You might have thought “Nah, vinyl’s just a fad”.
We thought the same way, too.
That’s why we’re very much surprised that vinyl is still alive and kicking up to this day.
In fact, this year, vinyl sales rose 13.2% in the first nine months.
As we approach the end of 2023, it is worth examining the best-selling vinyl albums thus far to see what makes them so awesome.
This list is based on The Official’s list of
Table of Contents
#40. MELANIE MARTINEZ – PORTALS
On top 40, we have the 2023 album PORTALS by Melanie Martinez.
This is an album with concepts revolving around death, rebirth, and transformation.
Melanie, aside from releasing a digital version of the album, also released a vinyl bundle. The bundle includes two limited-edition custom vinyl variants of the album: one on bloodshot translucent vinyl and one on baby pink vinyl with black swirls.
Related Article:
12 Custom Vinyl Records With Weird Stuff In It
_________________________________________________________________
#39. BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS – LEGEND
As a celebration for Bob Marley’s 30th Anniversary in the music industry, a compilation album was released in 2011 titled Legend the Best of Bob Marley and the Wailers.
The compilation album was released on exclusive and limited tri-color 12-inch vinyl albums.
There’s a black version of this, though, so if you want that then click on the second link. Enjoy listening to Bob Marley’s soothing voice.
Check out our custom 12-inch vinyl record pressing service
_________________________________________________________________
#38. ARCTIC MONKEYS – WHATEVER PEOPLE SAY I AM THAT’S WHAT I’M NOT
Arctic Monkeys’ debut album is widely considered to be one of the greatest rock debuts of all time.
It’s a perfect blend of the youthful energy of a band just starting out with the songwriting skills of seasoned musicians. It’s truly a classic album and one of the most important in British rock history.
The 2006 album’s vinyl reissue came with a new center artwork of cigarette butts. It matches the original album cover featuring Chris McClure smoking.
_________________________________________________________________
#37. THE SMITHS – HATFUL OF HOLLOW
Hatful of Hollow is a collection of The Smiths’ earliest recordings, many of which were recorded for BBC Radio 1’s John Peel Sessions.
It was released with a vinyl album on standard black and was well loved by fans.
It also included early singles and B-sides featuring some of their best songs, such as Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now, William, It Was Really Nothing, Girl Afraid, and How Soon Is Now?
Related Article:
Classic Black Vinyl Records With Modern Vinyl Packaging
_________________________________________________________________
#36. TAYLOR SWIFT – REPUTATION
Taylor Swift’s Reputation album was released in 2017 and has been one of the iconic singer’s best-selling vinyl albums. Both vinyl records in this album are in glossy, printed inner sleeves, inside a gatefold sleeve.
The album design is in black and white, with a newspaper print theme.
The cover of the Reputation album features an image of Taylor Swift, with her name printed in multiple fonts hundreds of times across the right side of the image, resembling a newspaper.
Related Articles:
Vinyl Packaging: Taylor Swift Will Release New Album In Vinyl
_________________________________________________________________
#35. PINK – TRUSTFALL
On February 17, 2023, critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and global pop icon P!nk released her highly anticipated ninth studio album, Trustfall, through RCA Records.
The album was also pressed onto light blue colored 12-inch vinyl records, matching the light pink dress she wore for the vinyl album cover.
Related Articles:
Eight 12″ Vinyl Records That Sold The Most In 2022
_________________________________________________________________
#34. 1975 – LIVE WITH THE BBC PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA
As the ambassadors for Record Store Day 2023, The 1975 released their first-ever vinyl live performance with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra.
The double LP, which was recorded in 2016, was pressed onto two clear custom vinyl records.
It features tracks from across the band’s many releases, such as Somebody Else, Chocolate, and The Sound.
_________________________________________________________________
#33. DAVID BOWIE – THE RISE AND FALL OF ZIGGY STARDUST
On June 17, 2022, 50 years and one day after its original UK release, David Bowie’s breakthrough album The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars was reissued as a limited-edition 50th anniversary half-speed mastered LP and a picture disc.
