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So, if vinyl collecting is a little on the expensive side (and I’ll be the first to admit it – roll on payday), then what about dabbling in the somewhat overlooked world of CD collecting?
Though perhaps not as ‘on trend’ as the vinyl format in recent years, there is a renewed interest in the format, with younger generations now rediscovering the ubiquitous disc that can be played almost anywhere.
Be it a DVD player, a Discman, or the car stereo, the format is undergoing a bit of a resurgence this year, with Gen Z sharing their latest CD finds on TikTok or Instagram. And with charity shops across the United Kingdom often offering a wide selection of CDs for very little, perhaps now is as good a time as any to hop aboard the bandwagon while it's gaining momentum?
We’ve consulted Discogs – any excuse for this writer to visit – to find out what CD releases are currently on the most Wantlists on the online marketplace.
But before you think you’ve scored something valuable, remember to check the pressing date using matrix codes or catalogue numbers, verify the pressing location, and, above all, assess the CD's condition. A CD resembling a drinks coaster won’t elicit the response you're hoping for…
So, what 17 CD releases are Discogs users looking for in May 2025? Read on to find out!
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5. Aphex Twin - Selected Ambient Works 85-92 (1992 Belgium Original Pressing)
A landmark work in ambient electronic music. Original Belgian Apollo pressings are highly sought after by electronic music enthusiasts for their historical significance and the album's enduring influence. 🔎 68300 Wants | Getty Images
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6. A Tribe Called Quest - The Low End Theory (1991 US Original Pressing)
A highly respected and influential album in alternative hip-hop. Original US Jive pressings are valued by fans for their sonic qualities and as a key release from a pioneering group. 🔎 70108 Wants | Getty Images
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7. The Notorious B.I.G. - Ready To Die (1994 US Original Pressing)
A hugely influential and classic hip-hop album. Original US Bad Boy Entertainment pressings are valued as the initial release of a cornerstone of East Coast hip-hop and a defining work by a legendary artist. 🔎 71717 Wants | Getty Images
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8. The Smashing Pumpkins - Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness (1995 US Original 2xCD)
A sprawling and ambitious double album from a major alternative rock band at their peak. Original US Virgin pressings of this elaborate release are sought after for their completeness and as a testament to the era's artistic ambition within the CD format. 🔎 73262 Wants | Getty Images