Most In-Demand Vinyl Records of 2025

Vinyl records are experiencing a major comeback. Nothing beats that crackle when the needle hits the vinyl and beautiful music spins out. If you’re looking for the top vinyl records of 2025, you’ve come to the right place. 

We’ve put together a list of 10 of the best records you should look out for on your next shopping trip. We also provide tips on how to shop smart for high-quality vinyl records. 

What “Sought-After” Meant in 2025 (And Why It’s Not Always the Same as “Bestselling”) 

“Sought-after” and “bestselling” are two distinct terms. The main difference is that bestselling records are those that have achieved mainstream popularity and experienced a high sales volume. 

For example, some of the best albums of 2025 were those that achieved massive sales in the year, and they’re typically available at standard retail stores. 

The most sought-after records are those that command attention for their historical significance, cultural impact or rarity. These records don’t need to be from the current year. They can go back decades, but may still be in high demand.

What Are the Most In-Demand Vinyl Records of 2025?

2025 saw a mix of thrilling, soothing and exciting records from top artists like Taylor Swift, the Beatles and Pink Floyd. Here are some of the most in-demand vinyl records released in 2025:
 

1. Taylor Swift: “Life of a Showgirl”

“Life of a Showgirl” was one of the best vinyls of 2025, with record-breaking sales and massive vinyl purchases. It’s a fun, imaginative concept with that old-Hollywood drama feel. It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift is on this list since her former albums, “The Tortured Poets Department” and “Folklore,” have also made it on the most-sought-after vinyl records list in previous years. Swifties and vinyl collectors will enjoy the mix of storytelling and pop spectacle paired with the unique aesthetics of the pressings. 

The LP pressings come in colors like Lovely Bouquet Golden Vinyl and Portofino Orange Glitter Vinyl. There are also limited edition options with special designs, colors and packaging perfect for building a comprehensive collection with rare finds. This was one of the best new vinyl records on the market, especially for pop fans. 

2. The Beatles: “Anthology 4”

The Beatles’ “Anthology 4” vinyl is part of their legendary collection. It has 13 previously unreleased tracks as well as new mixes of hits like “Free as a Bird” and “Real Love.” This 3LP set was one of the top-selling vinyl albums because it contains unique releases from a band with an unparalleled legacy. It’s pressed on premium-quality black vinyl for a smooth sound. It’s packaged in a triple-gatefold sleeve and provides more than enough space for detailed liner notes. 

“Anthology 4” is a must-have for collectors of the Beatles’ vinyl. The unreleased songs expand the band’s official discography and provide a rare listening experience for fans. Its comprehensive nature makes it ideal for those looking for an expansive listening experience.

3. Olivia Dean: “The Art of Loving”

“The Art of Loving” is a flawless blend of pop, R&B and neo-soul, showcasing Olivia Dean’s artistry, storytelling and soulful vocals. It includes popular hits like “Man I Need,” “Nice to Each Other” and “So Easy to Fall in Love.” The standard black pressing delivers a silky-smooth listening experience at an entry-level price point.

Collectors will be interested in the limited-edition lilac vinyl and special packaging features. The packaging comes with a booklet with lyrics and photos of the artist, providing an immersive and intimate experience for fans.

4. Ozzy Osbourne: “See You On The Other Side”

The Prince of Darkness died on July 22, 2025, making “See You On The Other Side” a monumental and nostalgic collection that fans hold close to their hearts. This limited super deluxe edition compiles Ozzy’s complete solo discography across 27 vinyl records, offering a rare and meaningful collector’s piece to “Blizzard of Ozz.”

This comprehensive vinyl collection contains 27 180g black vinyl records and comes with a set of vintage Ozzy posters and a gold bat slipmat. Staying true to the Prince of Darkness, all records come in standard black with premium presentation and a smooth finish. 

