Vinyl is Back!

Roll over, Beethoven - a new "old" sound is back. In an age dominated by digital streaming and algorithm curated playlists, vinyl records have been making an unexpected but undeniable comeback since 2007. And no, it’s not just a hipster-fueled nostalgia trip limited to old timers like AC DC, Bruce Springsteen and the Cure. On the contrary, vinyl is steadily reclaiming a place in the mainstream with modern artists like Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Kendrick Lamar also jumping on the vinyl train, and it’s got both data and devotion behind it.

Let’s start with the numbers.

• 2007: The vinyl revival began, marking a renewed interest in vinyl records.

• 2022: Vinyl sales reached 43.5 million units, accounting for 43% of all album sales in the U.S. This year also saw Taylor Swift's "Midnights" become the top-selling vinyl album with 945,000 copies sold.

• 2023: Sales increased to 49.6 million units, showing a significant rise from previous years.

• 2024: Vinyl sales remained strong, with 43.6 million units sold, indicating sustained interest despite a slight decrease from the previous year.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, 2020 vinyl sales surpassed CDs for the first time since the 1980s. So, what's driving this renewed affection for a format once considered obsolete?

Tangible Music in an Intangible World

In a world where most of our media is consumed with a swipe or a tap, vinyl offers a refreshingly tactile experience. Much like the smell and feel of an actual book in place of an audio track; holding a record, admiring its cover art, reading the liner notes, and feeling the grooves makes music more real; something you can touch. I once collected every Iron Maiden album because I absolutely loved their album covers and the music was on some level secondary.

There’s a ritual to it; browsing through albums at the store, carefully sliding the record from its sleeve, admiring the glossy grooves or the artwork etched into the vinyl. Then comes the moment: placing it on the turntable, gently dropping the needle… and waiting for that first sweet sound. It’s an experience - immersive and tactile - that no digital scroll through an online music library can ever truly replicate.

The Sound of Imperfect Perfection

Then there's the sound. Audiophiles argue; passionately - that vinyl delivers a warmer, richer, and more authentic audio experience. The occasional pop or hiss doesn’t detract; it enhances. It’s imperfect, yes, but that imperfection is part of its charm. Unlike the compressed, ultra-polished precision of digital files, vinyl feels alive: an organic, nuanced expression of the music itself.

A Connection to Music’s Past

Owning vinyl is more than a listening preference; it’s a way of connecting with music history. Each record is a time capsule, a physical reminder of the eras and artists that shaped entire generations. It's music not just as entertainment, but as artifact - a collector's item with a story and a soul.

Cool by Nature

Let’s not overlook the aesthetic appeal, either. Vinyl carries a cultural weight that digital formats simply can’t replicate. Whether it’s proudly displayed on a shelf or spinning on a turntable, a record exudes character and individuality.

Take a cigar shop I know—at one point, they began playing vinyl simply because they preferred the warm, analog sound. But something unexpected happened: customers fell in love with it. It quickly became part of the experience. Now, as you sip an espresso and browse cigars, the turntable plays classic records while the album cover is prominently displayed, adding to the atmosphere. It’s immersive - a sensory nod to both the past and the present.

In a time when personal expression is everything, choosing vinyl isn't just nostalgic - it’s a bold, intentional statement.

The Spin Goes On

Vinyl’s revival isn’t just a retro trend; it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of music as a full-sensory, meaningful experience. As we speed toward an ever more digitized future, vinyl reminds us of the value in slowing down, listening closely, and engaging fully.

So, whether you're a lifelong audiophile, a nostalgic soul, or someone simply searching for a more authentic connection to music; maybe it’s time to put the needle on the record. Because everything old isn’t just new again; it’s spinning stronger than ever.