September 19, 2025, is shaping up to be a banner day for vinyl enthusiasts. From highly anticipated new albums to meticulously remastered classics and long-awaited reissues, there's something for every discerning audiophile hitting the shelves. Whether you're hunting for the latest pop sensations or diving deep into jazz history, this week’s selection of new record albums offers a compelling reason to dust off your turntable.
At a glance: What's dropping this week?
- New albums from Doja Cat, Mariah Carey, Neko Case, Olivia Dean, Karol G, Zara Larsson, Robert Plant, Amanda Shires, Sloan, Jeff Tweedy, Carter Faith, The Lemonheads, Mammoth, Earl Sweatshirt, Tame Impala, The Last Dinner Party, Of Monsters and Men, Calum Scott, Steve Gunn, Cheap Trick, Luke Bell, Finger Eleven, HAYLEY Williams, SORRY, SOMBR, BENNE, White Lies, La Luz, Boz Scaggs and Willie Nelson.
- Reissues galore from artists like AIR, Bloc Party, Cher, Eminem, Genesis, Vince Guaraldi Trio, The Sundays, ABC, Joan Baez, All Saints, Michael Buble, Blondie, Depeche Mode, Texas, Tame Impala, The Cars, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Pulp, The Replacements, Doves, Drive-By Truckers, The Cranberries, Mac DeMarco, Emmylou Harris, Hüsker Dü, Lighthouse, JID, Grizzly Bear, Patti Smith, Ladytron, Jewel, Oasis, Phantogram, Megadeth, Naked Eyes, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Dolly Parton, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Simple Plan, and Suzi Quatro.
- Essential jazz and blues releases from Sonny Criss Orchestra, Kenny Drew Trio, Bobby Hutcherson, Stanley Turrentine, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt & Sonny Rollins, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Yusef Lateef, Hank Mobley, Gerry Mulligan & Johnny Hodges, Horace Silver, Catalyst, Stan Getz / Gerry Mulligan, Roy Brooks, and Ike Quebec.
- Special edition releases like colored vinyl, picture discs, and box sets, including several anniversaries of iconic albums.
The Allure of Vinyl in the Digital Age
Why all the fuss about vinyl in an age of streaming and digital downloads? The answer is multifaceted. For many, it's about the tangible experience: the ritual of carefully placing a record on the turntable, the warm analog sound, and the larger artwork. It's also about owning your music, rather than just renting it from a streaming service. Plus, let's be honest, there's a certain cool factor associated with owning a vinyl collection. But perhaps most importantly, new vinyl releases often offer unique listening experiences like remastered audio, bonus tracks, or gatefold packaging that you simply can't find anywhere else.
Chart Toppers and Highly Anticipated New Albums
This week's new releases are headlined by some of the biggest names in music today. Here’s a glimpse at what's generating buzz:
Doja Cat’s Fifth Album: An Amazon Exclusive
Doja Cat drops her fifth studio album, and it's an Amazon-Exclusive on ultra-clear double vinyl. Featuring 15 tracks and production from Jack Antonoff and Y2K, with the single "Jealous Type" leading the charge, this promises to be a must-have for fans. Keep an eye out for the lyrical prowess and genre-bending sound that Doja Cat is known for.
Mariah Carey's Sweet Return
Mariah Carey's 16th studio album, executive produced by L.A. Reid, is finally here. The lead single, "Sugar Sweet," hints at the melodic perfection we've come to expect from the legendary diva. Could this be her next chart-topping sensation? Time will tell, but vinyl collectors won't want to miss out on adding this to their collection.
Neko Case's Long-Awaited Return
After a seven-year hiatus, Neko Case is back with her ninth studio album. Self-produced and featuring the single "Wreck," this album promises to be a deeply personal and powerful statement. Case’s distinctive voice and evocative songwriting make her a favorite among indie and alternative music lovers.
Olivia Dean: Sophomore Strides
Olivia Dean's sophomore album arrives with the single "Nice to Each Other," signaling a continued evolution of her soulful sound. If you enjoyed her debut, this new offering is poised to solidify her place as a rising star.
Karol G's Tropical Vibes
Karol G's fifth album comes pressed on tropical blue double vinyl. Featuring the single "Latina Foreva" and packing alternate cover art and a poster, this release is a collector's dream. Production credits include Édgar Barrera, KAROL G herself, Mazzarri, Misha, and Sky Rompiendo.
Essential Reissues and Remasters: Rediscovering Classics
Beyond the fresh releases, this week boasts a treasure trove of reissues and remasters that bring fresh life to beloved albums.
AIR's The Virgin Suicides: 25th Anniversary Edition
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of AIR's iconic score for Sofia Coppola's The Virgin Suicides with a new 2025 analog mix. This reissue offers a chance to experience the dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes of this classic soundtrack in a whole new way, and is something to add to your Fresh Vinyl Drops This Week.
