For some music fans, nothing beats the sound of vinyl. With its lack of compression, vinyl albums have a sound quality that music lovers gravitate toward. Even the skips and scratches make for a unique and often intimate listening experience. Here are eight musicians with vinyl albums you’ll want to check out because we’re not here to gatekeep these gatefolds.
Janelle Monáe – “The Age of Pleasure”
Janelle Monáe’s latest album is a summer scorcher, leading off with the sultry single “Lipstick Lover.” While their chart-topping and critically acclaimed 2018 album “Dirty Computer” tackled technology and freedom of self, “The Age of Pleasure” dives into sensuality, physical and emotional pleasure. Monáe has a number of exclusive pressings fans can pick up, including an “Orange Crush” vinyl available at independent record stores.
boygenius – “The Record”
Queer supergroup boygenuis finally released a full-length album of twelve tunes full of pining, love in many forms and the joy of being known. Made up of popular queer singer/songwriters Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, the trio has been touring to sold-out crowds and making out onstage all over the country. Queer joy personified. Fans can pick up the exclusive band variant silver vinyl, which includes “a temporary tattoo, 24-page zine, and one of four randomly selected glossy photos of boygenius.”
Wham! – “The Singles: Echoes From The Edge Of Heaven”
Coinciding with the band’s 40th anniversary and their Netflix documentary, Legacy Recordings has re-released nearly two hours of the band’s music, including their hits “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” “I’m Your Man” and “Last Christmas.” The English pop duo was comprised of longtime friends George Michael and Andrew Ridgeley, who sold over 30 million albums during the band’s five years together. Michaels died suddenly at age 53 but remains a legend as an acclaimed musician and songwriter. The album can be purchased through the official Wham! site in various formats, including options with t-shirts and a zoetrope pressing of the collection.
Shamir – “Hope” reissue
The queer singer/songwriter’s second studio album “Hope” was reissued last year in honor of its 5-year anniversary. Created and recorded in Shamir’s bedroom as the artist was contemplating quitting the music business, the lo-fi pop album reissue includes two unreleased songs and a free digital download. Pick up the reissue–a joyful-looking lime green pressing– through Brooklyn Vegan. (Shamir’s upcoming album, “Homo Anxietatum” drops on Aug. 18, which you can pre-order now.)
Howard Ashman and Alan Menken – “The Little Mermaid”
Lyricist Howard Ashman may have passed away in 1991 due to complications from AIDS, but his legacy lives on in Disney musicals “The Little Mermaid” “Alladin” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The 2023 live-action remake of “The Little Mermaid” starring Halle Baily and Melissa McCarthy, has released an exclusive vinyl with Barnes and Noble, allowing new generations to experience Ashman’s genius. The sea-blue pressing includes a poster of the film.
Greta Van Fleet – “Starcatcher”
Greta Van Fleet’s third studio album, “Starcatcher” drops July 21 and the blues and ‘70s rock-influenced band is prepping a worldwide tour in support. Lead vocalist and founding member Josh Kiszka recently came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community on Instagram. Kiszka’s soaring tenor voice has helped lead the band to TikTok infamy and global success. Fans can pre-order the limited edition black ice translucent and glitter vinyl now.
Barry Manilow – “Trying’ to Get the Feeling”
For the first time in 40 years, Fanilows can get their hands on the vinyl edition of one of Manilow’s most beloved albums. The limited-edition, individually numbered vinyl is vibrant red and includes songs like “I Write the Songs” and “A Nice Boy Like Me.” Manilow came out as gay in 2017 and shared that he and his partner/manager Garry Kief had been a couple for four decades and were married.
Black Belt Eagle Scout – “The Land, The Water, The Sky”
“The Land, The Water, The Sky” is the third album by queer indigenous artist Katherine Paul, under the moniker of Black Belt Eagle Scout. Based in Portland, Oregon, Paul is a member of the Swinomish/Iñupiaq tribal community and a self-taught multi-instrumentalist, playing piano, flute, drums and guitar. Fans may be able to find the collectible clear vinyl version of the album at their favorite record stores and eBay or order the standard LP through the Saddle Creek record label site.