UK Vinyl Sales Soar to Highest Level Since 1990 in Resilient Music Market Revival

In a testament to the enduring appeal of physical music, UK vinyl LP sales have reached their highest level since 1990, showcasing a remarkable revival of tangible music formats. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) trade group reported a substantial 11.7% surge in sales, reaching 5.9 million units and marking the 16th consecutive year of growth.

Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” claimed the title of the best-selling LP, closely followed by the Rolling Stones’ “Hackney Diamonds.” The resurgence extended beyond vinyl, as cassette sales surpassed 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive year.

Despite the dominance of streaming, vinyl’s allure, perceived as collectable with superior sound quality, has fueled its resurgence. Independent record stores and the resurgence of specialist music chain HMV have played pivotal roles in this trend. HMV, standing for His Master’s Voice, made a comeback with the reopening of its flagship store on London’s Oxford Street in November after a four-year hiatus.

New releases dominated the list of best-selling vinyl albums, featuring top artists like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and Lana Del Rey in the top 10. Classic albums and reissues, such as Fleetwood Mac’s “Rumours” and Pink Floyd’s “The Dark Side of the Moon (Live At Wembley 1974),” also contributed to the vinyl resurgence.

Taylor Swift notably secured three albums in the UK’s top 10 best-selling long-players for the year. “Speak Now” and “1989,” both re-recordings, are part of Swift’s ongoing effort to regain control of her work.

Vinyl enthusiast Andy Smithson, 56, emphasized the unique appeal of records, citing the “visual aspect” and the “richer sound” they offer. Despite the digital age, vinyl continues to captivate music lovers seeking a tangible and immersive music experience.

The BPI noted a revival in cassette sales, a format that had dwindled in the early 1990s. Meanwhile, the decline in CD sales showed signs of plateauing, with Take That’s “This Life” emerging as the top-selling CD for the year.

Reflecting on the robust performance of physical formats, BPI CEO Dr. Jo Twist highlighted the market’s resilience amid soaring streaming consumption. The resurgence of LP sales over the past 16 years, coupled with renewed interest in cassettes, illustrates the evolving preferences of music enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of choices for enjoying their favorite music.

Top 10 best-selling vinyl albums 2023

Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
The Rolling Stones – Hackney Diamonds
Lana Del Rey – Did You Know There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Taylor Swift – Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
Fleetwood Mac – Rumours
Blur – The Ballad of Darren
Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon
Taylor Swift – Midnights
Olivia Rodrigo – Guts
Lewis Capaldi – Broken by Desire to be Heaven Sent