Both versions featured the same master and also included a replica promotional poster for the album.
_________________________________________________________________
#32. SLEAFORD MODS – UK GRIM
Sleaford Mods returned this year with their 12th studio album UK GRIM.
The duo’s poetic protest and electronic resistance is evident throughout their music, giving them a consistent presence in the charts and making them one of the most urgent and unique voices in modern music.
_________________________________________________________________
#31. NATIONAL – FIRST TWO PAGES OF FRANKENSTEIN
The National’s ninth album, First Two Pages of Frankenstein, is a new and exciting direction for the band.
Released last April 28, 2023 the album’s 11 songs, produced by The National themselves, feature evocative melodies, captivating lyrics, and guest appearances from Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers, and Sufjan Stevens.
Along with the digital release is the physical one with two formats, CD and LP. The LP version is the album pressed on 12-inch red vinyl records housed in white printed inner sleeves.
_________________________________________________________________
#30. REYTONS – WHAT’S ROCK AND ROLL
The Reytons, a British indie band, released their second album at the start of this year, What’s Rock and Roll?, without the support of a record label.
It peaked at number 1 in the Scottish Albums, UK Albums, and UK Independent Albums charts of OCC.
The band had a vinyl pressing of the album on single 12-inch vinyl records in orange color and sheathed into a printed inner sleeve and single jacket.
Check out custom 12-inch vinyl records pressing service
_________________________________________________________________
#29. OASIS – WHAT’S THE STORY MORNING GLORY
The second studio album from the band Oasis titled (What’s The Story) Morning Glory? is their biggest-selling album.
It sold an estimate of over 22 million copies worldwide.
The vinyl version of the album had an additional song, Bonehead’s Bank Holiday, which was pressed onto the end part of the vinyl album’s side B.
_________________________________________________________________
#28. THE LATHUMS – FROM NOTHING TO A LITTLE BIT MORE
Following their debut album, The Lathmus released From Nothing to a Little Bit More on March 3, 2023 through Island Records.
The album was a commercial success as it reached number 1 on the UK Albums Charts.
An extended version was released for this album and it was pressed onto two yellow-colored custom vinyl records.
_________________________________________________________________
#27. ELTON JOHN – DIAMONDS
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of his songwriting partnership with Bernie Taupin, Elton John has released a definitive 2LP 21-track greatest hits collection titled Diamonds.
The star-studded design of the album matches Elton’s timeless classics like Your Song, Tiny Dancer, Rocket Man, Candle In The Wind, Can You Feel The Love Tonight and many more.
The album is pressed onto heavy-weight 180 gram vinyl and also includes a gatefold jacket with contemporary illustrations of iconic Elton John looks by artist Richard Kilroy.
Check out our printed vinyl record gatefold jacket service
_________________________________________________________________
#26. NIRVANA – NEVERMIND
Nirvana’s second album, Nevermind, was released on Geffen Records in September 1991.
It was their first album on a major label, and it was a huge success, selling over 10 million copies in the US alone.
The album was certified Diamond by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), and it helped to popularize the grunge genre of rock music.
_________________________________________________________________
#25. SLOWTHAI – UGLY
The album cover shows a close-up of the artist’s face, with the camera focused on the left side. The title of the album, U Gotta Love Yourself, is freshly tattooed under his eye.
Aside from the cool album cover, the design for the surface of the custom vinyl records is also something to behold. It’s a cool vinyl that would be great to have on display.
_________________________________________________________________
#24. U2 – SONGS OF SURRENDER
U2 released their album Songs of Surrender in March 2023 and it features 16 new acoustic and re-imagined recordings.
It includes songs like One, I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For, and Pride (In The Name Of Love).
The vinyl album includes two standard black 12-inch vinyl records, a four-page insert, and a packaging with metallic silver print.
