Vinyl record sales have been on the rise in recent years, and 2023 was no exception. With a blend of nostalgia and high-quality sound, music enthusiasts have continued to embrace the tangible experience of vinyl. Last year saw diverse artists topping the vinyl charts, from the timeless classics to modern-day icons. Taylor Swift’s reimagined hits and Lana Del Rey’s haunting melodies led the charge in a year that celebrated both innovation and tradition. Here’s a look at the albums that spun their way into history as the best-selling vinyl of 2023.
Taylor Swift – 1989 (Taylor’s Version)
Units sold – 1,014,000
Taylor Swift’s “1989 (Taylor’s Version)” not only captured the hearts of fans worldwide but also spun its way to the top of the vinyl charts in 2023. With over 1.014 million copies sold, it became the U.S.’s best-selling vinyl album of the year. This remarkable achievement marks the highest yearly sales for a vinyl album since records began, underscoring the timeless appeal of Swift’s music and the continued resurgence of vinyl as a beloved format.
Taylor Swift – Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
Units Sold – 510,000
Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) marked a triumphant moment in Taylor Swift’s career, becoming the second best-selling vinyl album in the U.S. for 2023 with 510,000 copies sold. The album resonated with fans in the U.S. and topped the charts globally, earning Swift her 12th number-one album on the Billboard 200. This achievement set a new record for the most number-one albums by a female artist. The re-recorded album includes all the beloved tracks from the 2010 “Speak Now” and adds six unreleased songs.
Taylor Swift – Midnights
Units Sold – 492,000
Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” illuminated the vinyl scene in 2023, selling a remarkable 492,000 copies in the U.S. alone. This nocturnal-themed concept album not only continued Swift’s streak of chart-topping releases but also claimed the third spot among the year’s best-selling vinyl albums. “Midnights,” Taylor Swift’s tenth studio album, is a captivating journey through the artist’s introspective musings during sleepless nights. The Midnights album won Album of the Year and Best Pop Vocal Album at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, making Swift the first artist to win the former category four times.
Travis Scott – Utopia
Units Sold – 373,000
Travis Scott’s “Utopia” soared to new heights in the vinyl world, selling an impressive 373,000 copies. Released in 2023, the album became a global sensation, topping charts in the U.K., Australia, Canada, and several other countries. It’s a rich tapestry of collaborations with stars like Drake, Beyoncé, and The Weeknd, and all 19 tracks made their debut on the Billboard Hot 100. Utopia established Scott as a major force in the music industry with its four hit singles. This album’s success cements Travis Scott’s place in the pantheon of artists who have left an indelible mark on the vinyl resurgence.
Taylor Swift – Folklore
Units Sold- 308,000
Folklore by Taylor Swift, crafted amidst the solitude of 2020’s lockdowns, became a vinyl favorite, selling 308,000 copies in the U.S. in 2023. This surprise release album turned into a comforting companion for many, offering a stream of consciousness set to music. It clinched the title of the fifth best-selling vinyl of the year, with its tracks “Cardigan,” “The 1,” and “Exile” enchanting listeners and climbing charts globally.
Olivia Rodrigo – Guts
Units Sold- 267,000
Olivia Rodrigo’s “Guts” struck a chord in the vinyl community, selling 267,000 copies and becoming one of the top vinyl albums in the U.S. for 2023. The album, her second studio release, resonated globally, topping charts in multiple countries. Its success was amplified by the release of a special vinyl-exclusive E.P. featuring four secret tracks, which became a highlight of Record Store Day 2023, securing its spot as the second best-selling album of the event. “Guts” showcases Rodrigo’s continued collaboration with producer Dan Nigro, building on the distinct sound that fans loved in her debut album “Sour.”
Taylor Swift – Lover
Units Sold -256,000
Taylor Swift’s “Lover” continued to captivate listeners in 2023, with its vinyl edition selling 256,000 copies in the U.S. and ranking as the seventh best-selling vinyl of the year. Released in 2019, “Lover” is a vibrant and emotive album that showcases Swift’s versatility as a songwriter. Its nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album and its win at the American Music Awards for Favorite Pop/Rock Album are testaments to its enduring appeal.
Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Units Sold – 215,000
Lana Del Rey’s “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd” resonated with vinyl enthusiasts, selling 215,000 copies and becoming one of the standout vinyl albums in the U.S. for 2023. The album, Del Rey’s ninth studio work, was lauded by critics for the depth of its lyrics and production quality, with some even hailing it as her finest creation. It soared to the top of the charts in eight countries and made it into the top five in over twenty, peaking at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200. This album’s blend of collaborations and Del Rey’s signature style has cemented its status as a vinyl favorite.
Fleetwood Mac -Rumours
Units Sold – 206,000
Fleetwood Mac’s timeless classic “Rumours” proved its enduring legacy by becoming one of the best-selling vinyl albums of 2023, with 206,000 units sold. This iconic album, originally released in 1975, not only stood the test of time but also saw a resurgence with “Rumours: Live,” featuring unreleased live recordings from 1977. Its entry into the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart marked the band’s most successful debut in over twenty years, highlighting the album’s lasting impact.
Lana Del Rey – Born To Die
Units Sold – 192,000
With its haunting melodies and cinematic soundscapes, Lana Del Rey’s “Born to Die” album continued to enchant vinyl collectors in 2023. Selling 192,000 copies, it clinched the 10th spot among the year’s top vinyl sales in the U.S. This album, which marked Del Rey’s major-label debut in 2012, has stood the test of time, captivating listeners with its blend of melancholy lyrics and lush production. The enduring popularity of “Born to Die,” nearly a decade after its release, highlights the album’s status as a modern classic.