By Aaliyarose Owens
The popularity of vinyl records has been on the rise in recent years, and it's not just among the elderly. Members of Generation Z like myself are rediscovering vinyl and enthusiastically embracing the format.
Vinyl records have a unique sound that can't be recreated by digital audio. The magnificent artwork and packaging, the warm, rich sound quality, plus the tactile pleasure of handling the record and carefully placing it on the turntable create an immersive and enchanted listening experience.
But why are so many members of Generation Z (those born between 1995 and now) buying records? Many of us have experienced only the quick and ephemeral nature of the digital world throughout our entire lives. Listening to music on a record player is a great way to take it slow and treat music more like art than background noise.
Also, many millennials and GenZers find vinyl appealing because of the nostalgic and vintage cool vibes it evokes. While we missed out on the '60s and '70s vinyl boom, we can still admire the era's style and culture.
And vinyl's social benefits shouldn't be overlooked, either. The social experience of buying records, trading records, and listening to a favorite album on a turntable with friends is unmatched by listening to music on a computer or smartphone.
Which vinyl recordings are essential for the music collection of a GenZ? Several records from bygone eras have endured the test of time and may be heard in all their glory when played on vinyl. Thriller by Michael Jackson, Abbey Road by the Beatles, and Purple Rain by Prince are some of my all-time favorite albums.
Yet, the new releases on vinyl are not the only reason for the rebirth of the vinyl format. Among the artists who have released vinyl editions of their most recent albums are Billie Eilish, Tyler, The Creator, and Harry Styles.
Vinyl records are making a comeback, and this is more than just a fad among Gen Z music fans. The point is to rediscover the wonder and magic of music in a way that's real, complete, and one-of-a-kind. Get a record, spin it on the record player, and let the tunes carry you away.