Beginner Vinyl Records to Start Your Collection: Must-Have Albums for New Collectors

Building a vinyl record collection is an exciting venture into the realm of analog sound, touchable art, and engaging listening. Whether it's your first turntable purchase or you're resurrecting vinyl listening after years gone by, just the right records can establish your sound, style, and music passion.

But amidst all these records out there, what are the best starting records for your collection? This guide presents must-have albums across various genres selected for their timelessness, excellent sound quality on vinyl, and release on high-quality pressings by credible sources such as Elusive Disc.

Why Vinyl for Newbies?

Their digital counterparts can't replicate the original listening experience of vinyl records. A good turntable and cartridge bring out the best in the analog sound's depth and warmth as well as its dynamic range. And then, of course, there's the added excitement of flipping the record, looking at the cover art, and listening to an entire album from start to finish.

The Essential Beginner Vinyl Records (By Genre)

1. Rock: Fleetwood Mac - Rumours

This 1977 release is regularly mentioned as being among the greatest-sounding and most emotionally deep albums ever released on vinyl. Its harmonies, sound production, and lasting appeal make it a must-have vinyl selection for new collectors.

Why it's Great

Warm analog production
Great male/female vocal interplay
Easily found in high-grade reissue

2. Jazz: Miles Davis - Kind of Blue

It can't be missing from any collection. Its relaxed style and polish make it perfect for evening listening and the best introduction to jazz.

Why it's Great:

Iconic performances by Coltrane, Miles, and Bill Evans
A vast soundstage
Great availability of high-quality pressings

3. Pop: Adele - 21

Contemporary pop collides with classic soul with beautiful vocals and strong ballads. Adele's voice is especially rich and dynamic on vinyl.

Why it's Great:

Exceptional vocal range and clarity
High-end production
They appeal to listeners of all ages

4. Traditional Soul: Marvin Gaye - What's Going On

This album is not just music, it's social commentary couched in some of Motown's greatest grooves.

Why It's Great:

Songwriting masterpiece and masterful arrangement
Rich accompaniment
Must-listen for soul and R&B enthusiasts

5. Indie/Alternative: Radiohead - In Rainbows

A richly detailed album mixing elements of rock, electronic, and ambient sound. In Rainbows demonstrates vinyl's capacity for reproducing complicated arrangements of sound with depth and texture.

Why It's Great:

Layered sound textures
Audiophile delight
Pressed on heavyweight vinyl.

6. Singer-Songwriter: Carole King - Tape

Intimate, emotional, and eternal, this album is akin to having a heartwarming chat with someone special. The acoustic settings sound terrific on vinyl.

Why it's great:

Genuine emotional songwriting
Relaxed production is best suited for analog
It's one of the highest-selling albums of all time

Audiophile Vinyl Recommendations for Newbies

If you're looking to discover the best-sounding pressings for your system, consider:

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me (Blue Note Audiophile Edition)
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms (180g 2LP)
Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon (50th Anniversary Pressing)

These records come in high-end pressings, which really bring out what vinyl can do at its best, combined with good equipment.

Tips for Starting Your Vinyl Collection

Select Quality Over Quantity - Begin with 5-10 well-sounding albums instead of 50 bargain bin selections.
Buy from Reliable Sources - Purchase from established sources such as Elusive Disc to steer clear of warped vinyl or badly pressed records.
Keep your records safe - Use inner and outer sleeves to shield them from dust and scratches.
Invest in a Good Cartridge - A good cartridge, such as the Ortofon 2M Red, improves clarity and prevents wear on your records.

Why Elusive Disc is the Right Place to Begin

At Elusive Disc, we're committed to selling audiophile-grade vinyl, hard-to-find pressings, and carefully chosen starter records for enthusiasts of all stripes. Whether you're purchasing your very first LP or stepping up to a high-end press, we've got it all:

180g & 200g audiophile vinyl
Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab (MFSL) editions
Out-of-print and collectible records
Turntables, cartridges, and accessories

In addition to that, we're also here to assist in choosing records that sound fantastic on your respective system.

Conclusion: Curate A Collection That's Truly You

It's not just about the records, though. Beginning a record collection is about crafting the soundtrack of your life. These beginner's vinyl records are classic, well-made, and easily found, just right for your starter shelf of wax. When your collection gets larger, your appreciation for the art of analog music will too.