The very first vinyl record was pressed in 1948 by Columbia Records: Mendelssohn’s Concerto in E Minor by violinist Nathan Milstein. It was, of course, a standard black disc. Imagine spinning that record, then stepping into a time machine and arriving in the colorful, experimental world of vinyl we know today.
Vinyl is booming. Sales are hitting peaks not seen since the ’80s. And interestingly, a large portion of buyers never even play their records—half of them don’t even own a turntable. For many, vinyl is displaying art first, music second.
Maybe that’s why vinyl designs are getting bolder and stranger. Charli XCX once released a special edition of Brat filled with a white powder meant to evoke cocaine. Fall Out Boy put out a pressing that included the band’s real tears. The Australian punk group Private Function sold a record that literally contained their urine.
Those are extreme—and rare—examples. You won’t find anything that out-there in this list. What you will find are vinyl releases that are still creative and eye-catching… but also actually obtainable.
Here are 20 of the coolest, best-looking, and most unique vinyl records worth buying right now.
Price: $33
What do you expect from an album called Missionary? Snoop Dogg’s big comeback with Dr. Dre features one of the most creative uses of vinyl in recent memory: the record’s shape and design mimic a condom. Maybe don’t whip this one out at a house party… unless it’s that kind of party. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
One of the best posthumous rap albums of all time, Juice WRLD’s Legends Never Die is celebrating its five-year anniversary with a couple of special edition vinyl releases. Complex has a sleek one that’s cool. But if you want something a little more out there, this eye-catching Zoetrope version features two trippy designs that appear to move as the record spins. You really have to see this one in motion to get the full effect. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $45
Ludacris’ third major-label album, Chicken-N-Beer, is worth owning for its biggest hit alone—the Kanye West–produced banger “Stand Up.” But how can you pass on a vinyl designed to look like a piece of fried chicken? Add the fact that this version is super limited—only 1,000 were made—and this becomes an obvious must-cop. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $55
In 2023, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse got the Metro Boomin treatment. He executive produced the soundtrack, enlisting big names like Lil Uzi Vert, Swae Lee, and Offset. The vinyl’s cover features a sketch-graffiti rendering of the film’s “Spider-Punk” character, a vivid nod to the movie’s style. —Antonio Johri
Price: 64.99
Mac Miller had plenty of early-career favorites, but it feels like he really found his stride with Watching Movies with the Sound Off. The 10th-anniversary vinyl edition is gorgeous, including a 10″ zoetrope picture disc that has to be seen in motion to be believed. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $23.99
Nothing beats giving your music-loving boo a 10” record shaped like a heart. It doesn’t hurt that the music—performed by bluesy singer Solene and producer J. Rawls—sounds as good as it looks. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Rico Nasty’s third album, Lethal, sees her going all in on her punk sound, with most tracks featuring her belting over rock guitars. The vinyl is shaped like a literal saw blade, jagged edges and all—perfectly matching the album’s aggressive energy. Watch your fingers with this one. —Antonio Johri
I’m not sure Mario and Luigi is what first comes to mind when thinking of Michigan rapper BabyTron or charismatic Milwaukee rapper Certified Trapper. But we appreciate the innovation of their Mario and Luigi vinyl, which features two sides to represent both characters. Let’s just hope the very litigious folks at Nintendo don’t find out about this one. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $45.99
This vinyl looks just as good in its packaging as it does out of it. Feid’s 2022 EP, Sixdo, comes with a stunning hologram cover and bright slime-green vinyl that will brighten up any room. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $28.99
Raekwon, of course, is famous for the purple tape, aka Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… . Could he make clear vinyl a thing? He’s trying with his latest album, The Emperor’s New Clothes, which comes on a vinyl that looks like it’s made of glass. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $29.99
Hopeless Fountain Kingdom, Halsey’s first—and still only—album to reach No. 1, is one of the more interesting entries in her catalogue, taking plenty of big swings. The vinyl features an amazing blue splatter that looks like the ocean. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $25.98
This is a 7” vinyl featuring two of the most popular songs from the Wicked soundtrack: “Defying Gravity” and “Popular.” But check out how cool it is—it’s shaped like a witch, perfect for the theatre kid in your life. —Dimas Sanforenzo
Price: 32.99
Not sure what the gold on the vinyl is meant to represent—maybe the album’s three Grammy wins. But we’re glad it exists. It’s a striking color for one of the best rap albums of the past decade. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $29.99
You know when you smash two Starburst together to make one swirly color? That’s exactly what this half-green, half-blue vinyl looks like. I couldn’t think of a more delightful record for a more delightful soundtrack. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $50.99
What makes the Wicked musical so effective is the level of empathy it shows for one of the protagonists, who will eventually become the villain of The Wizard of Oz. This special vinyl, featuring both of the main stars, is the perfect addition to any design-heavy collection. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $23.99
Jelly Roll is known for mixing gritty, soulful, and poppy sounds on his albums. That blend makes camo the perfect design for the vinyl of his 2024 album, Beautifully Broken—just don’t put it in the grass. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $39.99
The Weeknd concluded his trilogy earlier this year and has even retired his stage name. Still, fans can revisit the second chapter, DAWN FM, on vinyl, featuring alternate cover art by Robert Beatty. The album’s minimalistic, dystopian atmosphere comes to life through the neon artwork and crumpled translucent textures of the discs. —Antonio Johri
Price: $24.98
D Smoke, Sir’s brother and the winner of the Netflix competition show Rhythm + Flow, wanted a vinyl that represents his name. War and Wonders features a great hazy smoke effect…for obvious reasons. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $50.99
Zayn’s fourth studio album, Room Under the Stairs, wasn’t a huge hit in the States, but the music is solid. The vinyl’s splattered effect perfectly brings the ‘Under Stairs’ part of the title to life. —Dimas Sanfiorenzo
Price: $32.99
J Balvin and Bad Bunny released Oasis, their ‘Watch the Throne’-style project, in 2019, and it was a hit. The vinyl features El Conejo’s signature bunny, highlighted by J Balvin’s yellow-gold aesthetic and lightning bolt eyes, making it a standout collectible that captures one of Latin music’s biggest moments. —Antonio Johri
