Ultimate Vinyl Guide: 12 essential 2020 releases every collection needs

December 11, 2020

As we enter the 2020 holiday season, we’re all eagerly searching for that perfect gift for the music lover in our lives. Concert tickets are obviously out of the question unless you want to plan far in advance. And merch can be hit or miss, especially if you aren’t too sure of your loved one’s personal style. Luckily, with the resurgence of vinyl records in recent years, we’ve compiled a list of 2020 vinyl releases for those looking to mix it up.

Your peers may not have seen their favorite bands live in 2020, but at least you can still bring a piece of their discography to them. Take a peek to see which essential 2020 records would go best under your buddy’s tree this year.

**August Burns Red – Guardians [silver-and-gold vinyl] – $32.99**

August Burns Red’s Jake Luhrs may have spent much of his year creating a gym, but who could forget their stunning April release, Guardians? This record, featuring the intense standout single “Defender,” is sure to be a hit for the metalcore fan in your life. And its exclusive silver-and-gold variant is only limited to 500 copies, so act fast.

**The 1975 – Notes On A Conditional Form [clear vinyl] – $34.99**

The 1975’s Notes On A Conditional Form was clearly one of the most inventive records of 2020. The album ranged from some perfect pop punk to the catchiest of dance numbers. So why not make someone’s love for this record even clearer by buying them this clear colorway?

**All Time Low – Wake Up, Sunshine – $22.99**

All Time Low spent 2020 reminding fans just why we fell in love with them in the first place. With January’s Wake Up, Sunshine, ATL kicked off the year right thanks to addictive cuts such as “Some Kind Of Disaster” and “Monsters” featuring blackbear. But not every moment this year was as exciting as an ATL release. Still, you can bring that exhilaration back by buying the LP for your pals here.

**Halsey – Manic – $21.99**

Sure, signed copies of Halsey’s third studio album sold out way back during preorders. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still get your hands on the standard edition. This Christmas, your friends shouldn’t have to be sad if you buy them a Manic LP here.

**Hayley Williams – Petals For Armor – $29.99**

Hayley Williams gave us the greatest gift of all this year with her long-awaited debut solo effort, Petals For Armor. Now you can do the same for your loved ones as they close out the year blasting “Dead Horse” on their turntable. Grab your copy here.

**Laura Jane Grace – Stay Alive – $21.99**

Laura Jane Grace had a special 2020 with her October surprise-drop, Stay Alive. But the only thing more special than the Against Me! vocalist’s new solo record is hearing sticky acoustic cuts such as “The Swimming Pool Song” or the standout “SuperNatural Possession.” Buy your friend one of 2020’s best punk albums here.

**PVRIS – Use Me – $22.99**

With anthems such as “Dead Weight,” PVRIS’s Use Me got us through a wild year thanks to its lovely atmospheric pop. If it did the same for your loved one, buy them a pressing of it here to remind them of their exquisite taste.

**Ozzy Osbourne – Ordinary Man – $27.99**

There’s nothing ordinary about the Prince of Darkness. And there’s certainly nothing ordinary about his February release, Ordinary Man, either. Grab your copy of Ozzy Osbourne’s 12th studio album here to hear why he’s still got it. And make sure you buy it while it’s still available this holiday season.

**Nothing – The Great Dismal [blue vinyl] – $22.99**

If you’re looking to get your hands on another exclusive variant, this 2020 record is essential to helping your loved one go wild in their free time. Nothing’s feedback-driven The Great Dismal would look lovely under any tree thanks to powerful tracks such as the hypnotizing “Say Less” and “Bernie Sanders.” Enjoy a limited blue colorway available here.

**Knuckle Puck – 20/20 – $23.99**

We all wish we went into 2020 with 20/20 vision. Knuckle Puck’s 20/20, however, is one 2020 we don’t want to leave behind. The pop-punk group kept us on our toes with a thrilling and fast-paced tracklist featuring single “Tune You Out.” And that’s exactly what your friend will do when you give them this record. Grab a copy of their latest LP here.

**Joyce Manor – Songs From Northern Torrance [opaque yellow vinyl] – $24.99**

If you’re looking to give a record steeped in punk grit to a friend this holiday season, look no further. Joyce Manor’s Songs From Northern Torrance comes in a unique but totally cool variant. And just imagine hearing the angsty “Leather Jacket” on wax. Buy your copy here.

**Grey Daze – Amends [milky clear vinyl] – $29.99**

An exclusive variant, Grey Daze’s Amends would fit snugly under a Christmas tree with its clear colorway. This gift would be perfect for the Chester Bennington fan in your life, as hearing these reimagined ’90s tracks on vinyl is a whole new experience. Grab your copy here.

Filed under:

2020,