Category: Vinyl Albums

Music is subjective: what we enjoy is deeply rooted in our personality, sense of taste, and developmental years. But some albums are undisputed masterpieces, even if you aren’t a fan of the genre. When played on vinyl, they have a classic sound that can make even those not born in the decade nostalgic for a different time. 

Here are the 15 best vinyl records from the 1980s that you can buy and enjoy now:

1. AC/DC – Back In Black (1980)
2. Prince – Purple Rain (1984)
3. Madonna – Like A Virgin (1984)
4. Kate Bush – Never for Ever (1980)
5. Van Halen – Fair Warning (1981)
6. Pixies – Surfer Rosa (1988)
7. De La Soul – 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)
8. Metallica – …And Justice For All (1988)
9. Talking Heads – Remain In Light (1980)
10. Siouxsie and the Banshees – JuJu (1981)
11. Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)
12. Iron Maiden – The Number Of The Beast (1981)
13. The Cure – Disintegration (1989)
14. N.W.A – Straight Outta Compton (1987)
15. Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit and Rotting Vegetables (1980)
16. Joy Division – Closer (1980)

All albums are available on Amazon.com and you find appropriate links to Amazon in each heading.

1. AC/DC – Back in Black (1980)

The death of Bon Scott was a devastating loss for the hard rock world. When Brian Johnson took over as frontman and lead singer, there were plenty of worries that he couldn’t fill those shoes. Those worries were unfounded, as this first studio album released with him at the helm brought us such classics as ‘Hells Bells,’ ‘You Shook Me All Night Long,’ and of course, the title track “Back In Black.’

It was just the beginning of what would be an excellent run for the band.

2. Prince – Purple Rain (1984)

Prince had a certain “It Factor” that’s hard to explain even now. He wasn’t exactly a trendsetter, as no one could accurately imitate him. He was more the creator of a world all his own, and when he was in his prime, he was untouchable. ‘Purple Rain’ is an album that only gets more beloved with time.

Along with ‘I Would Die 4 You’ and ‘When Doves Cry,’ this record stands alone as one of the best representations of his work in a long and varied career that would bring many twists and turns clear into the new Millennium when we really were partying “like it’s 1999”. If you can hear the final vocal runs on the title track for this masterpiece without getting chills, you are stronger than most. 

3. Madonna – Like a Virgin (1984)

The 1980s was a good decade for the Material Girl. Not only did she record some of the greatest pop songs of all time, but she would go on to lead the way in fashion, music, and social scandals that helped change pop culture forever. In a post-WAP world, it’s hard to remember how shocking Madonna was for the time. 

Watching her performances of her songs on this album through the years is racy even by today’s standards. Police attempted to shut down her shows for obscenity in some cities, and her antics and life as an icon made her the subject of some rather outrageous documentaries. But it all started here, with ‘Like a Virgin.’ 

4. Kate Bush – Never for Ever (1980)

Kate Bush has always been a creative force to be reckoned with. We can see her influence in many interesting artists prominent today, such as Björk, Fiona Apple, and Tori Amos. They all owe a lot to the musical stylings of one of pop’s first manic pixie dreamgirls (meant in the most complimentary way possible). ‘Never for Ever’ isn’t Kate’s most popular album; that honor probably grounds to ‘Hounds of Love’ or ‘The Dreaming.’ 

But while not her biggest hit, it has some of her most poignant songs. The haunting lightness of ‘Army Dreamers’ set to cocking rifles or manic intensity of ‘Babooshka’ makes her third studio album memorable. 

5. Van Halen – Fair Warning (1981)

Everyone who loves Van Halen has their favorite era broken up by the three singers who fronted the band. ‘Fair Warning’ was from the David Lee Roth years, and while it was slower to catch on by the ones who came before it, it’s arguably one of the strongest of an extensive discography. 

‘Unchained,’ the fifth song on the song list, remains one of the most famous of their entire body of work. Listening to it now, it still holds up and is a great taste of what made Roth such a charismatic performer. That scream over Eddie’s opening riffs still sends chills up the spine of listeners decades later. 

6. Pixies – Surfer Rosa (1988)

‘Where Is My Mind’ is one of those songs that transcends the decade. Released in the late ’80s, it became a hit a second time after the film’ Fight Club’ featured it on its’ soundtrack in 1999. It’s hard to think of one without the other to this day. But that song is arguably one of the weakest on an album that gives us one of the most significant alternative records ever conceptualized. 

We would go on to hear the influence of this band (and this album in particular) in many greats to come later, from Smashing Pumpkins to PJ Harvey and Pearl Jam, just to name a few. You can’t find anyone from the 1980s with a similar impact on the sound that would come when Nirvana broke out on the scene and continued through the decade of alternative dominance. 

7. De La Soul – 3 Feet High and Rising (1989)

The moment you listen to the intro to ‘3 Feet High and Rising’, you can’t help but be taken from the charming silliness. The transition into an equally fun sound of ‘Magic Number’ catches the ear and holds onto the heart. 

