The Insider Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Business Insider has affiliate partnerships so we may get a share of the revenue from your purchase.While some holler at the top of their lungs that the music industry is dying in the age of Spotify and iTunes, one form of music sales has been steadily on the rise: vinyl. LP sales have gone up consistently for years now; in 2014 13 million physical records were sold, and thus far in 2015, the number has already surpassed 9 million. Its the most LPs that have been sold since the year Taylor Swift was born.The act of collecting records is an extremely personal one, but there are some records that belong in every collection, regardless of your preferences as an audiophile, and weve done our best to gather them here. Some are classics that never get old, others are records to throw on at a party, and others still are for letting spin as you stare at the ceiling thinking about what a funny thing life can be.If you are new to the vinyl world or you are looking to buy something for the turntable owner in your life, this collection is a good place to start.Classic Rock"Abbey Road" byThe BeatlesWhat it is: The eleventh studio album released by The Beatles and a strong contender for the title of Greatest Album of All Time.Why you should own it on vinyl: Simply put, your collection is incomplete without it. Side two is arguably the greatest 22 minutes of music ever recorded, though Ill acknowledge that claim comes with a healthy dose of personal bias. But regardless of my taste you should own it to serve as a reminder of what an amazing band The Beatles were, and so one day your kid can listen to it on vinyl.Buy it: $18.96."Pet Sounds" byThe Beach BoysWhat it is: The second greatest album of all time, according to Rolling Stone.Why you should own it on vinyl: Full disclosure, before sitting down to write this I hadnt heard "Pet Sounds"front to back in close to a decade, and even then I probably listened to it only once or twice. But while writing this Ive listened to it three times straight, and, oh man, you should own it on vinyl. Thereare so many sounds on this record, and Im not even trying to make a joke there. Just little noises that hit your ears in weird ways that you can tell Brian Wilson spent eternities perfecting. Super fun.Buy it: $18.50."Songs in the Key of Life" byStevie WonderWhat it is: Album of the Year in 1977Why you should own it on vinyl: From Chris Jones 2008 review for BBC: "If you don't own it, buy it tomorrow. Life, literally, isn't complete without it."Buy it: $18.99."Dark Side of the Moon" byPink FloydWhat it is: The source of the most ubiquitous album cover art of all time.Why you should own it on vinyl: So youre ready when your sondiscovers Pink Floyd is the greatest band of all time.Buy it: $27.49."Greetings from Asbury Park" byBruce SpringsteenWhat it is: Springsteens first album and a release of just about every emotion he had felt up until that point in his life.Why you should own it on vinyl:Its a complete album that does everything from celebrating life to questioning the unfairness of death come too soon. "Greetings"has songs to dance to, songs to make out to, and songs to cry to, which is pretty impressive seeing as there are only nine tracks on the record.Buy it: $22.50."Darkness on the Edge of Town" byBruce SpringsteenWhat it is: Springsteens fourth album and the 151st greatest album of all time, according to Rolling Stone.Why you should own it on vinyl: First, because there should just always be room for another Bruce record in your collection. More specifically, "Darkness"is a step back from the collective wall of sound of "Born to Run" which preceded it, allowing for each member of the E Street Band to shine. Adam Raised a Cain is Bruce at his Bruciest, and Prove It All Night is a triumph for the whole band.Buy it: $22.99."Rumours" byFleetwood MacWhat it is: Album of the Year in 1978Why you should own it on vinyl:"Rumours"features some of the best vocal harmonies ever recorded. Ive long argued that this record should continue to win Album of the Year every year until something takes its spot. By my count, its still undefeated.Buy it: $21.21."Aja" bySteely DanWhat it is: Steely Dans sixth album and their first to go platinum.Why you should own it on vinyl: Its probably your dads favorite record.Buy it: $26.40."Graceland" byPaul SimonWhat it is: The combined result of Paul Simon dealing with depression and being inspired by South African music; Album of the Year in 1987.Why you should own it on vinyl: This might be the prettiest album on this list. The South African influence on Simons music provide a ton of fun sounds ears werent used