Top 10 Vinyl Albums [8th April 2024]

April 8, 2024

"In a world of streaming and digital downloads, vinyl reminds us to slow down, savor the music, and appreciate the artistry behind every album."

Are you ready to embark on a musical odyssey? From iconic masterpieces to lesser-known treasures, join us as we countdown the top 10 vinyl albums that have left an indelible mark on music history. Find all of these on our official Beatrelease website and app!

Cowboy Carter by Beyonce: Beyoncé's upcoming album, "Cowboy Carter," serves as a follow-up to "The Renaissance" and is rumored to showcase her rendition of Dolly Parton's iconic heartbreak ballad, "Jolene." Additionally, the album reportedly features a collaboration with country legend Willie Nelson on a track titled "Smoke Hour." Among the anticipated singles from "Cowboy Carter" are "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em." Notably, "Texas Hold 'Em" propelled Beyoncé to historic heights, becoming the first Black woman to dominate Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart. It also soared to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Beyoncé's ninth chart-topping hit and her first since "Break My Soul." The forthcoming LP promises a diverse range of tracks, including titles like "Spaghettii," "The Linda Martell Show," "Riiverdance," "Tyrant," and "Dolly P."
Everything is Bigger Than Me by Pierce Brothers: The fifth studio album from Melbourne's folk sensation, Pierce Brothers, titled "Everything Is Bigger Than Me" and released via Ditto Music, debuted impressively at No. 14 on the ARIA Albums Chart, encompassing all genres and formats. Furthermore, it secured top positions on both the national physical sales tally and the Australian albums survey. This notable achievement underscores the album's widespread popularity and acclaim, affirming Pierce Brothers' influential presence in the folk music landscape. Currently at No. 2, Everything Is Bigger Than Me is the only Australian recording in the current ARIA Top 40. Timed perfectly for Bluesfest, "Everything Is Bigger Than Me" encapsulates the culmination of the brothers' decade-long journey, showcasing their evolved craft. Marking their debut as producers alongside Phil Threlfall and recorded at Jack's home studio, this album represents a deeply personal milestone for the brothers.
Born Sandy Devotional by The Triffids: With "Born Sandy Devotional," the Triffids reached the pinnacle of their potential, surpassing the achievements of their earlier releases, "Treeless Plain" and "Raining Pleasure." Despite being recorded 9,000 miles away from their home, this album remains deeply rooted in the landscapes of the Triffids' native Western Australia. It stands as the crowning achievement of David McComb's tragically short career, demonstrating his unparalleled ability to connect the stark, isolated geography of Western Australia with universally relatable themes of desolation. While "Born Sandy Devotional" delves into dark subject matter, including death, psychological turmoil, and despair, it never descends into sentimentality or cliché. McComb's commanding vocals, combined with expansive arrangements featuring strings, haunting keyboards, vibes, and "Evil" Graham Lee's pedal steel, imbue many of these songs with a sense of profound emotional intensity and drama.
1989 (Taylor's Version): "1989 (Taylor's Version)" is a re-recording of Taylor Swift's fifth studio album, "1989," originally released in 2014. This re-recording is part of Swift's effort to regain control of her masters after the original recordings were acquired by a music industry executive. By re-recording her past albums, Swift aims to assert her ownership over her music and ensure that she benefits financially from its use. The album "1989" marked a significant shift in Swift's musical style, embracing a full pop sound compared to her previous country-infused albums. It features hit singles such as "Shake It Off," "Blank Space," and "Bad Blood," which topped charts worldwide and earned critical acclaim for Swift's songwriting and catchy melodies. "1989 (Taylor's Version)" offers fans a chance to revisit these beloved songs with Swift's matured vocals and updated production while also allowing her to reclaim creative control over her musical legacy.
Midnight by Taylor Swift: Midnights isn't a departure; it's a homecoming—a revival of the brooding electro-pop that fueled Reputation. While the 2017 album carried a tone of defiance, Midnights exudes contemplation, even amidst its insistent beats. Despite occasional moments of urgency, the album clearly sets the scene for the early hours of the morning. Taylor Swift's latest studio album, "Midnights," is a captivating anthology of music born from the depths of the night, offering a profound exploration of both fears and dreams. Delving into the moments of pacing floors and confronting inner demons, the album weaves together tales from 13 sleepless nights spanning Taylor's life. Each LP edition comprises 13 evocative tracks, accompanied by one of four distinct album jackets, one of four marbled color discs, a sleeve featuring Taylor's photo, a gatefold photo, and a lyric booklet adorned with exclusive, never-before-seen images. These compositions form a solid foundation for an album that aims to capture the aimless drift of late-night insomnia—a time marked by regret, self-reproach, and acceptance. Midnights plays to Swift's sense of precision and artistry: while she sings of tangled emotions, she sculpts them into shimmering, resonant melodies.
