15 Rock Albums That Deserve a Vinyl Rerelease

Back in the days before the commercial success of compact discs, when vinyl records were the primary medium for music purchases, albums routinely went out of print without notice. Some didn’t sell well and ended up in cutout bins or were discarded, while others simply sold out their pressing and vanished until another run was produced. If no further pressings occurred, these records could just disappear.

Today, streaming services make albums readily available for listening with just a click. However, enthusiasts who prefer the tactile experience of vinyl records still face scarcity issues reminiscent of the past. This scarcity haunts record fans, who often encounter steep prices for rare LPs on used-record markets like Discogs or from secondary sellers on Amazon.

We’ve compiled a list of 15 albums that are unjustly out of print in the U.S. and should be reissued to satisfy fans of rock, folk, and Americana. These records deserve to be played on turntables immediately—it’s a wonder we’ve managed without them this long.

The Smile Sessions by The Beach Boys is a collection of studio takes and outtakes aiming to assemble a legendary album that never was—the follow-up to Pet Sounds, the album that pushed Brian Wilson to the brink. Wilson later created his solo version, Brian Wilson Presents Smile, in 2004, which is also out of print. Reissues of both records are overdue.

Amazon Prices: $299.99 (The Smile Sessions); $279.99 (Brian Wilson Presents Smile)

Buckingham Nicks by Buckingham Nicks has countless bootleg versions, yet no official reissue exists. This seminal album played a vital role in Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks joining Fleetwood Mac and is a fine example of early-’70s California folk rock.

Amazon Prices: $130.00 (original); $199.99 (undetermined issue)

Cheap Trick’s 1997 self-titled album sought to reignite their career with a new audience. The label they chose, Red Ant/Alliance, shuttered soon after its release, leaving the album without a vinyl issue. It’s time to correct that, and perhaps even press their 2009 album The Latest.

Amazon Price: N/A

The collaboration between David Coverdale and Jimmy Page, Coverdale Page, encountered mixed reactions at first but has grown in appreciation over time. Both artists have expressed interest in reissuing it with bonus tracks, but it remains a sought-after bootleg for now.

Amazon Price: $891.02

Hindu Love Gods features R.E.M. and Warren Zevon performing blues songs and a Prince cover, which surprisingly works well. A high-quality 180g vinyl reissue is desired by many, but it hasn’t happened yet.

Amazon Price: $92.00

Only the Indigo Girls’ self-titled debut from their peak years (1989-1997) has seen a vinyl reissue. We specifically want to see 1992’s Rites of Passage on vinyl for its noteworthy tracks, but we’d also love to see other albums from this era reissued.

Amazon Price: N/A

While not widely appreciated upon its 1986 release, this posthumous compilation of John Lennon features outtakes from the Rock ‘n’ Roll sessions and remains a favorite for its raw charm.

Amazon Price: $299.00

Jack Logan’s 1994 album Bulk is a treasure trove of home-recorded material. Given its length, a vinyl reissue would likely be a costly box set but worth it to savor its lo-fi brilliance on a turntable.

Amazon Price: N/A

Van Morrison’s early-to-mid-’90s albums remain unavailable on vinyl. We chose 1990’s Enlightenment for its standout tracks, but any of his albums from this period would merit a reissue.

Amazon Price: $109.72

Motley Crue’s self-titled 1994 album with John Corabi on vocals, and the 2000 album New Tattoo, deserve to be reissued on vinyl. These albums signify some notable moments in the band’s history.

Amazon Price: N/A

Robert Plant’s 2004 record Mighty ReArranger with The Strange Sensation is one of his finest solo works. The album, with its diverse range of tracks, deserves to be experienced on vinyl for its warmth and dynamic sound.

Amazon Price: N/A

Prince famously pulled The Black Album from release in 1987 after a spiritual epiphany. The limited number of vinyl copies that survived are highly sought-after. It’s time for a proper reissue.

Amazon Price: $386.36

Bob Seger has a well-documented disdain for his 1973 album Back in ’72, resulting in its absence from CDs, streaming services, and vinyl since its original release. The album contains notable tracks that warrant a reissue despite Seger’s feelings.

Amazon Price: $199.98

Superdrag’s 2000 album In the Valley of Dying Stars is a hidden gem of melodic rock. A vinyl reissue would help it find a wider audience who appreciate its quality.

Amazon Price: $74.98

Velvet Crush released their sophomore album Teenage Symphonies to God in 1994, drawing on Brian Wilson’s aspirations for his music. The album, filled with pop-rock gems, deserves a proper vinyl reissue.

Amazon Price: $599.00

Source: Rolling Stone