Entertainment

Timeless Tunes: 10 Records That Are So Much Better On Vinyl

by Amanda Fama

There's no ignoring it: History repeats itself, and music culture is no exception.

Growing up, we all experienced advancement in technology, as far as music goes.

We lived through the cassette tapes, the CDs, the MP3s and even those silly little Hit Clips, but there is one form of easy-listening our generation missed out on: vinyls.

Vinyls provide more than just music. They are their own unique pieces of artwork, each one with personalized covers that not only give us an insight on the musician, but also about the album and its content.

They're so complex, yet, so simple, and that's why our generation has become so freakin' obsessed with them.

In a world so consumed with growing technology and keeping up with the Joneses, we forgot how beautiful simplicity can be.

And now, we're craving it.

We've ventured back into mom and pop record stores and found our ways to old antique shops searching for a record players we can call our own.

We've essentially gone back in time.

But, do we really know what we're looking for? I mean, sure, many artists today have converted the formats of their music onto vinyl to appease this new craze for raw sound.

I won't lie — I got Taylor Swift's 1989 on vinyl for Christmas, and I was happier than a kid in a candy shop.

Yet, we must not forget about the music that ruled the 1960s and 1970s, the music cherished for its heartfelt lyrics, undeniable passion and real instrumentation.

Enough of the 2015 computer-generated tracks being slapped onto "vinyl" that we can have delivered to our houses via Amazon.

We need to get up, take a trip to the nearest record store and search the dusty shelves for the vinyls we've been missing out on.

Here are just a few records every Generation-Y Music lover should dig for; don't worry, we won't call you a hipster:

1. Simon and Garfunkel: Bridge Over Troubled Water (1970).

Buy this record, light a candle and close your eyes because Simon and Garfunkel are about to bring you on a journey through love and adventure with chilling harmonies and storytelling lyrics that will captivate the hell out of you.

2. The Beatles: Abbey Road (1969).

What else is there to say? They're The Beatles. With classic tracks like "Here Comes the Sun," "Come Together" and "Something," who doesn't need this record in his or her life?

And if you don't know those tracks, you have some serious listening to do.

3. Led Zeppelin: IV (1971).

Ah, yes, Led Zeppelin. Whether you're rocking out to "Black Dog" or taking it easy, sleeping in on a Sunday morning and contemplating life over "Stairway To Heaven," this one's a must for any lover of rock 'n' roll.

4. Fleetwood Mac: Rumours (1977).

Stevie Nicks is a songwriting goddess, and whether you know it or not, you've heard the tracks that grace this album with their presence.

You're going to love it, and will be able to sing, "Never Going Back Again" loud and proud.

Not to mention "Landslide," which is an all-time favorite of mine, with a gorgeous acoustic guitar and touching lyrics that will bring a tear to your eye.

5. Bob Dylan: Highway 61 Revisited (1965).

Good ol' Bob Dylan. You need to have at least one record by the harmonica playin', guitar slapping lyrical genius, who once reigned the music scene of Lower Manhattan, specifically in Greenwich Village.

Play "Like a Rolling Stone" at the highest volume, and free yourself from any worries or stresses that are plaguing your life.

6. The Rolling Stones: Sticky Fingers (1971).

With tracks like "Wild Horses" and "Dead Flowers," this Stones album will satisfy anyone's craving for carefree rock 'n' roll. Turn up the volume with this record while you're hanging out with some friends, having a few beers on a Friday night.

7. Janis Joplin: Pearl (1971).

Put the needle down on this album and listen to Joplin's raunchy, yet captivatingly melodic vocals that will make you feel like you're front row at Woodstock.

This album represents the authenticity of music that we are severely lacking today. Girl Power.

8. The Mamas & The Papas: The Papas & The Mamas (1968).

This one's a classic. It's rhythmic, harmonic and a little bit trippy. It's perfect for anyone who is a fan of beautiful melodies, or just plain old good music.

It's hard to find the passion these days that is so apparent within the blended voices of The Mamas & The Papas, so dig deep for this one.

9. Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons: The Very Best of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons (2002).

I wouldn't typically suggest a greatest hits album to buy on vinyl because we're talking big bucks here.

But, hey, if you ever hit the lottery and feel like jamming out to some Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, be sure to buy this one.

With "Sherry," "Big Girls Don't Cry" and "December, 1963," you'll be dancing the night away.

These tracks are catchy as f*ck, and will have you singing along with every word within minutes.

10. The Beatles: Let It Be (1970).

I know, I know, I already mentioned a Beatles record before. In fact, I could make a list of only Beatles vinyls worth digging for, but I'll let you discover that for yourself.

That being said, I am certain that you've heard the song, "Let It Be," multiple times before, but have you ever heard it on vinyl?

In fact, are you familiar with the other songs featured on the record? Take "Across the Universe" and "Two Of Us," for example.

They are instant classics. I'm not sure what The Beatles did differently, but man, their music is special.

This record was the final Beatles album ever released, and therefore, completely worth owning.

Forget about the clichéd Beatles fad that has become apparent in recent years and listen for the sake of enjoying good music written by these talented, timeless artists.

By owning these records, you are keeping the music alive. In today's society, we need to bring back authenticity.