Top Vinyl Albums of 2014

With 2014 coming to an end, Electrohome breaks down its top 10 albums of 2014. Vinyl LPs have an almost magical quality that many audiophiles can’t resist. Keeping that in mind, the following is our list of the top 10 vinyl albums of 2014:

1. Jack White – Lazaretto

Jack White came to fame as the male half of The White Stripes, but he has managed to become more popular than ever as he pursues his solo career. Lazaretto is the bestselling album of the year and is a solid No. 1 on our list.

2. Arctic Monkeys – Am

The Arctic Monkeys have been called the new Beatles for several years, but they have matured since their debut in 2006. Am includes two popular singles: “Why’d You Only Call Me When Your High?” and “Do I Wanna Know?”

 

3. Beck – Morning Phase

Morning Phase was largely released under the radar of mainstream media even though it was made available to stream free on NPR a week prior. However, this album can be ranked among Beck’s best, and it is a great addition to any vinyl collection.

4. The Black Keys – Turn Blue

The Black Keys came into the scene full force not too long ago, and the slower tempo of Turn Blue has not turned away any listeners. Released in May after being announced in March, this album takes the band in a new direction.

5. Lorde – Pure Heroine

Lorde is considered to be the No. 1 pop star of 2013, and this 17-year-old singer and songwriter has shown the world that she is here to stay with the release of Pure Heroine. More than 13,000 copies of the LP sold this year, and 2.47 million copies, in all forms of media, have sold worldwide.

6. Lana Del Rey – Born to Die

Even though this album was released in 2012, it continues to sell so well that we had to add it our list. While some critics say that it is nothing more than another pop record, others regard it as a masterpiece of songwriting.

7. Sam Smith – In the Lonely Hour

Hailing from the U.K., 21-year-old Sam Smith released his debut album this year. In the Lonely Hour is an eclectic, soulful collection of songs that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

8. Pink Floyd – The Endless River

In 2014, Pink Floyd released the band’s first new album in 20 years. In its debut week, more copies of the LP were sold than any other since 1997.

9. The Beatles – Abbey Road

Even though this list is for the best albums of 2014, two oldies have sold so well on vinyl that they have to be included. Abbey Road was released in 1969, but nearly 13,000 copies of the LP flew off U.S. shelves during the first eight months of the year.

10. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend

This is the second of the two oldies to make our 2014 list. The smooth reggae beats of Bob Marley & The Wailers never go out of style when it comes to vinyl, and Legend, released in 1984, remains the band’s most popular album.   So what do you think? Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments below!