Out with the new, in with the old
As our favorite albums age, many Gen Z’ers and older generations alike have been reverting to old ways of enjoying music; while popular since the fifties, vinyl records lost their popularity after the rise of CDs in the 80s. It was not until the re-emergence of vinyl records in the early 2010s that sales increased to new heights. In the last decade, vinyl records have become not only mainstream but a lifestyle for many collectors. But what’s the hype? Why purchase expensive records when you can simply get Spotify?
Firstly: Analog sound. Unlike digital sound, analog sound is captured and reproduced in a continuous waveform, meaning it can reach higher resolutions without losing quality. So while you can listen to these songs on your favorite streaming platform, the analog sound produced by spinning records provides the ultimate listening experience.
Let’s not forget about the aesthetic part; more often than not, vinyl records feature more artwork in comparison to newer ways of listening to music. The many features vinyls possess, such as artwork, and details about the creative process involved in creating the album, lead to a more immersive listening experience. In addition, records allow for a tangible connection with your favorite music.
Record collecting not only allows for a deeper connection with music, but for many, it becomes a hobby. Visiting record stores in search of new music, unreleased albums, or vinyls from your favorite artists can be a thrilling experience. Being involved in the record-collecting community also fosters connections between like-minded individuals who not only enjoy the same music you listen to, but can also introduce you to new artists and genres. Lastly, listening to music on a record player can create feelings of nostalgia by bringing us back to the original way of enjoying music. The act of spinning records can be reminiscent for many or a way of getting in touch with the past for younger enjoyers. With that being said, listening to vinyl records is top-tier because it allows for an immersive and deeply nostalgic listening experience and allows listeners to delve into an expansive and highly engaging community of music fans. In comparison to other ways of listening to music, vinyl records foster deeper connections between listeners and their favorite artists.