boutique record stores will have them on display (and at a higher price), while ordinary shops might have a few in bins. Crate digging at garage sales and secondhand stores can also turn up some hidden gems if you're into the hunt.

Of course, you can search for rare records on the internet, too. Want to look up the value of your record, or one you might purchase? Check out the comprehensive database Discogs. Pay attention to the condition of the record, as this will affect its value and sound. Here are a few categories to consider when searching, followed by a few of our rare vinyl picks.

• Original Press: The first batch of records that were pressed from the master disc. Audiophiles say that original presses – if in good condition – have the best sound quality.
• Foreign Import: Records that were produced in, or distributed to, foreign countries, often containing distinct labeling.
• Recalled Record: Records that were pressed, then recalled and often destroyed.
• Limited Edition: Albums pressed in limited quantities due to marketing decisions, or limited demand and resources. They sometimes contain extra tracks, special vinyl color, or altered album artwork.

Prince – The Black Album (1987)

A leading musical talent of his generation, Prince is also among the best-selling artists of all time. The multi-instrumentalist was known to play many, if not every, instrument on his albums – and produce the music himself. Somewhat of a mysterious figure, Prince's untitled album known as The Black Album is draped in extra mystique. Prince decided at the last minute to recall and destroy the album due to spiritual convictions. Rereleased in 1994, the album contains multiple genre influences and is sung from the perspective of multiple characters.

Hank Mobley – Hank Mobley (1958)

One of the rarest jazz vinyl records of all time, original Hank Mobley 1568 pressings can command as much as $3,000-$5,000 price tags. Mobley is a highly underrated bebop jazz artist. His style hones in on the sweet spot between mellow and aggressive jazz playing. Odds are, you won't find an original pressing – but you can get reissues.

Cult Classics

It should be no surprise that amazing records exist that aren't as popular as those of The Beatles or Taylor Swift. Sometimes records are sonically ahead of their time, have poor marketing, or become secluded to geographic regions. That being said, check out these two cult classic records.

Velvet Underground – Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)

Connecting the dots between Andy Warhol's pop art and New York City's underground scene is the album Velvet Underground & Nico. Produced by Warhol himself, the album (arguably the brainchild of Lou Reed and John Coltrane) explored fringe literary themes and sonically avant-garde frontiers. Although the album received mixed critical responses and low sales, it east-coast snowballed into a cult classic that has influenced rock, punk, and alternative genres.

Rodriguez – Cold Fact (1970)

Rodriguez has one of the most peculiar stories in music history. Born of Mexican immigrant parents in Detroit Michigan, Rodriguez was eventually performing his songs around town. Soon after striking up a record deal and recording two albums, Rodriguez was dropped due to poor sales. Unbeknownst to the label – and Rodriguez himself – he garnered an Elvis-like following and cultural influence in South Africa over the following decades. Listen to the legendary record and watch his Academy Award-winning documentary, Searching for Sugarman.

Tips for Building Your Vinyl Collection

Balancing Quality and Quantity

As mentioned previously, curating a vinyl record collection should focus on quality over quantity. This means choosing albums that you'll listen to over and over. Maybe the record is a staple in your favorite list, or a must-have in your preferred genre. Either way, you know you'll enjoy the record for many spins.

Another aspect to keep at the top of mind is record condition. Put simply, the better the condition, the better the sound and the higher the value. And vice versa. Consider the condition by looking for a condition rating by the record store, looking at the vinyl in light for scratches, or doing a test listen. For a detailed look at condition ratings, check out Gold Mine Magazine. After you get the right record, keep it in good condition by cleaning both the record and your record needle regularly.

Staying Open to Discovery

While focusing on quality is a crucial aspect in building your vinyl collection – take chances, too. You'll eventually want to hear new albums besides the record you've played 1,000 times. Mix in artists you're less familiar with and try different genres to hear how they come alive on vinyl. You can even follow vinyl record collectors to keep fresh ideas flowing.

Photo courtesy of Nathan Van Egmond / Unsplash.

Fill Your Home with Warm Tones

However you approach it, your vinyl journey will be a meaningful one. There's nothing like flipping through your collection and finding the right record for your mood. Set the needle in the groove, then sit back and let the warm tones of vinyl heard on a HiFi stereo console fill your home. A Wrensilva is handbuilt with plenty of room to store albums, so your new records will always be within reach.