Discover five essential grunge albums that every vinyl collector should add to their collection, along with tips on how to purchase them effectively.

The resurgence of vinyl records has become a significant trend in recent years. According to a detailed report from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), an impressive 43.6 million EPs and LPs were sold in the United States in 2024 alone, a significant increase from just 10.3 million in 2014. This remarkable growth reflects a renewed interest in the tactile and nostalgic aspects of physical music formats.

Many musicians have capitalized on this growing fascination with vinyl by releasing various vinyl variants of their new albums, and devoted fans often feel compelled to purchase multiple versions, enhancing the joy of collecting. This aspect of music collecting truly captures the spirit of enthusiasm and passion that drives many fans.

While there are countless rock staples that vinyl enthusiasts should consider for their collections, our focus here is on five of the most iconic grunge records that should be in every serious collector’s library.

During the peak of the grunge movement in the early 1990s, CDs had overtaken LPs as the most popular physical music format. Introduced in 1982, CDs surpassed LP sales by 1987 and outperformed cassettes by 1991, as documented by the American Enterprise Institute. This shift highlights the changing landscape of music consumption during that era.

READ MORE: 10 ’90s Grunge Bands That Should Have Been Bigger

If you were fortunate enough to be purchasing your own music during the height of the grunge era, there’s a significant likelihood that you acquired these albums on CD rather than vinyl. Our goal is to assist you in enhancing your grunge collection with these essential records.

Continue reading to discover the five must-have albums every vinyl collector should own, along with links to purchase them.

Pearl Jam, Ten (1991)

Pearl Jam boasts the most extensive discography among the artists featured in this list, yet their 1991 debut album Ten stands out as an essential masterpiece that every collector should possess. The album’s seamless flow, complemented by atmospheric instrumentation that opens and closes the tracks, creates an immersive listening experience without any filler in between. This makes it ideal for solo enjoyment or as a crowd-pleaser when entertaining friends, affirming its status as a must-have for any record collector.

Buy it here or directly below.

Soundgarden, Badmotorfinger (1991)

While you might have anticipated seeing Superunknown as the signature entry for Soundgarden, their 1991 release Badmotorfinger is also a pivotal album in their catalog. With tracks like “Outshined” and “Rusty Cage” gaining significant airplay on radio and MTV, this album helped position the band for greater success with subsequent projects. It’s perfect for those moments when you crave something heavier yet still emotionally resonant.

Buy it here or directly below.

Alice In Chains, Dirt (1992)

No record collection can be considered complete without Alice In Chains’ second album, Dirt. This powerful record takes listeners on a deeply introspective journey, often delving into painful themes, making it the perfect choice for anyone seeking a cathartic release through music. It seems that everyone has a soft spot for Alice In Chains; even Seal, celebrated for his hit “Kiss From a Rose,” has named them his favorite grunge band, and even the Insane Clown Posse counts themselves among their fans.

Buy it here or directly below.

Stone Temple Pilots, Core (1993)

Released on the same day as Dirt, Core marked the debut album of Stone Temple Pilots, a band from San Diego that shared many sonic similarities with their fellow Pacific Northwest contemporaries. Core showcases some of the band’s most iconic tracks, including “Wicked Garden,” the acoustic gem “Creep,” and the legendary “Plush,” making it an indispensable addition to any collection.

Buy it here or directly below.

Nirvana, In Utero (1993)

Selecting Nevermind for Nirvana would be too predictable; instead, impress fellow collectors by showcasing In Utero, which is a significant album in its own right. This was the band’s final studio release before the tragic passing of Kurt Cobain, and for dedicated fans, it holds immense value and should be prominently featured in any vinyl collection.

Buy it here or directly below.

Explore the Extensive Selection at Loudwire’s Vinyl Shop

With an impressive inventory of over 1,000 titles, Loudwire’s vinyl shop caters to the diverse tastes of any rock and metal fan!

Discover a vast array of the greatest classics, special anniversary editions, box sets, new releases, and uniquely colored vinyl at our webstore, ensuring that every fan finds something to cherish.