_________________________________________________________________
#23. QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – IN TIMES NEW ROMAN
Queens of the Stone Age’s eighth album, In Times New Roman, is a raw and unpolished rock album with a surprising level of sophistication.
It takes a few listens to fully appreciate the album’s complexity and depth.
_________________________________________________________________
#22. INHALER – CUTS & BRUISES
The year 2022 saw Inhaler’s relentless touring schedule with a run of festival dates, including their first Glastonbury performance, a homecoming gig in Dublin at the city’s Fairview Park.
Finally in February 2023, they returned and released their second studio album Cuts & Bruises.
The album came with a vinyl version that boasts the black and white album cover printed across the vinyl jacket housing a custom vinyl record with black and red design.
_________________________________________________________________
#21. AMY WINEHOUSE – BACK TO BLACK
The 2006 album by Amy Winehouse is another one of those classic albums that you might want to have in your collection.
The album is a fusion of soul, jazz, and pop, with Winehouse’s powerful vocals and honest lyrics taking center stage.
Songs like Rehab, You Know I’m No Good, and Back to Black are raw and emotional, exploring themes of love, loss, and addiction.
_________________________________________________________________
#20. PARAMORE – THIS IS WHY
This 2023 album from Paramore is their sixth studio album, their first album to be released after six years, and their last studio album under Atlantic Records.
It’s such a meaningful comeback not just for the fans but also for them, so them going all out and matching their fans’ enthusiasm was not a surprise.
The band had a vinyl pressing for the album. They had one on standard black vinyl and another on custom colored vinyl in deep green.
As an exclusive release, they also had one in coral which can only be purchased through Urban Outfitters.
_________________________________________________________________
#19. METALLICA – 72 SEASONS
Much like Paramore, 72 Seasons is the first album the band Metallica has released ever since their last full-length album in 2016, which was 7 years ago. And just like Paramore, they went all out too.
Aside from the digital release they also had CD, cassette, and vinyl releases.
The 12-track album was pressed onto two 140g standard black vinyl records each housed inside printed inner board sleeves then stored in a gatefold jacket with a die cut on the inside.
Check out our printed vinyl record gatefold jacket service
_________________________________________________________________
#18. DEPECHE MODE – MEMENTO MORI
Memento Mori, Depeche Mode’s 15th studio album, is a landmark release in the band’s illustrious career.
It is their first album as a two-piece, following the tragic death of co-founder Andrew “Fletch” Fletcher in 2022.
The album’s title is a Latin phrase that means “remember that you must die.” It is a reminder to live each day to the fullest, and to cherish the time we have with our loved ones.
_________________________________________________________________
#17. NIALL HORAN – THE SHOW
This is a special edition of Niall Horan’s album The Show that is only available through the online store.
It is pressed on cloudy golden vinyl, which is a unique and visually appealing color. The vinyl is also gatefold, which means that the cover opens up to reveal additional artwork and information about the album.
The cloudy golden vinyl is a beautiful and unique way to experience Niall Horan’s music. The color is both eye-catching and sophisticated, and it perfectly complements the artwork of the album.
_________________________________________________________________
#16. ED SHEERAN – SUBTRACT
After a decade of mathematical album titles, Ed Sheeran is finally subtracting his way to his most vulnerable and honest album yet.
Titled simply – (Subtract), the album is a return to Ed’s singer/songwriter roots, and it was written against a backdrop of personal grief and hope.
Ed burst onto the UK music scene in 2011 with his debut album +.
He quickly established himself as a history-making artist, following up with x, ÷, No.6 Collaborations Project, and =. His catalog has made him one of the world’s biggest musical success stories of the 21st century.
_________________________________________________________________
#15. ARCTIC MONKEYS – AM
Producer James Ford and co-producer Ross Orton set up shop at Sage & Sound Recording in LA and Rancho De La Luna in Joshua Tree to record Arctic Monkeys’ fifth album, AM.
