Are CDs Becoming The Go-To Format For Music Fans and Collectors Again?

For years, the music industry has been writing off the humble CD, but recent stats tell a very different story. As vinyl prices soar and digital streaming dominates, the CD is quietly carving out its space, with some jaw-dropping figures to back it up. One standout example? Coldplay’s latest album, Moon Music, sold an incredible 182,000 CDs in its first week, dwarfing vinyl sales and solidifying the CD's place in today's music landscape.

The State of Physical Media Today Physical media accounts for about 15% of total album sales in the UK—a niche, but a robust one. Within this category, CDs are showing surprising resilience. Here’s what the experts are saying:

Martin Goldschmidt, Managing Director of Cooking Vinyl, says, “The CD has never died. It’s always been there. We sell truckloads of CDs whether it’s Will Young or the Psychedelic Furs. It’s the cheaper physical format, and lots of kids are buying CDs because vinyl is too expensive.”

Garry Elwood, Managing Director of Lasgo Chrysalis Distribution, adds, “CD sales have stabilized and are starting to grow again. Fans want to own that album—CDs and cassettes offer a sense of ownership and connection.”

Coldplay’s Record-Breaking Sales Let’s break down the numbers for Coldplay’s Moon Music, which sold 225,000 copies in its first week—a figure that feels like a throwback to the heyday of album sales.

Here’s the breakdown:

182,000 CDs 27,248 vinyl records 21,000 downloads 6,645 streaming equivalents

The CD accounted for a whopping 81% of physical sales, proving that the format is far from obsolete. Without those CD sales, the album likely wouldn’t have achieved such monumental success.

A Broad Appeal Across Genres This isn’t just about Coldplay. Other artists are seeing similar trends:

Shed Seven sold 14,095 CDs for their latest album, compared to 7,885 vinyl copies. Kylie Minogue’s Tension moved 17,818 CDs, nearly double the 8,800 vinyl albums sold. What’s striking is the broad appeal. CD buyers aren’t limited to rock fans—they’re drawn from all corners of the music world.

Why CDs Are Staging a Comeback

Affordability: With vinyl albums often priced at ￡40 or more, CDs are a budget-friendly option for younger fans and casual collectors.

Ownership: A physical CD feels like owning a piece of the artist’s legacy, unlike digital files that can disappear if licenses change.

Sound Quality: CDs still offer excellent audio fidelity and are immune to the pops and clicks that can plague vinyl.

Box Sets: Collectors love deluxe editions, and the CD remains the go-to format for comprehensive box sets, offering both value and quality.

Nostalgia and Practicality: For many, CDs represent a tangible connection to the music, complete with artwork, liner notes, and lyrics. The Role of Distribution

Distributors like Lasgo Chrysalis are seeing renewed interest in physical products, with major retailers like HMV and Rough Trade investing in new stores and expanded physical media sections. This is great news for independent artists, who now have more opportunities to get their music into stores.

What This Means for Independent Musicians For independent artists, CDs offer an accessible way to connect with fans and create a revenue stream. As distribution networks expand, getting your music into physical stores is becoming easier. While streaming and subscription models remain crucial, CDs can be a powerful tool in an artist’s arsenal.

What About You? Are you buying more CDs? Do you prefer them over vinyl? Or are you just rediscovering the format for the first time? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s driving your music-buying decisions.

Phil Aston | Now Spinning Magazine