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Here are our absolute favourites:

1. The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation
2. Jimi Hendrix – Are You Experienced
3. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
4. Michael Jackson – Thriller
5. Nirvana – Nevermind

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Essential vinyl records

1. The Prodigy – Music for the Jilted Generation

1994 marked a landmark moment for The Prodigy with the release of Music for the Jilted Generation. Their second album was one of the most aggressive and innovative of the ’90s, standing the test of time by blending breakbeat, techno, and jungle, with flashes of punk and rock adding extra bite to the sound.

Liam Howlett’s taste and talent ensured that few other albums from the decade have surpassed it, as he, along with Maxim, Keith, and Leeroy, began preparing for their next release.

2. Jimi Hendrix – Are You Experienced

Few have reached the heights Hendrix achieved – especially when you consider he was a left-handed guitarist who learned to play on an upside-down right-handed guitar, originally with only three strings.

This album defines his artistry, blending blues and rock into a groundbreaking signature sound, making heavy use of feedback, distortion, and the unmistakable tone of the wah-wah pedal.

As a lyricist, his distinctive songwriting style demonstrated what was possible in rock music, establishing him as a pioneer of psychedelic rock before his untimely death.

3. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Space

Without this album, David Bowie may not have been immortalised as one of the most iconic cultural musicians of his generation. Its conceptual format sparked a following that remains legendary to this day.

His theatrical creation of Ziggy Stardust – at the height of glam rock – was just one of many personas he adopted. Like many of the great albums on our list of essential vinyl records, this is a concept album, following Ziggy Stardust, an alien rock star attempting to save Earth from impending doom.

4. Michael Jackson – Thriller

Michael Jackson’s second solo album catapulted him to global superstardom. Thriller became a defining part of the MTV generation, and its commercial success remains almost unrivalled – not just as an album, but as a visual experience. Tracks like “Billie Jean”, “Beat It”, and “Thriller” helped cement its legendary status.

Jackson was known for his pursuit of perfection, bringing in top-tier talent such as Steve Lukather and Eddie Van Halen to contribute their distinctive styles, alongside his own signature vocals.

5. Nirvana – Nevermind

Nirvana’s Nevermind popularised Seattle grunge with its hard-hitting sound, distorted guitars, and the raw, husky vocals of Kurt Cobain. The album’s unpolished energy gave it a visceral edge that helped propel the band into the mainstream.

Their performances were electrifying and unfiltered, a quality that comes through on the album. Nevermind wasn’t just a landmark moment for Nirvana – it brought Seattle grunge into the spotlight and resonated with a generation searching for a sound to call their own.

6. Black Sabbath – Black Sabbath

Writing this just days after Ozzy’s passing serves as a reminder of how important Black Sabbath were to the musical world, with this album often cited as the birthplace of heavy metal.

Blues-inspired guitar melodies are beautifully harmonised with Ozzy’s harmonica, while the heavier, raw riffs match the vocal force of the Prince of Darkness, ebbing and flowing throughout each track.

The weight, power, and pace of this combination bring the album to life – something that, at the time, was nothing short of revolutionary.

7. The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses

For a generation, The Stone Roses are regarded as pioneers of the 1990s British indie rock scene. With this album, they fused the sounds of rave and acid house culture with 1960s psychedelia and jangle pop, creating a rhythmic and distinctive sound.

The upbeat interplay between guitar and drums, combined with the sweet, melodic vocals, felt fresh and full of life. Tracks like “Don’t Stop” were seen as experimental, capturing the optimism of a youth movement centred around Manchester – later dubbed the Madchester sound – which encouraged individuality and pride in local identity.

8. Prince and The Revolution – Purple Rain

Love him or hate him, Purple Rain is an iconic album that blends rhythm and blues, rock, pop, and other genres, with Prince stamping his unmistakable presence through both his vocals and guitar work.

What’s remarkable about this album is how you can hear glimpses of future artists’ entire careers in just fragments of its tracks – such was its influence. Yet no one has managed to eclipse it. Groundbreaking at the time, and like all great albums, it retains an ever-fresh quality that makes it a timeless classic.