De La Soul is one of the most incredible early hip-hop acts in history, and they would continue through the ’80s and ’90s to give their unique sound even into the era of gangster rap that would follow. This debut album is just as significant today, epitomizing the genre from their personality to their extensive use of sampling.

8. Metallica – And Justice for All (1988)

Trying to choose one Metallica album from the 1980s from a list like this is frankly painful. You could make a case for most, and entering into the 90’s you would have a similar issue. In the end, ‘…And Justice For All’ made the final cut based on ‘Harvester of Sorrow’ and ‘One,’ which might be one of the most challenging songs in their anthology. 

9. Talking Heads – Remain in Light (1980)

Talking Heads is one of those acts that even people who don’t “get it” can come up with a song they would defend. This band was tailor-made for the MTV era, from their sweeping instrumentals to passionately bizarre music videos. While it doesn’t hold some of their most famous works, like ‘She Was’ or ‘Burning Down The House,’ ‘Remain In Light’ might be described as one of their most “cohesive” albums. 

It was both a commercial and critical success, and after a brief break, they would come back better than ever. But even if they had never recorded again, this record would have acted as a beautiful legacy. 

10. Siouxsie and the Banshees – JuJu (1981)

Siouxie and the Banshee stand in history as one of the greats of the darker underground movements. Creating the aesthetic that we still think of when we talk about classic Goth, the sounds represent that image perfectly. Unforgettable hits like ‘Spellbound’ and ‘Into the Light’ still blast in alternative clubs today, and few acts hold the respect as dear Siouxie. This was not music for the Hot Topic crowd; it was real, raw, and still gets our black hearts pumping. 

11. Michael Jackson – Bad (1987)

Not everyone will agree on the greatest work of Michael Jackson’s solo career. But if you were to ask them to name their favorite album, nine times out of ten, they would say either ‘Thriller’ or ‘Bad.’ For the sake of this list, we choose the second one.

While it’s hard to make such a monumental cut as the record that brought us ‘Billie Jean’ and (of course) ‘Thriller,’ ‘Bad’ and ‘Smooth Criminal’ make up for it. If you have a taste for the late King of Pop’s more sentimental side, you can also add ‘Man In The Mirror’ to that list. Whatever controversies surrounded his personal life, there’s no denying the classics he gifted to the world. 

If you’re an MJ fan, then you will probably enjoy the article I wrote about great Michael Jackson albums you should consider owning on vinyl.

12. Iron Maiden – The Number of the Beast (1981)

‘Hallowed Be Thy Name’ is one of the best metal songs of all time. The End. 

OK, we have to say more about this album than just that, but can you deny it? Teenage rock fans were blown away in 1981 when they heard the ballad of a man facing the gallows, set to screaming guitars and an equally intense vocal performance.

Story songs were a dime a dozen in 80’s concept metal. Few have the emotional impact, and the rest of the album is nearly as impressive. Many have covered this song, Dream Theater to Cradle of Filth. None have the heart-wrenching effect of the original, sung by the incomparable Bruce Dickinson.

13. The Cure – Disintegration (1989)

Robert Smith is one of the old gods of the Goth scene, but he and The Cure had a gentler soul than many of their contemporaries. Listening to ‘Disintegration’ is a reminder that a cloud of hairspray and enough eyeliner to blackout the sun doesn’t stop one from serenading a generation. ‘Lovesong’ and ‘Pictures Of You’ come immediately to mind. 

Still, they’re far from the only examples of incredible and saccharine sweetness that would be overwrought if not for all the heartwarming sincerity offered by Bob’s infamous vocals. We may have had a few years to wait for ‘Friday I’m In Love,’ but there was plenty to fall in love with here. 

14. N.W.A – Straight Outta Compton (1987)

It takes a lot to shock an audience these days. Some of the tracks on Straight Outta Compton, one of music’s most influential rap albums, can still bring the heat. Antiauthoritarian, aggressive, and with the kind of righteous anger that can only come from those who have lived the life, N.W.A is one of the most influential protest groups in history. 

Their debut album remains in the top spot of albums that changed the face of music forever. Not only are they infamous for their reputation as some of the world’s first gangster rappers, but for how this album manages to be even more relevant today than in 1987 when it was released. 

15. Dead Kennedys – Fresh Fruit and Rotting Vegetables (1980)

The belief that punk is dead may not be fair, but it’s hard to disagree when you hear the real OG’s. Dead Kennedys are one of the best of the genre, and nearly every song they have recorded is special in some way. ‘Fresh Fruit and Rotting Vegetables’ has some of their best, and even the less impressive songs blow most punk bands out of the water. 

Listening to this album is a quick way to pump up your rebellious spirit. If you can listen to the tracklist without at least a little desire to mosh, then punk really is dead. But as long as we raise a fist to these classic tunes, we will always keep a little spark of it alive.

16. Joy Division – Closer (1980)

Sometimes listening to Joy Division can feel like an endurance test. Vocalist and frontman Ian Curtis had a way of singing that dripped with cynicism and bitterness. Hearing him belting out songs like ‘Isolation’ and ‘Twenty Four Hours’ puts you in a certain mood that is hard to shake. 