Engineer Ian Shea and mixer Tchad Blake also joined the team, and Josh Homme, Pete Thomas, and Bill Ryder-Jones all made guest appearances.
It sounds like a wild time was had by all, and the results are evident on the album. AM is a dark, atmospheric, and sexy record that perfectly captures the desert landscape in which it was recorded.
_________________________________________________________________
#14. HARRY STYLES – HARRY’S HOUSE
We have it on standard black vinyl, which means you can enjoy all of Harry’s new hits in the comfort of your own home, without having to worry about spilling red wine on it.
It also comes with a postcard and 12-page booklet, which is perfect for all you Harry Styles stans out there.
The postcard is a great way to show your love for Harry to the world, and the booklet is full of exclusive photos and content that you won’t find anywhere else.
_________________________________________________________________
#13. DE LA SOUL – 3 FEET HIGH AND RISING
Released in 1989, the album was produced by Prince Paul, and it’s a wild ride from start to finish.
It’s full of quirky samples, jazzy beats, and De La Soul’s unique brand of humor. The album was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to define the sound of alternative hip hop.
It’s also one of the most fun and creative hip hop albums ever made.
_________________________________________________________________
#12. PINK FLOYD – THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON – LIVE AT
This 180G heavyweight 1LP is housed in a gatefold sleeve and comes with two posters featuring designs by Ian Emes and Gerald Scarfe.
The cover design is by Aubrey Powell/Hipgnosis and Peter Curzon/Storm Studios, and features the original 1973-line drawn cover artwork by George Hardie.
That’s a lot of big names and technical specs, but what does it all mean? It means that this vinyl release is going to be absolutely stunning, both visually and sonically.
_________________________________________________________________
#11. TAYLOR SWIFT – FOLKLORE – THE LONG POND STUDIO SESSIONS
This album is a live recording of Taylor and her collaborators performing folklore at Aaron Dessner’s Long Pond studio in September 2020.
It was recorded during the COVID-19 lockdown, when Taylor and her collaborators were never able to play the album together live.
The album features performances of all of the songs from folklore, as well as a few bonus tracks. It’s a beautiful and intimate album, and it’s the perfect way to experience folklore in a whole new way.
_________________________________________________________________
#10. PINK FLOYD – THE DARK SIDE OF THE MOON
This 2016 remastered HQ vinyl reissue is pressed on 180-gram vinyl and includes the iconic songs Money and Us & Them.
The Dark Side of the Moon is Pink Floyd’s eighth studio album and it’s one of the most critically acclaimed albums of all time. It’s a concept album that explores themes of madness, alienation, and death.
The album is a must-have for any fan of Pink Floyd or classic rock. It’s also a great album to listen to if you’re feeling down or introspective.
_________________________________________________________________
#9. FLEETWOOD MAC – RUMOURS
Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is one of the most iconic albums of all time, and for good reason.
It’s a raw, honest, and emotional album that chronicles the band’s personal struggles at the time. But what makes Rumours truly special is that it’s also a damn good pop album.
The songs are catchy, the melodies are beautiful, and the performances are passionate.
_________________________________________________________________
#8. COURTEENERS – ST JUDE
This limited-edition release of The Courtneere’s St. Jude is exclusively pressed to zoetrope picture disc via Blood Records, hand-numbered to order, and includes two Blood-exclusive extra tracks (“Acrylic” and “That Kiss”).
So what’s a zoetrope picture disc, you ask?
It’s a special type of vinyl record that, when played on a turntable, creates an optical illusion that makes the images on the record appear to move.
_________________________________________________________________
#7. TAYLOR SWIFT – MIDNIGHTS
Each Midnight album comes with one of four collectible album jackets with unique front and back cover art, one of four unique marbled color vinyl discs (including the exclusive Mahogany Edition mahogany brown marbled color disc), and one of four collectible album sleeves with different full-size photos of Taylor.