9. Metallica – Master of Puppets

This album carries all the hallmarks of Metallica’s signature sound – from that relentless double-kick drumming to moments of melodic softness that soon give way to lightning-fast guitar riffs so complex, you can’t help but be swept along for the ride.

Few bands deliver this level of brilliance, but Metallica bring the complete package here. If this is your first foray into thrash metal, hold on tight – it’s a powerful introduction.

10. Amy Winehouse – Back in Black

Like all great albums, Back to Black captures the artist’s trials and tribulations with raw honesty. Blending rhythm and blues, soul, and jazz with a modern edge, it carved out a sound that felt entirely its own.

Amy’s vocals were legendary – gritty yet soulful – delivering each song with emotional force. Through them, she told the story of her tumultuous relationship with Blake Fielder-Civil.

11. Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures

A band that continues to influence artists today, Joy Division pioneered a post-punk sound defined by its rawness and emotional depth. Frontman Ian Curtis, with his dark baritone vocals and distinctive, epilepsy-influenced dance style, gave the band a unique presence that captivated audiences.

Unknown Pleasures marked a shift from earlier aggressive sounds towards a more atmospheric, experimental direction – perfectly capturing the mood of the era. Sadly, Ian Curtis died at just 23, and the remaining band members went on to form New Order, who narrowly missed out on our list.

12. Bob Marley and the Wailers – Exodus

When it comes to reggae, no artist stands out quite like Bob Marley. Exodus, recorded with the Wailers, is arguably the most recognisable reggae album of all time.

It weaves together powerful political and social commentary with themes of romance and spirituality, all set to a distinctive reggae rhythm that appeals across generations. Even if you’ve never delved into reggae before, Bob Marley and the Wailers are names you’re almost certain to recognise – their influence is everywhere.

13. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours

Like many of the greatest albums, Rumours has it all – charting the lives and struggles of the band members as they put pen to paper and bare their souls in what is widely regarded as one of the best albums in the world.

As with others on this list, a raw emotional intensity runs throughout, while the musical craftsmanship turns that turmoil into something uplifting. It delivers deeply personal themes with energy and precision, without ever losing sight of its core message.

14. Dre – 2001

Solidifying the West Coast hip-hop sound, the 2001 album built on the groundbreaking G-Funk style of The Chronic, cementing Dr. Dre as one of the most iconic hip-hop artists of all time. It features instantly recognisable tracks such as “Still D.R.E.”, “What’s the Difference”, and “Forgot About Dre”.

The use of live instrumentation adds depth, scale, and texture to the soundstage, layering musical detail with precision. Its expressive and explicit language contributes to the album’s raw, uncompromising tone.

15. Radiohead – OK Computer

With a deep-rooted social message about the globalisation of technology and its impact on human interaction, OK Computer remains strikingly relevant – even though it was released back in 1997. Much like Pink Floyd before them, Radiohead’s observations were ahead of their time.

Often categorised as a rock album, OK Computer incorporates innovative and unconventional recording techniques that not only challenge the listener but also put any hi-fi system to the test – making it a must-own for any serious collection.

16. The Streets – A Grand Don’t Come for Free

This is one of those self-indulgent albums I’d ignored for years – until I heard it in a mate’s car. Its unique, methodical storytelling style offers a vivid sense of walking in the artist’s shoes for a few days.

The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists of loss and love, highs and lows, all delivered with sharp lyrical execution. Tracks like “Blinded by the Lights” and “Dry Your Eyes” stand out, while the album’s use of explicit language adds to its emotional weight, drawing you in and carrying you through to its powerful conclusion.

17. Pink Floyd – Dark Side of the Moon

I suspect most readers will already own The Dark Side of the Moon, but for those who’ve somehow missed it, this is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking albums ever made. It made extensive use of 16-track recording and overdubbing to craft its distinctive sound.