to hearing at the time and still might be new to you: tinny yet bright guitars, a healthy dose of accordion, and smartly syncopated percussion, all combined with Simons talent for organizing harmonies and lyricism. Its a wall of sound like few that came before it.Buy it: $17.99."Purple Rain" by PrinceWhat it is: Prince being Prince.Why you should own it on vinyl: With how large a character Prince exists as within culture, its sometimes easy to forget that hes one of the greatest guitar players of all time. The solo on "Purple Rain" is an easy reminder. Additionally, Lets Go Crazy is one of the best album openers of all time, literally inviting his audience into the pseudo-religious party Prince is about to throw.Buy it: $24."Revolver" byThe BeatlesWhat it is: The third greatest album of all time, according to Rolling Stone.Why you should own it on vinyl: Its the Beatles; dont overthink it.Buy it: $18.99."Thriller" byMichael JacksonWhat it is: The King of Pops masterpiece.Why you should own it on vinyl: Every Halloween party you throw from now on will be exponentially more entertaining.Buy it: $17.99."Whats Going On'" byMarvin GayeWhat it is:Marvin Gaye's most important album.Why you should own it on vinyl:It had been a while since I listened to this record, and before I had refreshed my ears to it I had already written a bit here about how you should buy this record to have something you and your significant other can get freaky to. But then I listened again, and I remembered that this is not "Let's Get It On" Marvin Gaye, even if it sounds like him. This is politically conscious Marvin Gaye. His tones are just as beautiful and the record is phenomenal, but he's singing about some heavy ideas that it's probably best to stay clothed to.Buy it: $19.98."London Calling" byThe ClashWhat it is: The third album by The Clash and the 8th greatest album of all time, according to Rolling Stone.Why you should own it on vinyl: Physically, its another great piece of iconic album artwork; who doesnt want to be smashing a guitar in rock-fueled rage' Musically, critic Mark Kidel has referred to it as the first post-punk double album which seems as fitting a title as any.Buy it: $23.99.EssentialHip Hop"Straight Outta Compton" by NWAWhat it is: Americas introduction to Eazy-E, Dr. Dre, and Ice Cube.Why you should own it on vinyl: Everyone needs to witness the strength of street knowledge. "Straight Outta Compton"laid the groundwork for what would become West Coast hip hop, and is at least partially responsible for the advent of gangsta rap. Having this record in your collection shows that you knew Ice Cube before he was an actor and Dr. Dre before he became the producer/godfather of hip hop figure that he exists as today. If you ever need to rage against the machine, N.W.A has your back.Buy it: $27.45."Illmatic" byNasWhat it is: The first album Nas blessed us with, released when he was just 20 years old.Why you should own it on vinyl: Nas is one of the top three lyricists ever to aim words at a microphone and an East Coast rap first-ballot hall of fame member. The beats from DJ Premiere, Pete Rock, and Q-Tip are so good the album could almost work as an instrumental, but it doesnt. "Illmatic"leans closer to poetry than rap, with Nas continuously showing off his talent for rhythm, internal rhyme, and cadence. Nas drops enough one-liners in his songs that a new one will catch you every listen. Also, "N.Y. State of Mind" will forever be better than "Empire State of Mind".Buy it: $12.98."The Chronic" byDr. DreWhat it is: Dr. Dres solo debut after breaking from N.W.AWhy you should own it on vinyl:"The Chronic"is a clinic in diss rap, with real shots taken at Eazy-E and Ruthless Records. The album was also the worlds introduction to Snoop Dogg, and listening to young Snoop and subsequently thinking about his verse on California Gurls is a tad funny, but also legitimately shows the range Snoop has developed over the years. Be forewarned though: These lyrics are not for the faint of heart.Buy it: $14.99."The Great Adventures of Slick Rick" bySlick RickWhat it is: The first solo record of hip hops greatest storyteller.Why you should own it on vinyl: In terms of tone and cadence, there are few rappers more fun to listen to. His songs tell swerving narratives and his beats are Rick Rubin approved. Add this record to your collection because theres no rapper more fun to introduce to people who dont know him. Plus, songs like Childrens Story teach listeners valuable life lessons.Buy it: $24.98."The Blueprint" byJay-ZWhat it is: One of Jay-Zs top albums and the record that established Kanye West as a top-tier hip hop producer.Why you should own it on vinyl: This