Getting back in the groove
Despite being superseded technology, vinyl records are returning to music stores.
In an era when we expect new technology to replace the old, the resurgence of vinyl records, and even cassettes, might come as a surprise.
Yet, this analogue revival is no passing fad. Musicians young and old are embracing physical media, reconnecting with a format that resonates with its distinct audio qualities and sheer tangibility. An LP, unlike a collection of songs in digital format, is a thing of substance.
Take, for example, Paul Weller, the former frontman of 1980s hitmakers The Jam and The Style Council, who has since carved out a successful solo career. Weller, 67, remains a potent creative force, releasing new music and even starring in the critically acclaimed film, Blitz, in 2025.
His most recent song, Lawdy Rolla, is available as a 45rpm single on the famous Parlophone label, while his upcoming album, Find El Dorado, will be released as a vinyl LP (with a choice of black or “Coke bottle green”) as well as on CD. The vinyl version will be sold at a substantial premium over the compact disc.
Weller isn’t alone. Artists across genres and generations are increasingly pressing records and tapes, recognising a demand from fans eager for more than just a Spotify stream.
Vinyl sales have hit record highs in recent years. In 2023, old-school records outsold CDs in the United States for the first time since 1987.
This isn’t just due to legacy acts. Modern artists such as Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and Harry Styles are all issuing albums on vinyl — with Swift's Midnights becoming one of the best-selling vinyl albums in recent history. These releases often come with deluxe packaging, coloured discs, and exclusive artwork, turning them into collector’s items.
Indie and alternative acts are also leaning into this trend. Artists including Phoebe Bridgers and Arctic Monkeys have released cassettes alongside vinyl and digital versions of their albums, tapping into a lo-fi charm that resonates with younger audiences seeking a retro experience.
Even lesser-known artists have found a niche market through Bandcamp and other platforms that support cassette and vinyl production. These formats offer musicians more creative control and a direct line to fans who value quality and physical connection in their music consumption.
If you visit the vinyl department of a music retailer, you’ll find a re-release of Nirvana’s Nevermind next to titles by The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Britney Spears, Lorde, and Kendrick Lamar, plus the original Broadway recording of Wicked.
When it comes to cassettes, your choice ranges from the Dave Brubeck Quartet to Mumford and Sons, The Weeknd, Siouxsie and the Banshees, and even Elvis. Fans of the Guardian of the Galaxy films will not be surprised to know that the soundtracks also come on cassette.
The bottom line is that, while streaming remains the most accessible and convenient way to listen to music, physical media is reasserting itself.
For many fans, young and old, owning music means more than being able to access a file in the cloud; it’s about liner notes, printed lyrics, album art, and the warm crackle of a record needle.
Physical formats are back – and the spin is far from over.