There’s nothing else quite like Dark Side of the Moon. It takes you on a conceptual journey, driven by a steady, metronomic rhythm – never more evident than in “On the Run”.

And if you can clearly hear Gerry O’Driscoll’s spoken words, bravo – you’ve got a seriously good sound system.

18. The Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill

Licensed to Ill is widely regarded as a landmark in hip-hop history. As the Beastie Boys’ debut album, it became the first hip-hop record to top the US Billboard 200 chart, featuring iconic tracks like “(You Gotta) Fight for Your Right (To Party)” and “No Sleep Till Brooklyn”.

In its rawest form, the album captures the group’s signature sound – fusing rock and heavy metal with rap to create a distinctive style that helped bring hip-hop into the mainstream.

19. 808 State – 808:90

As an influential rave album, few have reached the heights of 808:90. Widely regarded as a groundbreaking release, it helped define the era’s sound and played a key role in shaping what became known as the “second summer of love” and the rave culture of the early ’90s. It features classics like “Cobra Bora” and “Pacific 202”.

The album’s style still feels contemporary, continuing to influence artists around the world. As a teenybopper in the ’90s, this album awakened my musical taste buds – and from that point on, nothing else sounded quite the same.

20. Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Keys of Life

This is what happens when an artist is given free rein to fully express themselves. Blending funk, soul, jazz, and Latin influences, Stevie Wonder brought these genres together with an expansive sound that set him apart from his peers.

His mastery of the keyboard – along with various other instruments – was nothing short of a masterclass, matched only by his sophisticated lyrical genius. It’s no surprise that, even today, artists continue to draw inspiration from his work.

21. Primal Scream – Screamadelica

Screamadelica is one of the most iconic albums of the ’90s. Primal Scream managed to fuse British indie rock, modern psychedelia, and house music into a genre-defining sound that captured the spirit of the nation. Tracks like “Don’t Fight It, Feel It” and “Come Together” stand out as highlights.

They pushed boundaries and channelled raw energy to unite a generation – joining the ranks of 808 State and The Stone Roses as part of Madchester’s greatest.

22. Kate Bush – Hounds of Love

When Kate Bush burst onto the scene, she took the world by storm with her distinctive voice and theatrical performance style. Her artistic vision was entirely her own – blending experimental sounds through synthesisers, digital production techniques, and traditional instrumentation to create truly breathtaking musical pieces.

Hounds of Love is considered a masterpiece – yes, a word that’s been used a lot in this list, but rightly so in her case. Many artists regard her as the GOAT, and her influence is undeniable. If this is your first introduction to Kate Bush, the only question is – where have you been?

23. Beyoncé – Lemonade

If you think you know Beyoncé, think again. This is a powerful album that explores the struggles and vulnerabilities of a Black woman, telling a deeply personal story through music – laying bare themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and racial inequality.

The production matches the weight of its subject matter, creating a soundscape with real depth and dimension as you’re taken through the emotional highs and lows of Beyoncé’s life. Guest artists add further layers of expression, contributing to a truly exceptional, one-of-a-kind album.

FAQs

What vinyl records are a must-have?

The 23 albums above are just a selection of our recommended vinyl records to own – but with so many genres to explore, from classical and opera to popular music, the best vinyl records are simply the ones you enjoy playing.

Is it worth keeping vinyl records?

It’s worth keeping vinyl records as no other medium offers such an engaging experience for the listener. And yes, vinyl does wear over time, which is why it’s just as important to care for your records properly.

What do I need for vinyl records?

To play your records, you need a turntable system or hi-fi separates, which include a turntable, amplifier, speakers, and cables to connect them. Check there is a phono stage built-in; otherwise, add that to the list.

Final thoughts

It was almost impossible to narrow down my list of 50 essential vinyl records when I first sat down to write this article – but I think you’ll agree that many of the biggest names in music did make the cut.

Yes, The Beatles and The Who are missing from this final selection – but not from my full top 50. What about your list? Is there a defining vinyl record that sparked your love for music? Let us know in the comments below.