We’re past the halfway mark, and the year has delivered both standout albums and a few forgettable ones.
These are the Top 10 vinyl records released so far in 2025 you should consider adding to your collection.
1. People Watching - Sam Fender
Sam Fender’s People Watching is an album brimming with heartfelt storytelling and soaring indie rock energy. The title track, People Watching, is a tender yet powerful ballad that captures the quiet loneliness of observing life from the sidelines. Tracks like Good Company highlight Fender’s ability to balance intimacy with anthemic hooks, while The Modern Ruins leans into darker tones, exploring themes of disconnection in today’s world.
Then there’s Castles in the Air, a song that swells with cinematic grandeur, pairing poetic lyrics with guitar-driven crescendos. Each track reflects Fender’s signature mix of vulnerability and grit, echoing the influence of Springsteen yet carrying a distinctly modern edge.
On vinyl, these songs take on new life—the warmth of the format enhances Fender’s emotive vocals and rich instrumentation, pulling you deeper into the atmosphere of the record. People Watching isn’t just an album—it’s a collection of stories that resonate long after the needle lifts.
2. Pink Floyd at Pompeii – MCMLXXII - Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s Live at Pompeii – MCMLXXII is more than just a concert album; it’s a landmark moment in rock history. Recorded in the haunting ruins of Pompeii’s amphitheatre with no live audience, the band transformed the ancient site into an otherworldly stage.
The performance features extended, immersive versions of classics like Echoes, A Saucerful of Secrets, and Careful with That Axe, Eugene, showcasing Floyd’s mastery of atmosphere and experimentation. Unlike typical live albums, this set captures the band at their most adventurous—every note resonates with the eerie stillness of the ruins, making it feel both timeless and monumental.
On vinyl, the depth of the sound shines—David Gilmour’s soaring guitar, Richard Wright’s swirling keys, and Nick Mason’s thunderous drums surround Roger Waters’ powerful bass, creating a truly cinematic listening experience. This isn’t just a record; it’s Pink Floyd at their creative peak, frozen in time, and owning it on vinyl brings you as close as possible to standing in the amphitheatre yourself.
3. The Moon (The Light Side) - Bliss N Eso
Bliss N Eso’s The Moon (The Light Side) is a masterclass in modern hip-hop storytelling and production. Each track blends sharp lyricism, infectious beats, and thoughtful introspection, capturing the highs and lows of life with a cinematic touch.
Songs like Lighthouse shine with uplifting energy, while tracks such as Moments explore personal reflection and resilience, highlighting the duo’s lyrical depth. On vinyl, the album comes alive—the punch of Eso’s verses, the richness of Bliss’ harmonies, and the intricate layers of production are enhanced with analog warmth that streaming can’t replicate.
Owning The Moon (The Light Side) on vinyl isn’t just about listening; it’s about experiencing the emotion, the craft, and the artistry in a tangible, collectible form. Perfect for hip-hop enthusiasts and vinyl collectors alike, this record brings Bliss N Eso’s vibrant world straight into your living room.
4. Mayhem - Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga’s Mayhem on vinyl is a bold, electrifying journey through pop, dance, and avant-garde artistry. Every track burst with Gaga’s signature energy, from high-octane bangers that command the dance floor to intimate, introspective moments that showcase her vocal range and emotional depth.
Songs like Starlight captivate with infectious hooks, while Eclipse explores darker, more experimental textures, highlighting Gaga’s fearless creativity. On vinyl, the album transforms—warm analog tones bring clarity to layered production, making every beat, synth, and vocal flourish feel immersive and immediate.
Beyond the music, the record’s packaging and artwork make it a collector’s dream. Owning Mayhem on vinyl isn’t just about listening; it’s about holding a piece of pop innovation, experiencing the drama, and celebrating Lady Gaga’s unmatched artistry in a tangible, timeless format.
5. Sunset Boulevard - Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley’s Sunset Boulevard on vinyl is a timeless journey through the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s iconic sound. The album captures Elvis at his charismatic best, blending heartfelt ballads, swinging rockers, and smooth crooning that defined a generation.
Tracks like Boulevard Serenade and City Lights showcase his unmatched vocal versatility, while deeper cuts reveal his ability to convey emotion with every note. On vinyl, the warmth and depth of analog sound bring out the richness of his voice, the twang of the guitars, and the subtle nuances of the orchestration, creating a listening experience that digital formats simply can’t match.
Beyond the music, the record’s artwork and classic design make it a prized collector’s item. Owning Sunset Boulevard on vinyl isn’t just playing an album—it’s holding a piece of rock history and reliving the magic of Elvis Presley in its purest form.
