Vinyl Sales Increase After 3 Decades, Lana Del Rey Album Ranks First

JAKARTA - The COVID-19 pandemic is still ongoing but sales of musical works continue to increase.

Vinyl (LPs), the first music medium in the world, is increasingly in demand by the public. Just entering its fourth month of 2021, vinyl sales are predicted to replace CDs for the first time in a decade.

Launching NME, last year, vinyl sales increased by 30 percent. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) said that this would happen for the first time since 1987.

The development of digital music also transcends all physical forms of the music medium, but the high interest in vinyl is something new.

In the UK, a 2020 report reveals that one in five (18 percent) of albums sold during 2020 was on vinyl.

The public also uses vinyl to listen to past releases such as Oasis, Fleetwood Mac, and Amy Winehouse.

"2021 will be the year that vinyl sales gains pass through CDs for the first time in three decades - since 1987," BPI's Geoff Taylor told NME.

According to him, fans want to feel closer to their favorite artist, so they buy something physical.

"Aside from the speed and convenience of streaming, fans want to be close to the musicians they love by having something real."

A year has passed since the pandemic was first declared. Various stages and live performances were automatically canceled. Although it is projected to return in the second half, but no one can take into account when the pandemic will end soon.

Fans also buy vinyl in order to support their favorite artists in producing works. Since there are no concerts or festivals, buying merchandise or the artist's music medium is an option.

In addition, the sound quality produced by vinyl feels clearer than other formats. Furthermore, Geoff Taylor also revealed that the lockdown did not have a full impact on physical album sales.

"Vinyl's outstanding performance (sales) despite the lockdown confirms its role as a long-term complement to music streaming."

Which record have you been snapping up on vinyl this year? These are the UK's best-sellers of 2021 so far: https://t.co/5MsUpSHDOY

- Official Charts (@officialcharts) April 15, 2021

Not only 2020, this year vinyl sales also continue to increase. This time there is the album Chemtrails Over The Country Club from Lana Del Rey which ranks first.

“Chemtrails Over the Country Club” is the # 1 BEST-SELLING vinyl of 2021 in the UK. pic.twitter.com/pK5CAoexRL

- Lana Del Rey Charts (@chartlanadata) April 15, 2021

According to the Official Charts, Del Rey's seventh album has purchased more than 17 thousand copies within a week. Automatically, Lana Del Rey became the female singer with the fastest selling vinyl.

Then, the new album Foo Fighters, Medicine at Midnight followed in second place followed by Biceps and Celeste.

Among the latest releases, the old ones also remain in demand. Fleetwood Mac's Rumors album is still selling well even when it was released in 1977. Fleetwood Mac's songs went viral with the TikTok app.

Given the large numbers, it is predicted that vinyl sales will exceed CD sales this year.