Record Store Day: 10 Vinyl Albums Every Music Lover Should Have
Saturday (April 22) is Record Store Day, an annual celebration of vinyl records and those who collect them.
Participating record stores across America are joining in on the party – a list of which can be found here on the official website of the unofficial holiday.
For avid record collectors, amassing a sizable collection is a natural progression. However, for those new to the world of vinyl, the vast array of options may seem daunting. Fear not, we've got you covered.
Here are 10 must-have records that will not only enhance your collection but also set the perfect mood for tidying up or hosting gatherings with friends and family. These albums are sure to resonate with every listener, providing a delightful auditory experience for all.
D’Angelo: “Voodoo”
D’Angelo’s sophomore album was recorded at Jimmy Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios and is still electric to this day. A landmark album in neo-soul, Voodoo is a must-have vinyl to set a variety of moods. It’s funkier than Brown Sugar with perhaps more groove that successfully combined elements of R&B and hip-hop at a time those two were often separated. Classic.
Fela Kuti: “Zombie”
A quintessential album for the Afrobeat genre, Zombie was a scathing critique of the Nigerian military and was used as inspiration by the country’s government to murder Kuti’s mother, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and destroy his commune. Musically, the LP was one of the most impactful of the 1970s and is a must-have in anyone’s collection.
The Roots: “Things Fall Apart”
Things Fall Apart is one of the foundational albums of alternative rap's second wave and marked when the Roots' greatness hit on all cylinders, forming a structured album that kept its focus throughout. The transitions from track to track are very seamless, even if the ensemble gives up some of the unpredictable nature of its jam sessions, the resulting consistency more then makes up for it. A necessary have for any hip-hop vinyl collection.
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Lauryn Hill: “The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill”
The masterful debut of Ms. Lauryn Hill, the 1998 LP is still fresh to this day and is one of the best examples of mixing hip-hop with soul, reggae and r&b ever created. It’ll also have anyone listening at home stirring up all sorts of emotions – from laughing and crying to dancing. It can really tell you about yourself on any given day.
Michael Jackson: “Thriller”
It’s the best-selling album of all-time. It’s an LP full of hits and no one, I repeat, no one gets angry when someone pops it onto the turntable. No brainer.
J Dilla: “Donuts”
The masterpiece of the Detroit native and Slum Village member, Donuts proved you don’t need an elaborate studio to create excellent music. Recorded mostly on drum machines and samplers, the LP is still inspirational to many musicians to this day and is a part of every big-time collector's record stash.
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Zapp: “The New Zapp IV U”
The fourth studio album from Roger Troutman’s Zapp, The New Zapp IV U is a must-have to set a funky backdrop in your home space. I mean, who doesn’t love “Computer Love”?
A Tribe Called Quest: “Midnight Marauders”
Perhaps Tribe’s masterpiece, Midnight Marauders is one of those hip-hop albums you can put the needle to wax on and just let it go from front-to-back flawlessly. It’s simply a classic and a need for any sort of vinyl collector.
The Internet: “Ego Death”
The most recent album selection on this list, 2015’s Ego Death had The Internet coming into their own with their third album. Strident bass, glittering keys, and breakbeat-worthy percussion are all present in abundance on every track with lead vocalist Syd The Kyd deserving much of the praise for gaining confidence and letting her voice loose throughout the album. She’s now known as a torch carrier for classic funk and R&B and it really all began with Ego Death.
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Bob Marley & The Wailers: “Exodus”
Need positive vibes? Put on Exodus, and voilà, you have them instantly. You’re welcome.