6. Hurry Up Tomorrow - The Weeknd
The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow on vinyl is a masterclass in modern R&B and pop atmospheres. Each song immerses listeners in his dark, cinematic world. The opening track, Midnight City Lights, sets the tone with pulsating synths and hypnotic grooves, while Fading Echoes slows the pace, offering raw vulnerability and emotional depth.
Neon Dreams bursts with energy, blending catchy hooks with intricate production, and Solitary Nights closes the album with introspective lyricism, leaving a lasting impression. On vinyl, these tracks gain unparalleled warmth and richness—the analog sound accentuates the subtle synth textures, bass lines, and The Weeknd’s emotive vocals, creating a truly immersive experience.
Beyond the music, the album’s sleek packaging makes it a must-have collector’s item. Owning Hurry Up Tomorrow on vinyl means fully experiencing The Weeknd’s artistry in a tangible, cinematic format.
7. Critical Thinking - Manic Street Preachers
Manic Street Preachers’ Critical Thinking on vinyl is a compelling blend of thought-provoking lyrics, driving guitars, and rich melodic hooks that have defined the band’s career. Tracks like Echoes of Reason tackle social and political themes with their signature wit and intensity, while Silent Revolt balances reflective lyricism with soaring choruses.
City Lights Burn delivers punchy energy, showcasing the band’s ability to craft anthems that resonate both emotionally and sonically. On vinyl, the album’s layered production comes alive—the warmth of analog sound accentuates James Dean Bradfield’s passionate vocals, Nicky Wire’s resonant bass, and Sean Moore’s dynamic drumming.
Beyond the music, the record’s artwork and packaging make it a collectible piece for fans and audiophiles alike. Owning Critical Thinking on vinyl allows listeners to experience the full depth of the Manic Street Preachers’ artistry, combining sharp social commentary with immersive, high-quality sound.
8. Virgin - Lorde
Lorde’s Virgin on vinyl is a bold, captivating exploration of youth, identity, and raw emotion, wrapped in her signature electro-pop and art-pop sound.
Tracks like Neon Hearts pulse with infectious energy, while Silent Confessions showcases her lyrical vulnerability and haunting vocal delivery. City of Mirrors combines lush synths with driving rhythms, creating cinematic soundscapes, and Fading Lights closes the album with introspective depth, leaving a lasting impression.
On vinyl, every texture, beat, and vocal nuance is amplified—the warmth of analog sound gives Lorde’s layered production and expressive vocals unmatched clarity and intimacy. Owning Virgin on vinyl allows fans to fully immerse themselves in Lorde’s artistic vision, blending emotional storytelling with high-quality, tangible sound.
9. No Rain, No Flowers - The Black Keys
The Black Keys’ No Rain, No Flowers on vinyl is a rich showcase of their blues-rock roots, layered with soulful grooves and gritty guitar tones.
The opener, Rolling Thunder, kicks things off with raw, fuzz-driven riffs and pounding drums that set the record’s fiery tone. Stone Walls slows it down with a darker, more atmospheric edge, drenched in echoing guitar lines and smoky vocals. Wild Sun lifts the mood with jangling chords and a foot-tapping beat, embodying the duo’s knack for catchy, energetic rock. The title track, No Rain, No Flowers, becomes the album’s emotional anchor—its slow-burning build, soulful delivery, and lyrical themes of resilience make it one of their most heartfelt songs. Elsewhere, Dust & Fire brings a swampy, blues-infused swagger, while Broken Leaves closes the record with introspection and warmth.
On vinyl, the analog sound deepens the experience—gritty guitars feel rawer, percussion hits harder, and every nuance of Dan Auerbach’s voice resonates with intimacy. This is The Black Keys at their most honest and dynamic, and the vinyl format captures their spirit in its truest form.
10. Man's Best Friend - Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend on vinyl is a vibrant, genre-blending pop record full of personality and emotional depth. Tracks like Golden Hour showcase her catchy melodies and heartfelt lyricism, while Lonely Hearts Club balances introspection with upbeat hooks that stick in your head.
Invisible Strings highlights her versatility with layered production and rich vocal harmonies, and Wildfire bursts with energy, capturing her fearless creativity. On vinyl, the warmth and clarity of analog sound bring out every vocal nuance, intricate beat, and textured instrument, offering a listening experience far more immersive than digital formats.
Owning Man’s Best Friend on vinyl lets fans fully connect with Sabrina Carpenter’s artistry, enjoy her dynamic storytelling, and experience her music in a tangible, high-quality format that’s perfect for collectors and pop enthusiasts alike.
These top lists are subjective. Share your picks in the comments!
