Opinion: ‘Blueprint’ proves vinyl can be done

By Joshua Madden
A&E Editor

I’ll just go ahead and say it: Jay-Z’s album “The Blueprint” is one of the greatest albums ever made.

I have no qualms about saying that. With great songs like “Izzo (H.O.V.A.),” “Girls, Girls, Girls” and “Renegade” all being on the same album, there’s little argument to be made that “The Blueprint” isn’t one of the best.

Jay-Z does a terrific job of creating music, but he also ensures his music is available on vinyl. There’s something about the vinyl listening experience that’s different than any other, and it’s nice to see modern artists like Jay-Z keeping that in mind.

In celebration of the 10th anniversery of “The Blueprint,” the album is being re-released on a collector’s edition vinyl. I imagine it will sell out — I’m considering getting a record player just so I can listen to it.

Hopefully this release of “The Blueprint” will be successful and will encourage other artists to do something similar with their classic albums. Who wouldn’t love to see more artists releasing their old albums on vinyl?

Vinyl albums have largely been replaced by MP3s, but I, for one, still want to see them around.

Please send comments to lariat@baylor.edu.