Black Ticket Day by Eu Kuepper: "Black Ticket Day" by Ed Kuepper is an acclaimed album that showcases Kuepper's musical brilliance and innovation. Originally released in 1992, this album is now being reissued on vinyl for the first time in decades, making it a highly anticipated addition to any collector's library. Known for its expansive sound and electrifying energy, "Black Ticket Day" follows in the footsteps of Kuepper's earlier masterpiece, "Honey Steel's Gold." It features a diverse range of tracks, from catchy pop gems like "It's Lunacy" and "Real Wild Life" to experimental pieces such as "Blind Girl Stripper" and "All My Ideas Run to Crime." Winner of the Aria Award for Best Independent Album, "Black Ticket Day" continues to captivate listeners with its timeless appeal and enduring musicality. This vinyl reissue offers fans a chance to rediscover and appreciate Kuepper's extraordinary talent all over again.
Law of Nature by Laughing Clowns: "Law of Nature" (1984) is a mesmerizing album, enveloped in a haze of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from Kuepper's recollections of his upbringing in the semi-rural suburbs of Brisbane. It skillfully integrates the experimental tones reminiscent of Laughing Clowns' earlier releases into a collection of meticulously crafted songs. Regarded as a quintessential piece of Australian post-punk, it notably includes the original recording of 'Eternally Yours.'" - John Encarnacao, author of Ed Kuepper's Honey Steel's Gold for 33 1/3. Considered among the band's most exceptional works, 'Law of Nature' features moments of sublime beauty, notably in tracks like 'Law of Nature,' 'Written in Exile,' and 'Eternally Yours,' where Elliot's soul-stirring saxophone melodies gracefully fill the air. Now available on vinyl for the first time since its initial release in 1984, showcasing the timeless classic "Eternally Yours." Available in standard black or royal blue vinyl editions.
Lover by Taylor Swift: In the opening track of her seventh studio album, "Lover," Taylor Swift declares, "If I were a man, I'd be The Man," setting the stage for an album that brims with brightness, liveliness, and emotional openness. From the effervescent charm of "Paper Rings" to the whimsical inclusion of a spoken introduction by Idris Elba on "London Boy," the album revels in moments of playful silliness. However, amidst the pure pop delights, Swift also delves into deeper, more complex emotions. Take, for instance, "The Man," a song that harbors clear-eyed indignation towards institutional sexism rather than serving as a mere boast or manifesto. Swift doesn't shy away from addressing political issues either; "You Need to Calm Down" stands as an anthem for allies, delivering its message with directness and conviction. While some may interpret tracks like "Soon You'll Get Better" as a tribute to her mother and "I Forgot That You Existed" as a response to online criticism, attempting to decipher the inspirations behind each song risks overshadowing the album's overall generosity and vibrancy. With "Lover," Swift embraces every facet of her personality, from the hopeful dreamer to the coolly composed artisan, resulting in a record that feels simultaneously familiar and refreshingly unexpected.
Eternal Sunshine by Ariana Grande: After a four-year hiatus since her last album, Ariana Grande gracefully returned to the spotlight with her introspective seventh studio album, "Eternal Sunshine." Grande skillfully blends the warm, lush R&B tones of "Positions" and "Thank U, Next" with the lighter, feel-good vibes reminiscent of "Sweetener." The energetic centerpiece, "Yes, And?", serves as a blissful dose of dancefloor magic, evoking the empowerment anthems of "Express Yourself" and "Born This Way." Throughout "Eternal Sunshine," Grande delivers impeccably produced midtempo tracks that showcase her vocal range and introspective musings during this pivotal stage in her life. Far from mundane, these songs captivate (as seen in the rejuvenating "Supernatural"), provide solace ("Eternal Sunshine"), and nourish the soul like rays of light ("Imperfect for You"). Concluding with the horn-swelled "Ordinary Things," Grande draws upon her grandmother Marjorie's wise counsel on sustaining relationships, offering a touching moment of reflection amid the artist's journey through adult breakups and the ensuing healing process, however messy it may be.
Evermore by Taylor Swift: Released just five months after "Folklore," "Evermore" emerges as a direct sequel to its predecessor. Recorded under similar circumstances during the 2020 quarantine, the album boasts a comparable supporting cast and delves into familiar emotional territory. However, "Evermore" is more than just a "Folklore, Vol. 2." While "Folklore" was a meticulously crafted departure, every element meticulously placed, Taylor Swift takes a more relaxed approach on "Evermore," experimenting with narratives and textures. Swift exudes a sense of comfort in her moody surroundings, freely employing profanity—a departure that signals her ongoing evolution as a songwriter. With "Evermore," Swift embraces a slight playfulness that she intentionally restrained on "Folklore." She revels in exploring new musical and emotional dimensions, crafting an album that serves as anything but a mere warm balm; it's a record suited for contemplation rather than solitude.