But if you are already in that kind of mood, nothing else but the painful refrains of Joy Division will do. ‘Closer’ is one of their best albums, and you can’t beat hearing it on the original vinyl. They are one of those bands that feel more complete when coming from a turntable. Even if you weren’t alive during their heyday, you will get a sense of nostalgia for the era. 

Vinyl records have been a popular way of listening to music since the early 1900s. They produce excellent sound and are treasured collectibles – some vinyl records are even worth thousands of dollars. If you’re a vinyl enthusiast, you’ve probably wondered how expensive they can get.

Here are the top 10 most expensive vinyl records: 

1. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin – Wu-Tang Clan  
2. Double Fantasy – John Lennon and Yoko Ono
3. The White Album – The Beatles  
4. My Happiness – Elvis Presley 
5. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
6. Yesterday and Today – The Beatles 
7. Till There Was You – The Beatles  
8. Aphex Twin aka Caustic Window – Caustic Window  
9. Alcohol and Jake Blues – Tommy Johnson
10. Do I Love You Indeed (Indeed I Do) – Frank Wilson 

While you can buy a few of these records (for a hefty price), some are incredibly rare with only one or two copies in existence. This article takes a deeper look at the most expensive and valuable vinyl records of all time. 

1. Once Upon a Time in Shaolin – Wu-Tang Clan

Cost: $2 million 

Once Upon a Time in Shaolin was released back in 2015 by the Wu-Tang Clan, a popular hip-hop group. 

The Wu-Tang Clan produced only one copy of this album to make a statement against the commercialization of the music industry. The vinyl is precious because there’s only one copy available and it represents the hard work and values that went into making the album. 

History of the Album 

‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ was born when Wu-Tang’s producer, Cilvaringz, decided to create the album as a work of art. The group agreed to produce only one copy as a statement against piracy, streaming, and the easy accessibility to music. 

The group took six years to record the album. Aside from members of the Wu-Tang Clan, the album features performances from Cher and Carice Van Houten.

The vinyl  was auctioned in 2015 on Paddle8 and was purchased for $2 million by Martin Shrekli. The album was then seized by the US Department of Justice when Shrekli was arrested for fraud.

In 2021, the US Department of Justice sold the album to a group called PleasrDao, which purchases digital assets that have been made by blockchain code. 

Only a few people can listen to the entire album as there’s a legal agreement that protects it. However, in November 2016, Shkreli played some excerpts of the album online. 

Type of music: The music in the album can be characterized as hardcore hip hop. The whole album is 110:12 minutes long and contains 26 tracks. 

Where to buy Once Upon a Time in Shaolin: You can’t buy ‘Once Upon a Time in Shaolin’ as the album isn’t for sale, and there’s only a single copy in existence. Lately, PleasrDao has been looking into sharing the album with fans across the world.

2. Double Fantasy – John Lennon and Yoko Ono 

Cost: $850,000

Double Fantasy was released in 1980, a few weeks before John Lenon was murdered. It was not met with success as critics noted that the album lacked substance and distinctive melodies. 

However, a signed copy of the record became one of the most expensive ever sold in 2010, with a price tag of a whopping $850,000! The reason for the high price? It was the last record John Lennon ever signed. 

History of the Album 

Double Fantasy, also known as A Heart Play, was conceptualized as an intimate musical dialogue between a husband and wife. Lennon and Ono began recording the album’s first songs in secret, paying for the sessions themselves. Eventually, the couple signed with Geffen Records. 

When released, the album received negative reviews from a collection of critics. However, when Lennon was murdered, the press stopped printing negative reviews, choosing to cover the singer’s assassination instead. 

In 2010, Ono and Jack Douglas, a producer the couple worked with, released a remix of the album titled Double Fantasy Stripped Down. This disc edition had the original album and a simpler version that focused on the vocals instead of the instrumentals. 

Initially, the most expensive version of the record sold was in 1999, for $150,000. A decade later, another copy (this one) was sold at $850,000 in 2010. This second record is rumored to have been signed for his killer, Mark Chapman, a few hours before Chapman shot Lennon. 

Type of music: This album features mainly rock music and is 45:01 minutes long.

Where to buy Double Fantasy: You can buy a copy of the ‘Double Fantasy’ vinyl online. While the signed copy is extremely rare and may as well be unavailable, you should be able to find the vinyl.

3. The White Album – The Beatles 

Cost: $790,000 

The White Album is one of The Beatles’ most prolific albums and was released in 1968. It features various genres and musical styles, including hard rock, blues, folk, and country. The most expensive copy of this album was sold for $790,000. 

History of the Album 

The Beatles began writing songs for The White Album during a transcendental meditation course in India. The group recorded the songs between the months of May and October in 1968. The album has thirty songs of which only sixteen feature all The Beatles together. 

Music history and industry experts claim that the tension and strife within the group can be heard in the songs in The White Album. Indeed, the group split up a few months after the album was released.

