Pop Girlie Albums That Sound Best on Vinyl: Part 1 - 2010s Icons
The 2010s were a groundbreaking decade for pop music. It’s when bedroom producers met stadium-sized choruses, and when the 'Loudness Wars' in digital streaming reached their peak. This is why for many of the decade’s biggest releases, the vinyl version isn't just a collectible; it’s the best way to hear the music.
Vinyl pressings often use a different, less compressed audio master than their CD or streaming counterparts. This means more dynamic range, clearer separation between instruments, and a warmer, richer bass response—exactly what you want for a pop masterpiece.
Here are four essential 2010s pop albums by iconic "Pop Girlies" that deserve a spot on your turntable:
1. Taylor Swift – 1989 (2014)
1989 was the album that cemented Taylor Swift as the ultimate pop icon, moving her sound fully into synth-drenched, colossal 80s-inspired pop. The original CD and digital masters suffered from the era’s aggressive compression, which can make tracks like “Shake It Off” and “Bad Blood” sound congested.
The vinyl release, particularly the re-recorded 1989 (Taylor’s Version), often employs a much more dynamic master. It allows the intricate layers of synths and driving basslines to breathe, giving the album the spacious, punchy sound it was meant to have. The vinyl cut separates the soaring vocals from the massive instrumentation, transforming a great pop record into a truly engaging audiophile experience.
2. Adele – 21 (2011)
When 21 was released, it became a cultural phenomenon, fueled by timeless, powerful ballads like "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You." Unlike much of the hyper-modern pop of the era, this album's production leans heavily on traditional, acoustic instrumentation, which is inherently suited for analog formats like vinyl.
The rich texture of the grand piano, the dynamic shifts in the string arrangements, and the pure, raw power of Adele’s voice are all given a beautiful clarity on vinyl. On a quality turntable, the record delivers a deep, resonant soundstage, making her vocal performance feel intimate and immediate—it’s a dramatic and essential piece of vinyl for any collector.
3. Florence + The Machine – How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (2015)
The third studio album from Florence + The Machine, How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, marked a shift towards a more organic, '70s-rock sound, heavily influenced by the drama of Fleetwood Mac. This is the album where Florence Welch’s soaring voice is backed by full brass sections and crunchy guitar riffs, creating massive soundscapes.
This style of production truly excels on a vinyl press. The warmth of the analog format embraces the sweeping horns and layered vocals on the title track, while delivering the heavy, driving rock energy on "What Kind of Man" with real punch. It's a dynamic, powerful listening experience that demonstrates the best of modern baroque pop pressed to wax.
🔥 Currently in Stock! We have the limited edition Florence + The Machine - How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful (10th Anniversary Blue Marble Vinyl) right now. Grab this essential 2010s icon for your collection!
4. Lorde – Pure Heroine (2013)
Lorde’s debut was a minimalist masterclass that redefined pop for the decade. Pure Heroine is characterized by deep, sub-bass frequencies, stark drum loops, and atmospheric electronic textures. This sparse, heavy sound is often lost or muddied in a compressed digital environment.
On vinyl, the silence between the beats is just as important as the sound itself. The format is able to reproduce those heavy, resonant bass drops with more impact, while isolating Lorde's distinctive, multi-tracked vocals against the minimal production. Tracks like “Royals” and “Team” gain an added depth and atmosphere, making the record feel more immersive and three-dimensional. It’s a perfect example of how vinyl can elevate modern electronic pop.
What did we miss?