is Jay-Z before he married Beyonc and dropped the hyphen. Legend has it that the only rapper to rewrite history without a pen recorded this entire album in just two weeks and wrote all of his lyrics in just two days. If youre going to have Nas in your collection, you have to have at least one Jay-Z record as well, otherwise youre picking sides.Buy it: $16.29."Midnight Marauders" byA Tribe Called QuestWhat it is: The third record from Phife Dog, Ali Shaheed Muhammed, Q-Tip, and Jarobi.Why you should own it on vinyl: The cover art is some of the most iconic in hip hop history; a rap version of the Whos Who' game introduced by the cover of Sgt. Peppers. Also, "Midnight Marauders"is just an awesome record; I think you'll find it precise, bass heavy, and just right.Buy it: $13.99."Pauls Boutique" byBeastie BoysWhat it is: The sophomore record from Ad-Rock, MCA, and Mike D.Why you should own it on vinyl: After the commercial success of their debut "Licensed to Ill", Beastie Boys were labeled by some as frat hip hop due to their comical lyrics and simplistic samples. "Pauls Boutique"is, in a way, a response to that designation as Beastie takes their act to another level. With dense samples (some songs utilizing sounds from as many as 11 other tracks) and more complex lyricism still delivered in their call and response style, this isnt the Beastie Boys record with the most hits on it, but it is definitely the one to own.Buy it: $18.99."good kid, m.A.A.d. city" byKendrick LamarWhat it is: A collection of Kendricks reflections on his hometown, Compton.Why you should own it on vinyl: Kendrick Lamar is the best lyricist hip hop has right now, and its going to take something pretty substantial to dethrone him. "GKMC"is a clinic in storytelling with beats and melodies reminiscent of OutKasts breakthrough records "ATLiens"and "Aquemini". Singles Swimming Pools (Drank) and Bitch Dont Kill My Vibe are standouts, but this album is best when enjoyed front to back.Buy it: $15.99.Stuff I Own And Love And Think You Will, Too"Is This It'" byThe StrokesWhat it is: The debut album of the greatest American rock band of the 20th century.Why you should own it on vinyl: If you are ever hosting a party and get nervous about its musical setting, you can put this album on and buy yourself another 40 minutes. No one disapproves of The Strokes, and if they do, they are wrong. This is probablymy favorite non-Kanye album on this list.Buy it: $15.16."Come On! Feel the Illinois!" bySufjan StevensWhat it is: The second album of Sufjans ill-fated quest to write an album for all 50 states, and the first album I ever listened to obsessively.Why you should own it on vinyl: This record is a full orchestral experience, one that deserves to be blared through high-quality speakers so you can catch every nuance. Sufjan is a great American storyteller, intertwining Midwestern points of reference with extremely human ideas: running away from your problems, coping with loss, and questioning what comes next. I dont think there is a more interesting album on this list in terms of the complexity of different musical and lyrical ideas that "Illinois"deals with.Buy it: $18.99."In the Airplane Over the Sea" byNeutral Milk HotelWhat it is: Jeff Magnum and companys second record and the chief reason Arcade Fire signed to Merge Records, according to Win Butler.Why you should own it on vinyl: This is the record I stare at the ceiling to. Every person should have a record like that, where they sit and think (or dont think) as music pours over them, only moving to flip to side two. This is that album for me, and could be for you, too.Buy it: $16.96."Fate" byDr. DogWhat it is: My favorite record by Philadelphias golden sons of indie rock.Why you should own it on vinyl: This is another one where my bias shows, but just because my recommendation is biased doesnt make it wrong. This album makes me happy in all the right ways and sad in a lot of the right ways, too. Dr. Dog has some of the best harmonies in indie rock. Few songs are more fun to jump to than The Rabbit, the Bat, and the Reindeer. If you buy "Fate"I bet you really enjoy it.Buy it: $16.99."Random Access Memories" byDaft PunkWhat it is: Daft Punks most recent attempt to control the world through music.Why you should own it on vinyl: Daft Punk had a simply stated, yet difficult to execute goal heading into this album. "We wanted to do what we used to do with machines and samplers, but with people," they said in an interview withRolling Stone.In that sense, "RAM"is an enormous success. With real musicians taking the place of computers, humanity shines through the album, with the mix still as precise as anything you would expect from