While there have been many copies of the album on vinyl, the ones with the lowest serial numbers are the most valuable. 

When the album was initially produced, each copy was stamped with a unique serial number. The lower numbers are considered more valuable as they were the records given to The Beatles and their producers. 

The first copy of the album numbered 0000001, belonged to Beatles member Ringo. In 2015, it broke the Guinness World Record for the most expensive commercially-available album — it was sold for $790,000. 

Type of music: The White Album has a wide range of music genres, including country, reggae, blues, and folk. Most of the songs heavily feature the acoustic guitar.

Where to buy the White Album: You can buy copies of the ‘White Album’ on websites like eBay or at record stores. These copies frequently come up for sale online, although the ones with the lower serial numbers are rare.

4. My Happiness – Elvis Presley 

Cost: $300,000

My Happiness is a vinyl record that features two songs — My Happiness and That’s Where Your Heartaches Begin. The original record is the first one Presley ever produced, making it extremely valuable, and it sold for $300,000 at an auction in 2015.

History of the Album 

In 1953, Elvis Presley rented a few minutes of Studio Time at Memphis Recording Studios for $4. He recorded two covers of ballads from the 1930s — ‘My Happiness’ and ‘That’s Where Your Heartaches Begin.’ 

Presley originally recorded the songs as a birthday present for his mother but gave the record to his friend Ed Leek. While he was recording, a Memphis Recording Studios Executive wrote his name down as an individual to remember.

In 2015, the record was on sale as part of a Graceland auction of Presley memorabilia. A musician by the name of Jack White bought the vinyl and used the record to produce a limited-edition facsimile that he sold through Third Man Records. 

Type of music: The songs on this record are sung in a ballad style.

Where to buy My Happiness: You can buy ‘My Happiness’ online from certain music websites. As Jack White produced some facsimiles of the album, you should be able to find copies for purchase, but they are relatively rare and expensive. 

5. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles 

Cost: $290,500 

This album is The Beatles’ eighth studio album, released in 1967. It received a favorable response from fans and critics at the time and continues to receive accolades and recognition. 

There are many vinyl records of the Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, but the most expensive one sold was auctioned for $290,500. The high value is because the Beatles personally signed this particular record. 

History of the Album 

Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was conceptualized by Paul McCartney and the recording began in 1966. When it was released, the album spent 27 weeks on the British Top Hits of the week and stayed in the US Top 200 for 15 weeks.

Some of the most prolific songs in the album are Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, With a Little Help from My Friends, and Within You, Without You. The last song in the track — A Day in the Life — was banned in Britain after its original release. 

The album should also be recognized for its technical features, experimentation, and use of the four-track recording. Some songs even use reduction mixing and automatic double-tracking. 

In 2013, a copy of the record signed by The Beatles was sold to an anonymous buyer for $290,000. 

Type of music: Most of the songs in the album fall within the rock, pot, and art-rock genres. The entire album is only 39:36 minutes long.

Where to buy Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: You can buy a copy of the ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’ online from websites like eBay, or offline from record and vintage stores. While there are vinyl records, you won’t find a signed copy so easily.  

6. Yesterday and Today – The Beatles 

Cost: $234,000

‘Yesterday and Today’ is another invaluable vinyl record signed by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, and Ringo Starr. The record was sold to an anonymous buyer for $234,000 at a Beatles-themed auction. 

History of the Album 

Yesterday and Today was released in North America and had a mix of songs from The Beatles that hadn’t been featured on other albums. As a result, this album contains a delightful collage of different tunes.

There were several options for the album cover, the most famous one being where The Beatles wore white butcher’s coats and were shot holding plastic doll parts and trays of meat. This ‘butcher cover’ was said to be The Beatles’ statement against the war in Vietnam. 

Capital Records used this cover on promotional vinyls which they publicized through the media and at select record stores. But the cover received an immediate backlash and Capital Records had to recall most of the originals. 

However, some of these records had already been sold, and because of the recall, the butcher cover became invaluable. 

The most expensive copy of Yesterday and Today, with the butcher cover, was sold for $234,000. The buyer chose to remain anonymous but later revealed that they bought the record as an investment knowing that it would become more valuable in the coming years.

Type of music: This album features folk and country songs and includes several examples of musical and instrumental experimentation.

Where to buy Yesterday and Today: You can buy copies of ‘Yesterday and Today’ online and at record stores. You may have to search a while to find people willing to sell you the original version, and getting a copy with the ‘butcher cover’ will be pretty challenging.

7. Till There Was You – The Beatles 

Cost: $100,000

‘Till There Was You’, recorded in 1962, features the cover of a famous Broadway song with the same name. This broadway piece was written in 1950 by Meredith Wilson and performed in The Music Man (1957). The record was sold for $100,000 in 2015. 

History of the Album 

The Beatles recorded ‘Till There Was You’ during an unsuccessful audition for Decca Records in 1962. The album features Paul McCartney on the vocals, Ringo Star on bongo, and George Harrison and John Lennon on acoustic guitars.