5. Sabrina Carpenter: “Short n’ Sweet”

Sabrina Carpenter had one of the most popular albums of 2025. “Short n’ Sweet” contains lighthearted, feel-good hits like “Espresso,” showcased with her powerhouse vocals. Her unique blend of witty lyrics and infectious pop melodies is perfectly encapsulated in the Pearl Opaque and Bright Azure vinyl collections. Look out for the ultra-rare Pink Vinyl LP Assai Obi Edition, which has only 500 copies available. 

“Short n’ Sweet” is an excellent choice for fans who want to add a contemporary rising star to their collection. Collectors will find the limited-edition colored variant appealing.

6. Tyler, The Creator: “Chromakopia”

Tyler, The Creator’s “Chromakopia” is a collection that unpacks themes of self-discovery and personal growth through his unique artistic vision. This collection was released in 2024, but the 2025 Anniversary Edition features alternate vocals and tracklist variations that aren’t available on streaming platforms. The unique materials make it a rare and valuable find for fans. 

Collectors would appreciate the Limited Edition Double Vinyl Test Pressing, featuring a vibrant green vinyl and a special poster. It also has revised track arrangements, presenting exclusive content in an even more extraordinary format.

7. Pink Floyd: “Dark Side Of The Moon” LP

The “Dark Side of the Moon” is one of the most iconic albums ever created. Its impact on pop culture is unmistakable, and its landmark status in rock history makes it a highly sought-after collection. The 2025 release includes new reissues that spark sonic brilliance like no other, packaged in elaborate gatefold sleeves accompanied by vibrant stickers. 

There are many variants of the “Dark Side of the Moon,” including the original 1973 U.K. pressings with the classic solid blue triangle label. There’s also the MFSL Japan edition with high-fidelity audio that provides an accurate, buttery smooth sound that will send audiophiles into euphoria.

8. The Cure: “Song of a Lost World” LP

“Song of a Lost World” is a highly sought-after vinyl collection — it was The Cure’s first studio album in 16 years. The exclusive sets from this collection feature some of the coolest packaging, including a unique heat-sensitive thermochromic sleeve and individual hand-numbering. The album explores themes of despair, resilience and love, all delivered through their signature gloomy, gothic style.

The deluxe vinyl edition also gives fans exclusive artwork and lyrics, making it a significant addition to any curated collection. The pressings in “Song of a Lost World” have a unique visual appeal with different variants like marble colored and gray marbled pressings that will wow vinyl collectors and fans. 

9. Sade: “Diamond Life” LP

Sade’s “Diamond Life” is one of the most in-demand vinyl records for its timeless, smooth, jazzy vibes — a staple in any vinyl collection. It’s a top choice for both new vinyl buyers and longtime collectors. The reissue is every audiophile’s dream, with half-speed mastering presented on heavyweight 180-gram black vinyl, while the Numbered Limited Edition Audio Fidelity is pressed on pure virgin vinyl for a silky-smooth listening experience. 

“Diamond Life” is an excellent choice for collectors seeking vintage tracks that deliver a high-quality listening experience. It delivers sonic excellence, preserving a legendary piece of work in its best possible form.

10. Kendrick Lamar: “GNX”

Kendrick Lamar’s “GNX” is undoubtedly one of the most popular vinyls and a top vinyl acquisition for 2025. The thoughtful, minimalist packaging is perfectly suited to Kendrick’s clean West Coast sound. “GNX” has exciting, limited-edition colored pressings, including the 2025 Grand National Tour Exclusive Mustard Yellow Vinyl, a nod to Grammy-winning DJ, record producer and artist Mustard, who produced Kendrick’s hit “Not Like Us.”

Collectors focused on hip-hop or artist-specific rarities will benefit from adding this vinyl record to their collections. The exclusive colored vinyl variants are especially attractive to devoted fans and avid vinyl collectors. 

How to Find High-Quality Vinyls

Whether you’re building a one-of-a-kind vinyl collection or just looking for some cool records to spin, shopping smart is crucial to getting the best deal and a high-quality record that delivers a smooth listening experience.

