Rediscovering Music: How Vinyl Records Brought Joy and Meaning Back Into My Life
In today’s fast-paced world, everything is just a click away. Music albums drop and, within moments, they’re available online, ready to stream. While this convenience is remarkable, it has taken away much of the excitement and anticipation that once surrounded new releases. To reignite that sense of thrill, companies have resorted to tactics like pre-save campaigns or releasing singles early—but for me, it’s not the same.
I realized that I missed the joy of working toward something, waiting for it, and finally experiencing it. Without effort or anticipation, things lose their value quickly.
I began to wonder what it would have been like to grow up in a different time. Imagine saving up pocket money to buy CDs or cassettes, swapping them with friends to hear something new because we couldn’t afford more. That constant cycle of waiting, saving, and sharing would make the music feel more meaningful, wouldn’t it?
As a software developer, I’m surrounded by technology all day. Music plays on my computer from morning to night, yet even that has started to feel robotic. I craved something different—something to help me disconnect from the digital overload. That’s when I decided to dive into the world of vinyl.
I bought a turntable and a few records to get started. At first, I set a goal to buy just two records a month to keep the excitement alive. But as I explored more, I realized how rare some records could be. Knowing they might sell out if I waited too long, I adjusted my plans and stuck to a budget, slowly building my collection over time.
Here’s where my journey began: The First Records I Bought:
- Pink Floyd – Atom Heart Mother:
- Metallica – S&M:
- Camel – Mirage:
- Yüzeyken Konuşuruz – Kader Sk.:
- Yüzeyken Konuşuruz – Akustik Travma:
- Frank Sinatra – The Great American Song Book:
Later Additions to My Collection:
- King Crimson – In the Court of the Crimson King:
- Pink Floyd – The Division Bell:
- Jethro Tull – Thick as a Brick (1972 Edition):
- Genesis – Selling England by the Pound:
- Renaissance – Renaissance (1969 Edition):
- Mike Oldfield – To France (45’):
- America - America:
- Tirumvirat - Spartacus:
- Electric Light Opera - Time:
- The Alan Parsons Project - I Robot:
Collecting records has become more than just a hobby—it’s an experience. The sound of vinyl, the feel of placing a record on the turntable, and the anticipation of the needle dropping create a deep, satisfying connection. It’s a way to escape the digital noise and slow down for a while.
If vinyl isn’t your thing, that’s okay. The real magic lies in finding a hobby that brings you joy and gives you something to look forward to. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or learning a new skill, adding a sense of anticipation and effort to your life can make everything feel more rewarding.
Step away from the screens, explore something new, and rediscover the joy in the journey—you might just find it’s exactly what you needed.