In 2016, a private pressing of ‘Till There Was You’ was sold at an auction for $100,000 to an anonymous buyer. This pressing also has the song ‘Hello Little Girl’ on the flip side and features the handwriting of The Beatles manager, Brian Epstein, which significantly adds to its value.

Type of music: Till There Was You falls within the pop genre and is a mere 2:10 minutes long.

Where to buy Till There Was You: You can buy ‘Till There Was You’ by The Beatles on vinyl from websites like eBay. You probably won’t be able to buy the original pressing though as it’s a treasured collector’s copy.

8. Aphex Twin aka Caustic Window – Caustic Window

Cost: $46,300 

This album was recorded by Richard D James, also known as the Aphex Twin. James began recording it in 1994 but produced only five copies of the album. As there are only a limited number of copies, the original vinyl records are pretty expensive — one copy was sold for $46,300. 

History of the Album 

Richard D James recorded songs for Caustic Window through the 1990s. However, the album’s official release was canceled, and only five copies were produced on vinyl. The most expensive sale of the album on record was in 2014, when it was sold to Markus Persson, creator of Minecraft.

Type of music: The album features ambient techno, acid techno, and acid house beats. Altogether, the songs are upto 69:25 minutes long. 

Where to buy Aphex Twin, aka Caustic Window: You can’t buy the vinyl version of ‘Aphex Twin, aka Caustic Window’, as there are such few copies in existence. But you can find some of the tracks on YouTube, including Astroblaster, Fingry, and the Garden of Linmiri.

9. Alcohol and Jake Blues – Tommy Johnson 

Cost: $37,100

Alcohol and Jake Blues was recorded by blues musician Tommy Johnson for Paramount Records in 1929. In 2013, a 1930 cut of the record was sold for $37,100 at an online auction. Only two copies of this record have been produced till date. 

History of the Album

Tommy Johnson recorded this album between 1929 and 1930 for Paramount Studios and it was one of the five records he created for the studio. 

Tommy left Paramount Records over a controversy with claims that he had lost the right to record with them. As Johnson recorded only a few cuts for Paramount Studios, a record with the studio logo became highly-coveted.

In 2013, Alcohol and Jakes Blues became the most expensive 78 rpm record sold when John Tefteller bought it. Tefteller is known for collecting rare vinyl records and described this purchase as the holy grail, well worth the $37,100 he paid. 

Type of music: As the title of the album suggests, the genre is primarily the blues, and Johnson displays an impressive vocal range through all the songs.

Where to buy Alcohol and Jake Blues: You can’t buy a vinyl version of ‘Alcohol and Jake Blues’ as there were very few records produced before Johnson decided to leave Paramount. Instead, you can listen to the songs on YouTube or Amazon Music.

10. Do I Love You Indeed (Indeed I Do) – Frank Wilson 

Cost: $37,000

This record includes a single song by Frank Wilson for Motown. Wilson pressed only two hundred and fifty demos for Motown, making each vinyl highly-coveted. The last recorded sale of this single was in 2009, at a price of $37,000.

History of the Album 

Frank Wilson was a prolific soul producer and singer who worked for Motown Records. However, Do I Love You Indeed (Indeed I Do) is the only single that Wilson recorded for the studio. 

While he produced a significant number of demos, most were destroyed. Only a few survived and have been put up for sale on the open market. 

In 2009, one copy was sold to an anonymous buyer for $37,000.

Type of music: The music on this record can be classified as ‘American Soul.’ 

Where to buy Do I Love You Indeed (Indeed I Do): You can’t buy ‘Do I Love You (Indeed I Do)’ as the originals are extremely rare and hard to find on the market. However, you can listen to the songs online, on YouTube and other streaming portals.

Related articles:

• Are Vinyl Records a Good Investment?

Collecting vinyl records can be a gratifying process. However, it can be a bit overwhelming at times. There’s so much music out there, and it can be challenging to decide which albums you want to add to your collection without making selections that can be deemed as “basic,” including the best hip hop vinyl records.

Here are the 13 best hip hop albums you should own on vinyl:

1. Dreamland by Glass Animals
2. Because the Internet by Childish Gambino
3. Check Your Head by Beastie Boys
4. Madvillainy by Madvillain
5. Kala by M.I.A.
6. Kings & Queens by Jamie T
7. Hymie’s Basement by Hymie’s Basement
8. Things That Happen at Day […] by R.A.P. Ferreira (Milo)
9. Zelda & Chill by Mikel
10. Good for You by Aminé
11. Limbo by Aminé
12. Lofi Dreams by Chill Beats

In the rest of the article, I’ll be discussing each of these albums and why they would make such excellent additions to your vinyl collection. Without further ado, let’s take a look.

1. Dreamland by Glass Animals

In 2010, a group of childhood friends got together and formed a band that would later become a globally-adored indie and alternative rock phenomenon: Glass Animals.

