UK vinyl LP sales reached their highest level since 1990, with 5.9 million units sold in 2023, marking a 16th consecutive year of growth.
Sales of vinyl LPs rose for a 16th consecutive year in 2023, hitting 5.9 million units.
Vinyl LP sales in the UK have surged to their highest levels since 1990, marking a continued resurgence in physical music consumption. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), sales climbed by 11.7% in the first 51 weeks of the year, totaling 5.9 million units, extending a 16-year streak of growth.
Leading the pack in LP sales was Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version), closely followed by the Rolling Stones’ Hackney Diamonds. Cassette sales also enjoyed a successful year, surpassing 100,000 units for the fourth consecutive year.
While streaming remains the dominant method for consuming recorded music, vinyl has staged a remarkable comeback, prized by enthusiasts for its collectibility and superior audio quality. The BPI credited this revival to the support of independent record stores and the resurgence of specialist music retailer HMV.
The top-selling vinyl albums were largely comprised of new releases, featuring artists like Ed Sheeran, Lewis Capaldi, and Lana Del Rey in the top 10. Notably, classic albums and reissues, including Fleetwood Mac’s Rumors and Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon (Live At Wembley 1974), also secured spots among the best performers.
The BPI reported a resurgence in cassette sales, which had declined in the early 1990s, while the decrease in CD sales had slowed down, reaching a plateau of around 11 million units in 2023.
Take That’s “This Life” claimed the top spot as the best-selling CD of the year, while Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” was the standout performer in the cassette category.
Dr. Jo Twist OBE, head of BPI, noted, “The revival of physical music products, led by vinyl, showcases the UK music market’s resilience despite soaring streaming levels. With LP sales consistently rising for 16 years, it’s reassuring to witness a stabilization in CD demand and a newfound appreciation for cassettes among newer music enthusiasts. This diversity offers more choices for enjoying beloved music.”
Source: BBC News
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