When music CDs came out over 30 years ago, everyone thought that would mean end of vinyl records. After MP3s and streaming came along, people thought records would die. This was not case. Vinyl records have been making comeback. Many younger people are becoming very interested in seven-inch and 12-inch discs. So much so that in 2022, vinyl record sales were greater than CD sales for first time since 1987. In 2022, just over 41 million vinyl records were sold in US. This compares to 33 million CDs. Records have been increasing in popularity for quite some time. year 2022 was 16th consecutive year of growth for record sales. Records now account for 71 per cent of non-digital music.
CEO of Recording Industry Association of America, Mitch Glazier, said there has been "remarkable" rise in record sales. He said: "Vinyl is cementing its role as fixture of modern music marketplace." He added: "Music lovers can't get enough of high-quality sound and real connection to artists that vinyl delivers….Record labels have met that demand with steady stream of exclusives, special re-issues, and beautifully crafted packages and discs." Many people say covid pandemic has helped records make comeback. record label boss said: "Lots of folks were stuck at home working in pandemic…They invested in turntables and hi-fi….I think that's still carrying on today."