Glass Animals has been a longtime favorite of many indie and alternative fans, known for their creative percussion, cleverly dark lyrics, and catchy rhythmic choices that give the band a unique sound like no other. They’ve served as the birthplace for many indie anthems that are loved by many, even those who are not fans of the genre itself.

However, in recent years, Glass Animals has made a major stylistic shift and drew inspiration from the early 2000s to create their hip hop album Dreamland. Though the album may seem as a rebranding of the band to some, others see it as an evolution. The album may be different than what fans are used to but the band is still fundamentally the same: excellent, innovative, and adored.

Dreamland was released in August of 2020 and offers contemporary and experimental instrumentals, heavily influenced by modern and mainstream hip hop while still maintaining the taste of the band’s classic lyrical genuineness. The album is a revolutionary combination of audible psychedelic color and pop-inspired vocal styles.

“Heat Waves” is trending on TikTok and is currently at 888.6 million streams on Spotify, with “Tokyo Drifting” coming in second at 87.5 million plays. Another favorite is the track “Waterfalls Coming Out Of Your Mouth,” which, somehow, despite all of the genre changes the band has gone through, just sounds so much like Glass Animals.

Dreamland is quite close to a masterpiece. Enjoy a traditional Glass Animals feel blended beautifully with modern hip hop trends that make this album the artistic and beloved piece that it is.

This album is excellent, and it’ll definitely be a tasteful and wise addition to your collection of hip hop vinyl records.

2. Because the Internet by Childish Gambino

Donald Glover is a beloved actor and musician known for his popular roles in productions like Community and Solo: A Star Wars Story. He creates music under the stage name Childish Gambino and is well known for his song “Redbone” and his popular album Because the Internet.

Because the Internet is the perfect collection of songs for staring at the ceiling and thinking about the world. Glover’s songs invite you to actively contemplate the things happening around you, and ponder your place in it all.

Enjoy timeless hip hop stylistic trends blended with experimental sounds that make Glover’s music so unique. Humanities House claims that “the album was met with mostly positive reviews, but in many people’s eyes, it was seen as a masterpiece.”

This album has earned millions of streams, but its popularity doesn’t deem this album “basic” — it’s classic, and Glover is most certainly a musical genius to say the least. Because the Internet has been constructed in a way that pulls listeners in and never lets them go, trapping them within walls of audible pleasantness and lyrical hypnotics.

Glover’s most acclaimed album indeed deserves to be deemed a masterpiece not only in the genre of hip hop, but the world of modern music as a whole.

With all of this in mind, I highly recommend that you purchase a vinyl copy of Because the Internet as soon as possible. It’ll definitely earn your collection the title of “tasteful.”

3. Check Your Head by Beastie Boys

Check Your Head was released in 1992 by Beastie Boys, a globally adored rap-rock group known for their innovative combination of punk, jazz, and hip hop.

The band’s third studio album is arguably claimed to be their finest work. Loudwire describes Check Your Head as an “eclectic” concoction of “punk, jazz, hardcore, funk, rock, rap and whatever else they could find in the kitchen sink.”

This album is considered by some to be an eclectic and experimental hip hop masterpiece like no other that saved the career of the band while simultaneously paving the way for many other artists to follow.

While critics call Check Your Head sloppy, the band’s sound is contrarily praised for being an unconventionally stylistic and intentionally different production that resulted in a beloved collection of tracks that would set the table for many future artists to take a seat and devour its influence.

It’s ultimately a classic in the alternative hip hop realm and will undoubtedly be at home in your own vinyl collection.

4. Madvillainy by Madvillain

Madvillainy is a 2004 album created by the American duo Madvillain. Since its release, it has been acclaimed by many who love its unique take on contemporary hip hop trends and its set of colorful yet cohesive tracks that makes the album blend together really nicely. Pitchfork describes Madvillainy as “one of the most anticipated releases in underground rap history.”

Supported with hints of jazz influence and a crisp, pleasing sound, Madvillainy has reached millions of streams on Spotify, with the popular track “All Caps” currently at 52.1 million plays and “Accordion” at 44.2 million. Madvillainy’s tracks are smooth, with clean instrumentals and a soothing sound that’s nearly impossible to stop listening to.

The album is like no other. It’s creative, tasteful, and musically pleasing to the ear. Not only will it sound great on vinyl, but it’ll also look great in your collection.

5. Kala by M.I.A.

Released in 2007, Kala by British hip hop artist M.I.A. remains a widely known and beloved classic in the world of alternative hip hop.

Kala combines dance, world music, and hip hop elements to create the unique sound that produced tracks like “Paper Planes,” which was given a Grammy nomination for Record of the Year in 2009. “Paper Planes” is currently at 475.9 million streams on Spotify and has been remixed by other acclaimed artists who have found themselves falling in love with M.I.A.’s talent for musical storytelling.

M.I.A. claims that her work in this album is heavily influenced by her mother and the adversities her parent faced in life, allowing this collection of tracks to earn her mother’s name as its own title — Kala.

Kala features excellent music, but it’s also known for M.I.A.’s “controversial” views on political issues and the fight against censorship in the musical industry. Her songs give you something to think about in context with the world and the negative things that are taking place across the globe.

