Hobbies

Diving into Vinyl: My First Haul!

For years, music has lived on my phone, instantly accessible with a tap on Spotify. Every song, every album, at the tip of my fingers. While that convenience is unmatched, my wife and I decided it was time to slow down, listen deliberately, and truly *own* the music we love. We’re finally taking the plunge into the world of vinyl!

Trading infinite digital choice for the finite, deliberate selection of physical albums was a tough but exciting prospect. Choosing our first records was a big decision—we wanted a starting lineup that offered a great blend of classics we both cherish and modern albums we’re obsessed with.

Here’s a look at the albums that made the cut in our inaugural vinyl haul, mostly scooped up from a treasure hunt at Target:

The Eclectic Initial Collection

Our goal was an eclectic mix that guaranteed a great spin no matter the mood. This pile is the foundation of our new collection:

Genre Artist / Album Why We Chose It
Classic Rock Legends The BeatlesAbbey Road An essential, iconic album that demands to be heard on vinyl.
Pink FloydDark Side of the Moon Known for its incredible production, this is a must-have for any audiophile.
NirvanaNevermind A defining album of the 90s, pure grunge energy.
QueenGreatest Hits II All the stadium anthems we need for a weekend spin.
Modern Pop Powerhouses Taylor Swift1989 A staple of modern pop perfection.
Taylor SwiftLover The vibrant, romantic side of her discography.
Sabrina CarpenterShort n’ Sweet Her latest must-listen album.
Sabrina CarpenterMan’s Best Friend A great addition to the collection for a deep dive into her work.
Ariana GrandeEternal Sunshine A defining pop album of the moment.
Contemporary & Global Hits KpopDemon Hunters Getting a taste of high-energy global K-Pop on the turntable.
Ed SheeranPlay Easy listening for a relaxing Sunday morning.
LaufeyA Matter of Time Gorgeous, jazz-infused vocal pop that sounds dreamy on vinyl.
The xx(Self-Titled) Atmospheric indie electronic perfection.
Major Lazer(Self-Titled) For when we need some upbeat, dancehall-infused energy.
Timeless & Electronic Gems Amy WinehouseBack to Black Her soulful, timeless voice is perfect for a warm analog sound.
Daft PunkRandom Access Memories An electronic masterpiece engineered for superior sound quality.
Seasonal & Soundtrack Mariah CareyMerry Christmas Essential for the holiday season—a perennial classic!
A Nightmare Before ChristmasSoundtrack A great way to get into the spooky-to-cozy transition!

I can’t wait to drop the needle on Dark Side of the Moon and hear what it truly sounds like!

What’s Next?

  • What do you think of my starter collection?
  • What classic album am I missing that should be next on my list?