Condition Basics That Affect Value

A record’s condition can greatly affect its cost. The condition includes the vinyl itself and the jacket. The flaws or lack thereof can be identified through the Goldmine Grading System, which classifies records by:

• Mint (M): These records are in perfect condition, appearing as if they’ve just been purchased. They show no signs of ever being played, and the packaging is pristine.
• Near Mint (NM or M-): These records are in excellent condition, with only minor signs of handling. The vinyl may have slight imperfections, but nothing that affects the listening experience. The packaging is also in great shape with minimal wear.
• Very Good Plus (VG+) or Excellent (E): These records have been played, but were handled with care. The vinyl may have some light scuffs or surface noise, but it still provides an enjoyable listening experience. The packaging may exhibit slight ring wear or minor imperfections.
• Very Good (VG): These records have been played more frequently and may exhibit more noticeable surface noise, scratches, or wear. However, they still play without skipping. The packaging may have noticeable wear, such as ring wear, discoloration or small tears.
• Good (G), Good Plus (G+) or Very Good Minus (VG-): These records show significant wear and may have considerable surface noise, scratches and groove wear. They may play with some skips or repeats. The packaging may have major defects like tears, water damage, or heavy wear.
• Poor (P) and Fair (F): These records are in very rough condition and are typically unplayable due to significant damage. The packaging is usually heavily damaged or missing.

Reissues, Bootlegs and Misleading Listings

Unfortunately, scammers exist, so you need to know how to distinguish between counterfeits and the genuine article. Here’s what to look for to spot the difference:

• Inferior vinyl quality featuring imperfections like bubbles, rough edges or streaks
• Incorrect catalog numbers and copyright information or missing barcodes
• Low-quality packaging signs like misspellings, mismatching fonts and blurry or pixelated artwork
• Loose, poorly applied shrink wrap or none at all

• No authentic inserts like posters, inner sleeves or lyric sheets
   

  

Make sure you’re purchasing your records from reputable sellers or established record stores, such as Record Head. Online reviews and intuition are key — if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

FAQs: Vinyl Records

Learn more about the top vinyls of 2025 and how to find new additions to your collection:

What Were the Top Vinyl Records of 2025?

The most sought-after collectors’ records of 2025 include original classics like the Beatles’ “Anthology 4” and other niche and historical releases. Some trends from 2024 continued, with popular new releases from bestselling artists like Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar. 

Classical works and influential jazz reissues have also piqued many a collector’s interest. It’s all about unique, rare and historically significant pressings.

What’s the Difference Between a Bestselling Vinyl and a Sought-After Vinyl?

The difference between a bestselling vinyl and a sought-after vinyl is measured by sales volume over a period. Typically, a bestseller is driven by mainstream popularity and affordability, while a highly sought-after vinyl is measured by rarity, uniqueness and historical significance.
 

Are Limited Edition and Exclusive Pressings Always More Valuable?

Limited edition and exclusive pressings aren’t necessarily more valuable. Some labels use these terms even when the vinyls are produced in large quantities. True scarcity means few or rare pressings. If the artist or album isn’t or wasn’t popular, limited pressings don’t equate to high value. These labels also don’t mean much if there isn’t anything unique about the album — even if there is, it needs to be in good condition to retain its value.

Why Shop at Record Head?

Nothing beats the vibe and charm of a brick-and-mortar record store. The convenience of online-only shops can’t buy this experience. If that sounds good to you, there’s one spot in the Milwaukee area that’s a must-see for vinyl enthusiasts — Record Head.

At Record Head, we’ve been the best place in the Milwaukee area for music, movies and other media since the ’70s. We’re the longest-running record store in Milwaukee, and we have a wide range of new and used vinyl albums for sale. You can buy, sell or trade records at our store. Our friendly staff is always ready to help or chat about music. We’ve worked to cultivate a community of individuals passionate about media and music!

Shop a Wide Range of Vinyl Records at Record Head

Looking to browse through racks of records in a fun, welcoming environment? Come visit us at Record Head — we’re located at 7045 W Greenfield Ave, West Allis, WI 53214. 

If you know exactly what you want, let us know. If we don’t have it yet, chances are we will soon! We’re always buying new batches of records, so you never know what gems you might find.