In an age where people now have instant access to nearly a century of recorded music right on their mobiles, the re-emergence of vinyl records seems as unlikely a comeback as rotary dial telephones. Yet the vinyl revival has happened and isn’t just a nostalgic nod to the past; it’s a cultural phenomenon, blending the memories of music fans of my vintage, with the eclectic tastes and search for ‘the real thing’ of younger buyers.
The Rise, Fall, and Rise Again of Vinyl
Vinyl records, the predominant music format from the 1950s to the 1980s, saw a massive decline with the advent of CDs in the 1980s, the rise of illegal file sharing and finally digital music platforms in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Compact discs promised durability and convenience, while digital formats and streaming services offered an unparalleled ease of access to virtually any song ever recorded. By the turn of the millennium, vinyl seemed destined for the bargain bins of charity shops along with copies of Jilly Cooper novels and old Victor annuals. (Ask yer Da!).
However, just as the last rites for vinyl were being read, something remarkable happened. Around 2007, sales of vinyl began to creep up. What started as a niche market for die-hard collectors and DJs quickly became mainstream. By 2020, vinyl sales had surpassed those of CDs for the first time since 1986, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The once-forgotten format was not just surviving—it was thriving.
Rediscovering the Attraction and Virtues of Vinyl
So, what’s behind this surprising revival? For many, vinyl records offer a tactile and auditory experience that digital formats simply can’t match. The ritual of handling a record, placing it on the turntable, and gently lowering the needle is special for many. The slight crackle as the needle hits the groove is a prelude to the richer, warm sound that follows.
As Jack White of The White Stripes said, “Vinyl is the real deal. I’ve always felt like until you buy the vinyl record, you don’t really own the album. And it’s not just me, a little pet thing, or some kind of retro romantic thing from the past. It is still alive.”
While I’m more at the ‘clothed ear’ end of the spectrum, I’m told by people who know these things that the analogue nature of vinyl allows for a wider dynamic range, providing a fuller, richer sound compared to the compressed audio of digital formats. This nuance in sound and the conscious choice to sit down and listen to a record is particularly appealing to audiophiles who often spend the price of a small car on their home audio systems.
Famous producer Rick Rubin encapsulates this sentiment: “Listening is paying attention to those sounds, being present with them, being in communion with them. Though to say we listen with the ears, or the mind, might be a misconception. We listen with the whole body, our whole self. The difference can be noticed when listening to music through headphones instead of speakers.” (There’s a message in there too for why Radio is still so powerful as a communications medium.)
Who’s Buying Vinyl?
According to figures compiled for the Irish record industry, vinyl sales topped almost 400,000 units in 2023 – a figure that is likely to be matched again this year. Some people (like me!) are buying parts of their long-lost record collections all over again so it’s not surprising to see classics from artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Bob Marley appearing in the best sellers charts.
2023
Vinyl Album Market – Top 20
| Posn |
Title |
Artist |
| 1 |
1989 (TAYLOR’S VERSION) |
TAYLOR SWIFT |
| 2 |
RUMOURS |
FLEETWOOD MAC |
| 3 |
THE SHOW |
NIALL HORAN |
| 4 |
SONGS OF SURRENDER |
U2 |
| 5 |
THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON |
PINK FLOYD |
| 6 |
SPEAK NOW (TAYLOR’S VERSION) |
TAYLOR SWIFT |
| 7 |
UNREAL UNEARTH |
HOZIER |
| 8 |
MIDNIGHTS |
TAYLOR SWIFT |
| 9 |
SONDER |
DERMOT KENNEDY |
| 10 |
DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE’S A TUNNEL UNDER |
LANA DEL REY |
| 11 |
GUTS |
OLIVIA RODRIGO |
| 12 |
LEGEND |
BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS |
| 13 |
FALSE LANKUM |
LANKUM |
| 14 |
CUTS & BRUISES |
INHALER |
| 15 |
AM |
ARCTIC MONKEYS |
| 16 |
FOLKLORE |
TAYLOR SWIFT |
| 17 |
GREATEST HITS |
BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN |
| 18 |
IGOR |
TYLER THE CREATOR |
| 19 |
HARRY’S HOUSE |
HARRY STYLES |
| 20 |
FINE LINE |
HARRY STYLES |
Having said this, the perceived profile of vinyl buyers is not “older white blokes with money and no social life”. On the contrary, the demographics are as diverse as the records themselves. As evidenced by the top selling vinyl albums last year, millennials and Gen Z are also flocking to vinyl for artists such as Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, Niall Horan and Hozier, to name just four. This younger audience, having grown up in the digital age, finds something unique given the tactile and purposeful joy of owning and playing a 12-inch disc.
Irish artists too, are generating a new revenue stream for their music thanks to the vinyl revival. Pressing vinyl is now much more accessible and affordable, with physical records having a greater perceived value and longevity than other formats and fans actually wanting to ‘own’ rather than ‘rent’ them. In recent years this has led to the revival of the iconic, Claddagh Records label by Universal Music in Ireland.
Claddagh Records was founded in 1959 by Garech de Brún, to specialise in Irish traditional music and spoken word featuring artists like The Chieftains‘. It has now tapped into the ‘new trad’ boom with contemporary acts like Lemoncello, Niamh Bury and ØXN.
The Future
The vinyl revival shows no signs of abating. Many artists now release their music on vinyl using streaming as a teaser for the main event. The production of turntables has seen a technological upgrade, catering to both high-end audiophiles and entry-level enthusiasts – they’re even selling them in Lidl on occasion!
Moreover, vinyl’s comeback underscores a broader trend of seeking authenticity and tangible experiences in a digitally dominated world. Just as people are rediscovering the joys of printed books, handwritten letters, and even craft beer, vinyl records offer an antidote from the fleeting, intangible nature of digital consumption.
As Neil Young once said, “Steve Jobs was a digital pioneer, but when he went home, he listened to vinyl.”
So, whether you’re a lifelong vinyl devotee or a curious newcomer, there’s no denying the magic that a spinning record can bring. So, turn on, drop the needle, and let the music play.
Peter McPartlin is co-founder of freelance talent business, The Indie List, former CEO of Today FM and chair of the IMRO Radio Awards.