Daft Punk. You probably remember Get Lucky and sure that song is fun, but this album is so much more than that.Buy it: $24.99."For Emma, Forever Ago" byBon IverWhat it is: The self-released debut album from Bon Iver.Why you should own it on vinyl: I am a firm believer that you should have a few albums in your collection that will keep you company when you are sad. After two breakups, one with his girlfriend, one with his band, Justin Vernon set off for a secluded cabin in Wisconsin to spend three months in solitude. After his hibernation, he returned to the world with "For Emma, Forever Ago". Get this record because Bon Iver is there to sonically hold you in your darkest moments.Buy it: $14.98."Funeral" byArcade FireWhat it is: The debut album from Arcade Fire.Why you should own it on vinyl: Own it on vinyl because its important to listen to this one front to back. If the goal of art is to make your audience feel something, "Funeral"is one of the more successful albums of the past 20 years. Win Butlers words hit you in the heart and force you to feel all the feelings. There are very few songs better suited for rage-dancing away your frustrations than Neighborhood #3 (Power Out).Buy it: $16.96."The College Dropout" byKanye WestWhat it is: The album that introduced the world to Kanye West.Why you should own it on vinyl: There is something for every type of hip hop fan on this record. Conscious rap, juvenile rap, even a dash of real throwback R&B with a little help from Jamie Foxx. Personally, this is the record that made me fall in love with Kanye for both his production and wordplay. Get it on vinyl now so when Kanye gets elected president in 2020 you have something for him to sign at the inauguration.Buy it: $16.61."My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" byKanye WestWhat it is: The greatesthip hop album ever made.Why you should own it on vinyl: See above.Buy it: $39.99.RecordsOn My Wishlist"1989" byTaylor SwiftWhat it is: Arguably the most important pop record of the decade from arguably the biggest star on the planet.Why you should own it on vinyl: Almost every song on this record is a hit. There are those out that there that are still going to hate, hate, hate on Taylor Swift but they just have poor taste. These tracks are fantastically constructed pop songs, a fact proven by Ryan Adams covering the entire record and giving it a new, still fantastic voice. If these songs werent good, Adams experiment wouldnt have worked. Plus, its good to add a little brightness to your vinyl collection; its tough to be sad when T-Swift is belting her heart out for you.Buy it: $18.99."AM" byArctic MonkeysWhat it is: The most recent release from Britains biggest rock band.Why you should own it on vinyl: Arctic Monkeys have been a must-watch band since their debut "Whatever People Say I Am, Thats What Im Not". Through their discography theyve shown a pretty wide variance in the style of music they produce, and "AM"is where they put it all together. Alex Turners lyrics are as biting as always, with beats that take you from the club to the drunken walks through the night and eventually to the hangover.Buy it: $19.98."Guardians of the Galaxy Awesome Mix Vol. 1"by Various ArtistsWhat it is: Soundtrack to the 2014 film "Guardians of the Galaxy".Why you should own it on vinyl: Front to back the songs are great. Where else are you going to find Hooked on a Feeling, Spirit in the Sky, and Aint No Mountain High Enough on the same vinyl pressing'Buy it: $45.99."Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" byWilcoWhat it is: Wilcos best-selling album and the finished product of the recording sessions documented in the film "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart".Why you should own it on vinyl: Brent S. Sirito, who reviewed the record for Pitchfork, giving it a perfect 10, says it best: "Complex and dangerously catchy, lyrically sophisticated and provocative, noisy and somehow serene, Wilco's aging new album is simply a masterpiece; it is equally magnificent in headphones, cars and parties. And as anyone who's seen the mixed-bag crowd at Wilco shows knows, it will find a home in the collections of hippies, frat boys, acid-eating prep schoolers, and the record store apparatchiks of the indiocracy. No one is too good for this album; it is better than all of us."Buy it: $22.63.READ THIS NEXT:17 awesome gifts under $50 for your office's Secret Santa poolSEE ALSO:Guys are going crazy for these high quality, affordable, handmade jeansIN CASE YOU MISSED IT:Two experienced business travelers reveal their favorite packing tipsJoin the conversation about this story
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