Bloc Party's Silent Alarm: White Vinyl Deluxe Edition
Bloc Party fans, rejoice! The band's iconic 2005 debut album, Silent Alarm, is getting the white-vinyl treatment. This double vinyl edition includes rare demos, B-sides, and live recordings spread across four white LPs. It's the ultimate collector's item for anyone who grew up with this indie rock masterpiece.
Cher's Living Proof: First Time on Vinyl
For the first time ever, Cher's 2003 album, Living Proof, is being released on vinyl. This hot pink and purple double vinyl edition features 25 tracks, making it a comprehensive collection for fans of the pop icon.
Eminem's The Marshall Mathers LP: Bonus Live Performances
Relive the early 2000s with a double vinyl reissue of Eminem's groundbreaking The Marshall Mathers LP. This edition includes bonus live performances from the 2000 MTV VMAs, a must-have for any hip-hop head.
Genesis's The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway: Deluxe Box Set
Genesis fans, prepare to be amazed. A 5-LP, 1-Blu-ray box set of the band's 1974 album, The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway, is on its way. This collection features a remastered version of the album, a live show from January 24, 1975, and a Blu-ray Audio disc, offering a truly immersive experience.
The Sundays' Indie Pop Gems
The indie world is blessed with reissues of The Sundays' seminal albums from 1990 and 1992. These are essential listening for anyone who appreciates delicate vocals and shimmering guitar melodies.
Frank Sinatra, Count Basie & Duke Ellington: A Trio of Titans
Experience the magic of Frank Sinatra with two legendary orchestras. This double vinyl release features Sinatra’s 1964 album with Count Basie and His Orchestra, and his 1968 collaboration with Duke Ellington, both newly remastered.
Key Jazz Reissues for the Discerning Listener
Several landmark jazz albums are getting the audiophile treatment this week. Look out for:
- Sonny Criss Orchestra (1968): All-analog mastering from original tapes at Cohearent Audio, 180-gram vinyl.
- Kenny Drew Trio (1956): All-analog mastering from original tapes at Cohearent Audio, 180-gram vinyl.
- Bobby Hutcherson (1975): Mastered by Kevin Gray, 180-gram vinyl.
- Stanley Turrentine (1964): Mastered by Kevin Gray, 180-gram vinyl.
- Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Stitt & Sonny Rollins (1995): Mastered from analog tapes, 180-gram vinyl.
- Antonio Carlos Jobim (1963): Mastered from analog tapes, 180-gram vinyl.
- Yusef Lateef (1957): 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI with all-analog mastering from the original tapes at Cohearent Audio.
- Hank Mobley (1957): 180-gram vinyl pressed at RTI with all-analog mastering from the original tapes at Cohearent Audio.
- Gerry Mulligan & Johnny Hodges (1959).
- Horace Silver's Recently discovered recording from August 1965.
- Stan Getz / Gerry Mulligan (1957).
- Roy Brooks (1970 live album).
- Ike Quebec (Triple Vinyl; 1959-62 recordings; cut from original Rudy Van Gelder master tapes).
These reissues prioritize sound quality, ensuring the best possible listening experience. The all-analog mastering process and high-quality vinyl pressings used for many of these releases make them especially appealing to audiophiles.
Jason Isbell's Something More Than Free: Remixed and Reimagined
Jason Isbell fans will be excited to hear that his Grammy-winning 2015 album, Something More Than Free, is being reissued on double vinyl with a fresh remix by Sylvia Massy. This is a chance to hear the album in a whole new light.
Jewel's Pieces of You: Remastered and Expanded
Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Jewel's debut album, Pieces of You, with a purple double vinyl reissue. This remastered edition includes bonus tracks, making it a must-have for fans of the singer-songwriter.
Exclusive Editions and Special Pressings: Collector's Corner
For collectors, the thrill is often in finding those limited-edition, hard-to-find pressings. This week offers several tempting options:
Color Vinyl Galore
Keep your eye out for color vinyl pressings from artists like Cher (hot pink and purple), Karol G (tropical blue), Zara Larsson (clear), The Muppets (Target-exclusive red), Jewel (purple), Kirsty MacColl (yellow), James Morrison (white), Phantogram (clear with yellow swirl), Frank Sinatra (clear), All Saints (red and black marble), Cowboy Junkies (yellow marble), Duran Duran (white), Icon of Coil (translucent orange), Gordon Lightfoot (burgundy swirl), Carl Perkins (blue suede splatter), Yellowcard (blue), Tove Lo / SG Lewis (Deep Purple/Black), Paradise Lost (Gold), Arrows in Action (Blue), Divine Comedy (Dark Green), Boundaries (Colored Vinyl), Wednesday (Colored Vinyl), 38 Special (Colored Vinyl), Raekwon (Ocean Cranfire), Happy Fits (Cloudy Clear With Blue Marble), Dimmu Borgir (Colored Vinyl), and Tanita Tikaram (Brown Vinyl). These vibrant pressings not only sound great but also add a visual flair to your collection.