It’s difficult to not feel inspired after listening to the songs in Kala, because they make you feel like you can take on every trial that comes your way. M.I.A. is an artist whose courage inspires others to feel courageous as well.

Pitchfork claims that “in contrast to her comparatively sparkly and streamlined debut, Kala is clattering, buzzy, and sonically audacious.” It is surely an album like no other, and will change the way you think of not only the world, but of hip hop in general.

Why not add a classic like Kala to your vinyl collection? Owning this album on vinyl will undoubtedly show that you have an honorably open-minded taste.

6. Kings & Queens by Jamie T

Kings & Queens was released on September 4, 2009 by English musician Jamie Alexander Treays under his stage moniker, Jamie T.

The album combines nostalgic notes of fast-paced 2000’s indie rock instrumentals with lyrical styles influenced by modern rap and hip hop. Treays managed to create a collection of tracks that feel simple on the outside but carry deep complexities within.

Tracks like “368,” “Sticks ‘N’ Stones,” and “Chaka Demus” offer complex and rhythmic word sequences that almost beg you to sing along, while “Castro Dies” provides a more traditional hip hop sound with its expeditious vocals and lively character. “Sticks ‘N’ Stones” remains a favorite of many and currently has 56.9 million streams on Spotify.

According to The Guardian, Treays “sings about the important things in life” with his lighthearted take on heartbreak, the world, and what makes “life worth living.”

“Jamie T’s great gift, as a songwriter,” says The Guardian, “is his ability to filter the detritus of his own overloaded mind, in order to help us pick through our own.”

Treays is praised for the way he redirects everyday adversities into complex and heartfelt tracks that make Kings & Queens the unorthodox gem that it is. His work is almost humorous in style, and it’s apparent that his perspective is one of jovial nature and a true rarity. He maintains a positive outlook on life while not forgetting to acknowledge the things that hurt, and it’s refreshing to hear that in this album.

So if you’re looking for a creative combo of indie rock, hip hop, and fresh views on the world around us, look no further than Jamie T’s iconically innovative album Kings & Queens.

7. Hymie’s Basement by Hymie’s Basement

Hymie’s Basement is an Oakland-based musical duo that was formed in the early 2000s.

Their one album, Hymie’s Basement, was released in 2003. Their work is currently classified as abstract hip hop, with tracks like “21st Century Pop Song” blending alternative sounds with more current takes on hip hop percussion and lyrical structure.

Artists Yoni Wolf and Andrew Broder bonded over veganism and decided to create Hymie’s Basement in an actual basement — the basement of a record store co-owned by Broder’s wife. The album offers an atmospheric sort of ambience so beautiful and high-quality that you would never expect the tracks to have been recorded in such a place.

Pitchfork also says that “while suburban ennui and disjointed American ideology sit at the heart of the duo’s concerns, there are even yet more introspective and emotional facets to their sound… It leaves you exhausted, fulfilled and with plenty to think about.”

There’s something so melancholy about Hymie’s Basement, particularly “21st Century Pop Song.” The lyrics and overall vibes are heavily existential, provoking the listener to not only be a listener, but a deep thinker. It reminds you of nothing and everything all at once, and it’s a really beautiful thing to observe.

The tracks in Hymie’s Basement are abstract, but they lead you in a direction of contemplation and healing nonetheless. The experience of actively listening to their work and thinking about the messages they’re trying to send is something remarkable. You feel like a new person after listening to Hymie’s Basement.

If you’re looking for hip hop with meaningful lyrics and a creatively unique sound, purchasing Hymie’s Basement on vinyl is definitely a great idea. The album is innovatively bittersweet, visionary, and profoundly genuine.

8. Things That Happen at Day […] by R.A.P. Ferreira (Milo)

The actual name of this album by R.A.P. Ferreira, also known as Milo, is Things That Happen at Day/Things That Happen at Night, but that’s quite a mouthful. The Wisconsin-based rapper and hip hop artist released this long-titled but brilliant album in 2013.

Childish Gambino’s instrumentals meet Cake’s vocals in Milo’s Things That Happen at Day/Things That Happen at Night. His tracks are unique, to say the least. The album’s most famous song “Folk-Metaphysics” is currently at 6.4 million streams on Spotify.

A review by user ElectricMess on Album of the Year says that the album is full of “sober thoughtfulness” and “entrancing psychedelics” that make it difficult to stop listening.

His work is smooth, and though the lyrics are laced with heartbreak, the sound of Milo’s discography is soothing to the ear. Songs like “Folk-Metaphysics” and “Almond Milk Paradise” offer pleasing and creative instrumentals with complex, thoughtful lyrics that would be nice to hear through the crispness of vinyl.

9. Zelda & Chill by Mikel

Zelda & Chill is a lo-fi hip hop album inspired by Nintendo’s phenomenal video game franchise, The Legend of Zelda.

