Ah, Pink Floyd on vinyl — this is where the format truly comes into its own. With so many landmark albums, choosing just a handful isn’t easy. But if you’re putting together a proper collection — the kind that does your turntable justice — these five are the must-haves:
1. The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
The Dark Side of the Moon because it isn’t just an album — it’s an experience built for vinyl. When Pink Floyd released this masterpiece in 1973, they didn’t simply make a collection of songs; they crafted a seamless journey through time, money, madness and mortality.
On vinyl, it breathes the way it was meant to. The heartbeat that opens the record feels deeper. The cash registers in “Money” snap with analog warmth. The soaring clarity of “Time” and the emotional pull of “Us and Them” unfold with space and depth that digital just can’t quite replicate. This is hi-fi history — the kind of record that reminds you why you invested in a proper turntable in the first place.
It’s also one of the most important albums ever made. Its studio innovation, philosophical themes and iconic prism artwork have become part of music folklore. Decades later, it still sounds bold and modern — proof that great craftsmanship never ages.
Owning The Dark Side of the Moon on vinyl isn’t about nostalgia. It’s about having a cornerstone of music history in its finest form, ready to spin whenever you want to remind yourself what an album can truly be.
2. Wish You Were Here (1975)
Owning ‘Wish You Were Here’ on vinyl means settling in for a record that unfolds with patience and purpose. When Pink Floyd released it in 1975, they crafted a five-track statement that rewards a full, uninterrupted listen.
“Shine On You Crazy Diamond” opens and closes the album in sweeping parts, built around Richard Wright’s haunting keys and David Gilmour’s soaring guitar lines. It’s spacious, slow-burning and deeply moving — a tribute filled with both sorrow and beauty.
“Welcome to the Machine” shifts gears with cold, mechanical textures and biting lyrics, capturing the dehumanising side of the music industry. Then “Have a Cigar” adds sharp wit and groove, its riff-driven swagger masking a pointed critique of record-label excess.
The title track, “Wish You Were Here,” is the emotional centrepiece. Simple acoustic strumming, heartfelt vocals and that unforgettable melody make it one of rock’s most enduring songs.
On vinyl, these dynamics breathe. The quiet moments feel intimate; the crescendos feel expansive. It’s a cohesive, reflective album — one that proves fewer songs, done brilliantly, can say more than a dozen ever could.
3. Animals (1977)
Playing ‘Animals’ on vinyl puts you face to face with Pink Floyd at their fiercest and most uncompromising. Arriving in 1977, it’s a brooding, politically edged album — expansive in structure, weighty in theme, and designed to be absorbed as one complete, immersive listen.
The centrepieces are the sweeping “Dogs,” “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” and “Sheep.” “Dogs” stretches out with intricate guitar work and shifting moods, moving from reflective passages to tense, driving sections. “Pigs” leans into sharp, sardonic lyrics and gritty riffs, while “Sheep” builds from eerie calm to explosive, almost apocalyptic intensity.
Framing the album are the gentle acoustic bookends, “Pigs on the Wing (Parts 1 & 2),” offering a rare touch of warmth amid the cynicism — a reminder that connection still matters in a harsh world.
On vinyl, the dynamics hit harder. The slow builds feel weightier, the bass deeper, the atmosphere thicker. *Animals* isn’t background music; it demands attention. For a serious collection, it’s essential — bold, intelligent and proof that rock albums can challenge as much as they entertain.
4. The Wall (1979)
Possessing The Wall on vinyl is about experiencing a landmark album, not just owning another record. It’s stepping into Pink Floyd’s most ambitious and immersive work.
Released in 1979, the album is a rock opera that explores isolation, fame, and the emotional walls we build around ourselves. On vinyl, the narrative unfolds with incredible clarity, from the opening drama of “In the Flesh?” to the haunting introspection of “Hey You” and the anthemic defiance of “Another Brick in the Wall (Part 2).” Every track flows seamlessly, guiding listeners through moments of anger, sorrow, and reflection, with highlights like the gut-punching intensity of “Comfortably Numb” and the relentless energy of “Run Like Hell.”
The gatefold packaging adds another dimension to the experience. Opening it reveals Gerald Scarfe’s striking illustrations, visually echoing the album’s themes of isolation and rebellion. The two LPs sit side by side, giving the sprawling compositions room to breathe while letting you absorb the art alongside the music. From the intricate instrumental passages to Waters’ emotive lyrics and Gilmour’s soaring guitar, The Wall is a full sensory journey. For any vinyl collector, this album is essential — a combination of storytelling, visual art, and sonic mastery that makes it unforgettable.
5. Meddle (1971)
Spinning ‘Meddle’ on vinyl is about immersing yourself in one of Pink Floyd’s most adventurous and atmospheric albums. Released in 1971, it captures the band in a transitional period, blending experimental soundscapes with melodic rock, and laying the groundwork for the epic compositions that would follow.
The album flows like a journey, from the delicate textures of “One of These Days” with its pulsating bass and driving drums, to the dreamy, hypnotic passages of “Fearless.” Side two culminates in the monumental “Echoes,” a 23-minute masterpiece that evolves from gentle melodies into soaring, immersive soundscapes, showcasing every member’s musicianship.
On vinyl, Meddle reveals its depth and detail like no digital format can. The subtle effects, shifting dynamics, and intricate instrumentation all breathe naturally, rewarding patient, attentive listening. The gatefold artwork complements the music, offering a visual entry into the band’s experimental world. For collectors and fans alike, Meddle is essential — a record that demonstrates Pink Floyd’s growing ambition and artistry, and one that continues to captivate decades after its release.
Honourable mentions
‘Atom Heart Mother’ for those drawn to the band’s most adventurous, orchestral experiments; ‘A Saucerful of Secrets’ for history buffs who want a glimpse of Pink Floyd’s early, formative sounds; and ‘The Division Bell’ for modern-era fans who appreciate the band’s later, polished atmospheres. Each of these albums offers something unique — whether it’s orchestral grandeur, psychedelic exploration, or reflective, melodic craftsmanship — and adds depth and variety to any serious Pink Floyd vinyl collection.
These are our top 5 picks—tough choices, we know! Chances are your favourites might differ, so drop your own Pink Floyd selections in the comments below.