Picture Discs and Zoetrope Editions
Vince Guaraldi Trio's A Charlie Brown Christmas gets two special editions: a Zoetrope edition (based on the 1965 animated TV special) and a picture disc (based on the 2015 compilation). Van McCoy & The Soul City Symphony's album gets a Zoetrope Picture Disc featuring “The Hustle." These visually stunning releases are perfect for display and make great gifts.
Box Sets: Dive Deep into an Artist's World
Several artists are offering comprehensive box sets this week, including Genesis, Spandau Ballet, The Alan Parsons Project, Pulp, The Replacements, Drive-By Truckers, The Cars , Bob Dylan, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Hüsker Dü, and Wings. These collections often include remastered albums, live recordings, demos, and extensive liner notes, offering a deep dive into the artist's work.
Indie Exclusives: Treasures at Your Local Record Store
Don't forget to support your local independent record store! Many of these Upcoming Vinyl Release Calendar feature exclusive pressings and limited editions that you won't find anywhere else. Highlights of indie exclusives include: Ocean Alley, Motion City Soundtrack, Sabrina Claudio, Buckingham Nicks, Sarah McLachlan, Sleep Token, Los Straitjackets, Chiodos, I Prevailm and Happy Fits.
Beyond the Hype: Underrated Gems and Discoveries
While the big names grab headlines, don't overlook the opportunity to discover new favorites or revisit overlooked classics.
Michael Franks's Smooth Sounds
Michael Franks's 2011 album is a welcome addition for fans of smooth jazz and sophisticated pop. His distinctive vocals and melodic compositions make for a relaxing and enjoyable listening experience.
Ladytron's Electronic Masterpiece
Ladytron's 2005 album, featuring the iconic track "Destroy Everything You Touch," is getting a double vinyl reissue. This is a chance to rediscover this influential electronic album and appreciate its lasting impact.
Waylon Jennings's Lost Recordings
Country music fans will be excited to learn about the release of three previously unheard albums by Waylon Jennings, compiled by his son, Shooter Jennings. These recordings, dating from 1973 to 1984, offer a glimpse into Jennings's creative process and showcase his raw talent.
Tips for Buying Vinyl: Making Informed Choices
With so many exciting new vinyl releases on the horizon, here are some tips to help you make informed choices:
- Check Reviews and Ratings: Before you buy, read reviews and ratings from trusted sources. This can help you get a sense of the sound quality, pressing quality, and overall value of the release.
- Consider the Mastering: Pay attention to the mastering information. All-analog mastering from original tapes is generally considered the gold standard, as it preserves the warmth and detail of the original recording.
- Know Your Pressing Plants: Different pressing plants have different reputations. Research the pressing plant used for a particular release to get an idea of the potential quality. RTI is often considered to be one of the best in the business.
- Support Local Record Stores: Whenever possible, support your local record store. They can offer personalized recommendations and help you discover new music.
- Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If you're unsure about a particular release, don't hesitate to ask the staff at your local record store for their opinion.
FAQ: Common Questions About New Vinyl Releases
Here are some common questions that vinyl enthusiasts often ask:
Q: Why are vinyl records making a comeback?
A: Vinyl's resurgence is driven by a combination of factors, including a desire for tangible media, the perceived warmth of analog sound, and the collectible nature of vinyl records.
Q: What is "all-analog mastering"?
A: All-analog mastering refers to the process of creating a vinyl master using only analog equipment and sources. This is often considered to be the highest quality mastering technique, as it preserves the original sound of the recording without the introduction of digital artifacts.
Q: What is a "pressing plant"?
A: A pressing plant is a facility that manufactures vinyl records. Different pressing plants have different reputations for quality and consistency.
Q: What is "180-gram vinyl"?
A: 180-gram vinyl refers to the weight of the vinyl record. Heavier vinyl is generally considered to be more durable and less prone to warping, resulting in a better listening experience.
Q: Are new vinyl releases worth the cost?
A: This depends on your personal preferences and budget. However, many vinyl enthusiasts believe that the unique listening experience, the collectible nature of vinyl, and the opportunity to support artists directly make new vinyl releases worth the cost.
Spin Forward: Planning Your Shopping List
With such a diverse array of new vinyl releases dropping this week, planning is key. Prioritize the albums that resonate most with your musical tastes, and don't be afraid to explore new genres and artists. Visit your local record store, browse online retailers, and get ready to expand your vinyl collection with these exciting new releases. Keep an eye out for the new record albums you're most interested in, as limited editions can sell out quickly. Happy spinning!