20 Essential Albums Every Vinyl Collection Should Have

Ask twenty record collectors for their essential albums and you'll probably get twenty different lists. That's part of the fun. At Harbourside Records, we see customers buying their first LP alongside people who've been collecting for decades.

This isn't a ranking of the greatest albums ever made. It's a starting point: twenty records worth hearing from beginning to end, across different genres and generations. Buy the music you love, not just the albums someone tells you to own.

20 albums worth having on vinyl

1. Fleetwood Mac – Rumours. Brilliant songwriting, harmonies and a record that works from start to finish.
2. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side of the Moon. A classic full-album listening experience.
3. The Beatles – Abbey Road. One of the most recognisable and rewarding rock albums.
4. Michael Jackson – Thriller. Pop hits, huge production and a genuine party record.
5. Nirvana – Nevermind. A defining alternative-rock album with enormous energy.
6. David Bowie – The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars. A brilliant introduction to Bowie's catalogue.
7. Prince and the Revolution – Purple Rain. Funk, rock and pop all in one.
8. Led Zeppelin – IV. A rock staple with plenty of variety.
9. Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life. Soul, funk and outstanding songwriting.
10. Marvin Gaye – What's Going On. A powerful album that rewards a full listen.
11. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. Hip-hop, soul and R&B beautifully combined.
12. OutKast – Aquemini. An adventurous hip-hop classic.
13. Radiohead – OK Computer. Detailed, atmospheric alternative rock.
14. Daft Punk – Random Access Memories. A favourite for listeners who enjoy polished, dynamic production.
15. Amy Winehouse – Back to Black. Modern soul with unforgettable vocals.
16. AC/DC – Back in Black. Straight-ahead Australian rock at its best.
17. INXS – Kick. Packed with songs that still sound great.
18. Midnight Oil – Diesel and Dust. An essential Australian album with a distinctive sound and message.
19. Joni Mitchell – Blue. Intimate, beautifully written folk music.
20. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend. A welcoming entry point into reggae, even if you're new to the genre.

Should you buy original pressings or reissues?

For most people starting a collection, a well-made modern reissue is a sensible choice. Original pressings can be interesting to collectors, but they aren't automatically better sounding. Condition, mastering and the quality of the pressing all matter.

What if your favourite album isn't on this list?

Then it belongs in your collection anyway. There's no compulsory checklist. Whether you're into metal, pop, hip-hop, jazz, soundtracks or Australian indie music, your shelves should reflect what you actually listen to.

Where to start buying vinyl in Australia

Start with two or three albums you know you'll play regularly, then explore from there. At Harbourside Records in Warilla, NSW, we stock a curated range of new and pre-owned records. Availability of individual titles changes, so search the website for the album and edition you're after.

What would make your personal top twenty? That's always a good conversation to have in a record store.