This is the perfect album if you’re in the mood for mellow hip hop instrumentals without words. The focus of this album isn’t lyrical, but fret not; the emotion is still there, and perhaps even more potent than it would be with words to go along with the ambient instrumentals. Enjoy lovable tracks like “Fairy Fountain,” which is currently at 18.6 million streams on Spotify.

Any lo-fi chill hop is excellent to have on vinyl; put it on in the background while studying, working, or even resting for a hip hop kind of ambiance that warms your heart.

According to Discover Magazine, this ever-growing hip hop subgenre is being used by music therapists to rearrange everyday — and often provoking — background noises into something ambient, allowing patients to “better articulate their feelings.”

By turning familiar sounds like coffee shops and chatter into hip hop beats, the result is something relaxing and accessible that brings order to emotional clutter by bringing order to the audible chaos of the world around us.

Zelda & Chill is a great album to purchase on vinyl if you’re looking to get into lo-fi hip hop. With beloved tracks from the Zelda franchise, you’re sure to find familiarity and solace when you hear this record spinning on the player.

With a vinyl copy of Mikel’s Zelda & Chill, you can enjoy the whole experience of its soft traditional hip hop percussion mixed with hints of jazz influence and classic Nintendo tunes that will surely warm your heart.

10. Good for You by Aminé

Good for You was released in 2017 as Aminé’s debut studio album, best known for the iconic track “Caroline.”

Adam Aminé Daniel, known as Aminé to his extensive collection of fans, is an American singer and songwriter who first gained traction thanks to his single “Caroline” and its eventual inclusion on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“The Portland rapper’s debut album balances playful verses and cheerful wit with more revealing moments of introspection,” says Pitchfork. “Despite the album’s overwhelmingly lighthearted mood, though, he doesn’t shy away from making a few more serious statements” about Portland culture and human tendencies.

Good for You is stocked with catchy and rhythmically-pleasing tracks like “Caroline” and “Spice Girl,” which have reached 613.9 million and 165.3 million plays on Spotify.

Aminé’s musical style is an understandable favorite of many. He is adored for his irony and his entertaining character, and is truly adored by every fan he recruits. His songs stay stuck in your head, and the lyrical structure is clever and matched with creative instrumentals that you can listen to on repeat with no shame.

So if you’re in the mood to stock your shelves with a modern hip hop classic, give the album Good for You a go.

https://www.discogs.com/sell/release/13442032?ev=rb

11. Limbo by Aminé

Aminé’s limited LP is a studio album available on vinyl only at Urban Outfitters.

Though Limbo portrays a pretty significant change in Aminé’s overall style, the album still packs a punch while maintaining bits and pieces of the artist’s beloved and flavorful character. This album features the single “Shimmy,” which has reached 26.4 million streams on Spotify, along with other tracks like “Compensating” (Ft. Young Thug), which is at 48.1 million.

So if you’re a fan of Aminé and Good for You, you might want to give Limbo a go. Though Limbo features a pretty significant stylistic difference from Good For You, it still sounds very Aminé.

“Aminé is more conscious of the big picture on Limbo,” says Pitchfork, “but there are still a few glimpses of the nonchalant scamp he used to be.”

Not only is the album a great example of fantastic hip hop, but it also makes for a great collector’s item. The physical record itself is a beautiful lime green that’ll undoubtedly look nice on your record player.

12. Lofi Dreams by Chill Beats

Chill Beats is excited to announce that they’ve released their first ever compilation record, and it’s on vinyl.

There’s something so soothing about chilled lo-fi hip hop. Though this subgenre is typically free from lyrics, most tracks are not far from being just as — if not more — emotional as traditional lyrical hip hop. Lofi Dreams is perfect background music for studying, working, reading, gaming, and much more.

“This collectible limited edition press features all 30 tunes from the record on two colored 33rpm standard weight vinyl records,” says Chill Beats. “The record also comes with a high-quality matte sleeve of the cover. There will only ever be 500 and once they’re sold, they’ll be gone.”

If you’re a fan of hip hop and collectible vinyl records, don’t hesitate to put Lofi Dreams on your wishlist.

Why You Should Buy Vinyl

As you might’ve noticed, vinyl sales have absolutely skyrocketed in the past few years, and they’re only growing in popularity.

The world was surprised when, in 2020 — for the first time in 34 years — vinyl sales actually surpassed CD sales, literally turning tables by putting an older medium of music distribution above newer options like CDs.

With digital streaming (and even CDs) being such an accessible way to listen to music, we have anything we want directly at our fingertips. But even as we’re spoiled with the luxury of millions of songs having the ability to fit in our pockets, there’s still something so magical about collecting the albums we love on vinyl.

A good vinyl collection isn’t just a way to listen to music anymore, though many claim that music sounds better on a record player than through a digital device.

Collecting vinyl is a way to make the music we love seem more tangible and real. You can hold it in your hands, hang the album covers on your wall, and watch the record spin. You can see your music as the art it is, and there’s something special about that.

So why not start your collection today?

If you’re a fan of hip hop, add any of the 12 best hip hop albums in this list to your vinyl collection.