Engineering Student Embraces Vinyl: A Look at the Record Revival

By Angelina Munoz

In a time dominated by streaming services and digital downloads, vinyl records are making a surprising comeback within the last decade. Driven by cultural influence and a renewed appreciation for analog sound. 

Vinyl’s golden age was in the 1950s and 1960s, when it was the main way to enjoy music at home, especially with the rise of rock and roll and other new music styles.

Unfortunately, in the 1980s and 1990s, vinyl records began to decline with the advent of cassette tapes, and CDs. In the mid-2000s, vinyl records have seen a resurgence. Music fans of all ages have rediscovered the unique sound of vinyl records and started their own collection. 

Sarai Jara, a mechanical engineering student at Wright College, began her collection in 2014. Her passion for vinyl was initially sparked by her mother’s collection. “We have a big collection because of the vinyl that she had collected,” Jara said. “My sister and I started collecting afterward.”

Engineering student Sarai Jara proud of her vinyl collection Photo Credit: Angelina Munoz

Social media and pop culture have played a major role in vinyl’s comeback, making it a popular trend for new and longtime music fans. “Vintage things from the ‘80s and ‘90s have been popping up everywhere,” Jara explained. 

Artists have helped boost vinyl’s popularity by including it in their merchandise, releasing exclusive editions and unique colors that appeal to collectors and fans alike. “More people get into it. They think that it looks nice and start going through them,” Jara added.

Today, popular vinyl genres include classic rock, indie rock, punk, hip-hop, R&B and pop. Additionally, soundtracks from movies and musicals are increasingly popular. 

Jara's collection spans a range of genres and eras. “The majority of our collection is The Beatles, thanks to my mom’s love for them,” she shared. “We also collect records from musicals like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera. We even have an Il Volo vinyl.”

Sarai Jara’s large vinyl records collection. (Photo Credit: Sarai Jara)

Beyond genres and social media’s influence, the sound quality is a key factor that brought vinyl’s popularity back. Jara finds a unique charm in vinyl’s analog sound. 

“Streaming apps like Spotify and YouTube might have clearer sound, but I feel that listening to it from a vinyl feels as if you’re right there at a concert,” Jara noted.

When it comes to sourcing records, she finds that it varies by genre and rarity. “For artists like The Beatles or Elvis Presley, we go to Half Price Books in Niles. They have a great selection of vintage records in good condition,” Jara suggested.

On the other hand, for newer releases, she recommends Barnes & Noble, Target and Walmart, which often stocks exclusive records and offers discounts to members. 

Jara’s advice for new collectors is to invest in a good record player. “Even though it might be more expensive, a good record player protects your vinyl from scratches and makes them sound better. It’s worth it in the long run,” she said.

It is evident that the resurgence of vinyl is more than a passing trend. Instead, it is a return to a format that has been cherished for its ageless appeal and tangible presence.