Feature: The Legacy of Vinyl: Why Vinyl Records are Back on Top
3 min read
Vinyl records, with their deep grooves and unmistakable hiss, have been captivating music lovers for generations and while CDs and cassette tapes might have become fringe concerns in recent years, vinyl has never been bigger business. Their resurgence in recent years might seem surprising to some, but to others, it’s a nostalgic reconnection to a cherished past in a world where music has become so disposable.
In an age of ephemeral digital streams, the tactile and auditory pleasure of vinyl records provides a grounding, almost rebellious sensation and more and more are falling in love with them every day. But to truly analyse their impact, let’s take a look back at how the popularity of vinyl records rose, fell, and rose again in a constantly evolving music industry.
From Humble Beginnings
Vinyl records, as we know them today, were not the first attempt to immortalise sound. The late 19th century saw a series of innovations, from Edison’s phonograph cylinder to Emile Berliner’s gramophone records. The latter, though made of shellac rather than vinyl, set the stage for the record format we know and love today.
The Introduction of the LP
1948 marked a turning point in the history of recorded music when Columbia Records unveiled the 33 1/3 RPM long-playing (LP) record. Made of vinyl, these LPs boasted longer playtimes and better sound quality than their shellac predecessors. The LP quickly became the dominant format for albums, allowing artists to craft lengthier, more complex musical narratives and establishing a 40 minute album runtime that remains the standard to this day.
The Peak of Vinyl Popularity
While LPs were perfect for albums, the 45 RPM singles, introduced shortly after the LP, became the go-to format for individual tracks and it’s these small black disks that formed the backbone of the charts in the second half of the 20th century. These smaller records became synonymous with popular music of the time, from rock ‘n’ roll to disco. Thanks to their widespread popularity, the vinyl record player became a staple in households across the UK and beyond.
The Unexpected Resurgence in the Digital Era
As CDs, and later digital streaming, took the music world by storm in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, vinyl records seemed to be a relic of a bygone era. However, in the early 2000s, they began making an unexpected and triumphant return. Music enthusiasts began to re-appreciate the tangible connection and rich sound quality that vinyl offered.
Vinyl Today: More Than Just Music
Today, vinyl records are no longer just for audiophiles. They evoke a profound sense of nostalgia and have become coveted collectables. Record fairs, vinyl-exclusive releases, and modern turntables cater to a growing community that cherishes the unique experience that vinyl provides. The tangible artwork, the act of flipping a side, and the warmth of the sound make vinyl records special, not just for music aficionados but for anyone looking to connect with a piece of history.
::: RenownedForSound.com’s Editor and Founder –
Interviewing and reviewing the best in new music and globally recognized artists is his passion.
Over the years he has been lucky enough to review thousands of music releases and concerts and interview artists ranging from top selling superstars like 27-time Grammy Award winner Alison Krauss, Boyz II Men, Roxette, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Loeb and iconic Eagles front man/songwriter, Glenn Frey through to more recent successes including Newton Faulkner, Janelle Monae and Caro Emerald.
Brendon manages and coordinates the amazing team of writers on RenownedForSound.com who are based in the UK, the U.S and Australia.
