UK vinyl sales have hit their highest level since 1990

Sales of vinyl albums in the UK have hit their highest level since 1990 as they enjoy a resurgence in popularity. According to the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), sales in 2023 increased by 11.7% to reach 5.9 million units - increasing for the 16th consecutive year.

The best selling vinyl LP in 2023 was '1989' (Taylor's Version) by Taylor Swift - a re-recording of the singer's 2014 album. The second biggest selling release was 'Hackney Diamonds' by The Rolling Stones, which was the band's first album of new music since 2005.

Despite over four fifths of music being listened to via streaming, there has still been a huge increase in the popularity of vinyl records, with many fans enjoying building a collection. In 2023, the sale of cassettes also topped 100,000 for the fourth year in a row.

In addition to new releases by artists including Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo and Lewis Capaldi, there were also classic albums which made the top 10 list. Fleetwood Mac's 'Rumours' and Pink Floyd's 'The Dark Side of the Moon' were among the best-selling vinyl albums in 2023.

Speaking about the success of vinyl, BPI boss Dr Jo Twist said: "Led by vinyl, the resurgence of physical product underlines the resilience of the UK music market at a time when streaming consumption continues to hit record levels.

"Whilst LP sales have now been on an upward path for the past 16 years, it is encouraging to see a stabilisation in demand for CD, as well as new generations of music fans falling in love with the cassette. It is giving people more choice than ever in how they enjoy their favourite music."

Top 10 best-selling vinyl albums in the UK in 2023:

1) Taylor Swift - '1989' (Taylor's Version)

2) The Rolling Stones - 'Hackney Diamonds'

3) Lana Del Rey - 'Did You Know There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd'

4) Taylor Swift - 'Speak Now' (Taylor's Version)

5) Fleetwood Mac - 'Rumours'

6) Blur - 'The Ballad of Darren'

7) Pink Floyd - 'The Dark Side of the Moon'

8) Taylor Swift - 'Midnights'

9) Olivia Rodrigo - 'Guts'

10) Lewis Capaldi - 'Broken by Desire to be Heavenly Sent'

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