So whether you’re a fan of the classic black vinyl or you want to add a pop of color to your collection, there’s a Midnights: The Vinyl Album Collection for you.
_________________________________________________________________
#6. BOYGENIUS – THE RECORD
The album opens with the title track, which is a soaring anthem about finding your voice and speaking your truth.
It’s followed by the equally empowering Me & My Dog which is a song about friendship, loyalty, and being yourself.
It closes with the stunning Not Over Yet which is a song about hope, resilience, and never giving up. If you’re a fan of indie rock, folk, or just plain good music, then you need to check out The Record by Boygenius.
It’s an album that will stay with you long after you’ve finished listening to it.
_________________________________________________________________
#5. FOO FIGHTERS – BUT HERE WE ARE
Foo Fighters are back with a new album, and it’s a real roller coaster ride! But Here We Are is a brutally honest and emotionally raw look at everything the band has been through in the past year.
The album opens with the song Rescued which is a powerful anthem about overcoming adversity. It’s the perfect way to start the album, because it sets the tone for the rest of the ride.
From there, the album takes you on a journey through all the different emotions that Foo Fighters have been feeling. There’s anger, sadness, hope, and everything in between. But through it all, there’s one thing that remains constant: the band’s love for each other and for their music.
_________________________________________________________________
#4. LEWIS CAPALDI – BROKEN BY DESIRE TO BE HEAVENLY SENT
The Scottish singer-songwriter’s second record, Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent, is being released exclusively on a limited-edition zoetrope picture disc LP via Blood Records.
That means that when you play the album, the image on the cover will come to life, creating the illusion of animation.
Capaldi’s debut album, Divinely Uninspired To A Hellish Extent, was the biggest selling UK album of both 2019 and 2020. So, for album two, the idea was simple but potent: to go in and do the exact same thing.
_________________________________________________________________
#3. BLUR – THE BALLAD OF DARREN
The clear and black deluxe marbled vinyl is a thing of beauty. It looks like a work of art, and it’s sure to be the envy of all your friends.
The 7″ black vinyl features two bonus tracks that are not available on the album. These are exclusive to this limited edition release, so if you’re a true Blur fan, you won’t want to miss out.
Check out our custom 7-inch vinyl record pressing service
_________________________________________________________________
#2. KYLIE MINOGUE – TENSION
Kylie’s new album, Tension, is about to drop, and it’s going to be a dance party.
The album is packed with euphoric, empowered dance floor bangers and sultry pop cuts. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a night out with your friends, a road trip, or a solo dance party in your living room.
The album opens with the hypnotic electro of Padam Padam which is sure to get you moving. From there, it’s a non-stop ride of catchy melodies, powerful vocals, and lyrics that will speak to your soul.
Whether you’re in the mood to dance, sing, or just chill out, Tension has you covered. It’s an album that you’ll want to listen to on repeat.
_________________________________________________________________
#1. LANA DEL REY – DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE’S A TUNNEL UNDER
Lana Del Rey’s new vinyl album, Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd, is so good, it’s criminal.
The album is a 16-track masterpiece, with features from Father John Misty, Tommy Genesis, Jon Batiste, and Bleachers. It’s a mix of euphoric, dreamy pop, sultry ballads, and experimental electronica.
The limited edition Amazon exclusive includes alternative artwork and heavyweight 180G light pink color vinyl. It’s the perfect way to experience this amazing album.
And that ends this long list of best-selling vinyl albums as of 2023. Have you decided on what to add to your collection?
_________________________________________________________________
James Hill is a veteran of the music industry. He first worked at Warner Reprise Records then later joined Interscope/ Geffen Records where he managed producers and songwriters and got his first platinum record for Keyshia Cole’s The Way It Is. He is now helping indie artists with branding and manufacturing through his company Unified Manufacturing, a CD/DVD, custom vinyl records and merch company in LA.
