In the age of music streaming, we have instant access to vast libraries of songs, albums, and playlists. In truth, there’s more music available, via streaming, than anyone will ever be able to listen to in their lifetime. Hence, the concept of owning multiple copies, of the same album, might seem peculiar to some. Yet, there are compelling reasons why music enthusiasts and collectors often find themselves amassing multiple copies of their favourite albums. 

From exclusive bonus tracks to unique mixes and collectible artwork, each copy can offer a distinct and enriching experience that goes beyond the core album experience. Plus, the various masterings available mean that there are slight differences to be heard and that, for fans of an album, can be justification enough to own more than a singular copy. Yet, there is more to it. Please join me as I delve further into why you might want to consider owning more than one copy of an album you truly appreciate.

Special Bonus Tracks

One of the primary motivations for owning multiple copies of an album is the potential for exclusive bonus tracks. Artists, and their record labels, tend to release deluxe editions, anniversary reissues, or international versions of their albums that include bonus songs not found on the original release. These bonus tracks could be rare B-sides, unreleased demos, or even live recordings that showcase a different side of the artist's creative process, usually around the same time as the album was conceived. Some bonus tracks are interviews with the artist; an annoying option for music lovers, certainly, but an essential addition for those of us who want to know everything there is to know about the music. 

If it’s audible and considered valuable to the work, there’s a good chance that this bonus material will be released. Owning multiple copies, subsequently, allows you to enjoy these hidden musical gems and gain a deeper insight into the evolution of the artist and the album.

However, what one person may consider valuable may be a drawback for another. For instance, I appreciate the unaltered original linear sequencing of albums as it takes me to the era and allows me to easily experience what one must have felt the very first-time one listened to a record upon its release. While I appreciate some bonus content, I much prefer to see any addition added as a separate disc from the core album experience. That, disappointingly, doesn’t always happen. Take for example the case of Elton John’s 90s reissue campaign. The bonus material was added to the backend of the respective albums, thereby forever changing the albums’ core linear structure. While these songs may well have been recorded around the same time, I’ve yet to find an example from his catalogue where the bonus material adds substance to the original album experience. In many cases, the bonus tracks detracted from an otherwise perfect album. It’s in these cases that I’d much rather see bonus material released on a second CD, in a similar manner to Queen’s Deluxe Editions from 2011 which included the bonus material on an EP as a second disc.  

ABBA has done a similar reissue campaign to that of Elton John’s but it isn’t nearly as distracting as ABBA had non-album singles, that were released around the same time; hence there’s often a deeper correlation to be heard via their 2001 reissue campaign. That said, you’ll never convince me that Happy Hawaii was a worthy addition to Arrival as it fundamentally changes the album experience. Adding this bonus material, as a bonus disc, not only offers fans a more substantial package, considering the prices that are often charged, but it keeps the original album’s sequencing intact. 

Different Mixes And Masterings

Music production is a dynamic process. As a result, artists and producers often experiment with different mixes and masterings of an album. Owning various copies of a record can introduce you to alternate sonic landscapes, highlighting nuances and subtleties that might have been overshadowed in the original release. 

Different mixes for mono, stereo, or surround sound releases can emphasise various instruments, vocal tracks, and sonic effects, offering a fresh perspective to familiar songs. The same can be said for different masterings where each mastering engineer will master an album differently, depending on their own tastes. 

Some music fans even follow the careers of mastering engineers because they value their perspective. Hence, if you find yourself not enjoying the sonic presentation of an album, it could be worthwhile exploring other versions, mastered by different engineers, to see if they sound closer to the way you would ideally like to experience the music. Perhaps that is achieved by attaining the vinyl release, for its warmer smooth analogue sound, which has more stringent mastering requirements, may be more attuned to your tastes. Of course, you may prefer the clarity of the CD format. Classical music lovers, in particular, will undoubtedly agree that the lack of pops and clicks via the CD format is beneficial to the appreciation of that style of music. 

While you will likely prefer one format over the other, if you’re fortunate enough to be able to own both, you can have the best of both worlds and with it different experiences from both a tactile and audible perspective. Of course, with both being available, it gives the music lover choice; a much more important element than we give credence to, especially in the era of streaming whereby music can be altered, or removed entirely, without our input or permission as we’re only renting access to the music rather than retaining it in a physical collection.

A perfect example can be seen following the reissued remaster of Guns N’ Roses’ 1991 classic, Use Your Illusion I, in 2022. This particular reissue included a new mix of their masterpiece November Rain whereby they added a 50-piece symphony to the song that hadn’t been there on the original release. Disappointingly, all physical copies, released henceforth, have this new mix and the original mix is unfortunately lost to history, or limited to attainment via the secondhand market. Yes, Apple Music and the associated iTunes Store still have the original mix, but there is no guarantee that it will remain available as many other remastered releases have become the official release. Now, I don’t have a problem with them releasing the reissue, but the original release should have remained in print given this change.

Similarly, should an album have been remastered, to louder standards, then that is the version that is readily available until the album is remastered again which may, or may not, be subjectively better. It’s a double-edged sword because remastering is not the enemy of the creative arts if done properly. With respect for the original material and artistic intent, and a little common sense, remastering can produce wonderful results. It’s just that, as with many things, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side, it is merely a different shade of green. 

Additionally, if you’re just getting into this hobby, may I suggest you don’t compare the sonic variances and simply enjoy the one you have access to. Yes, I acknowledge that that goes against the very ethos of this article, but you’ll often send yourself insane researching and comparing editions only to find that you can’t conclusively decide which version you prefer. I’m speaking from personal experience, so what I tend to do these days is listen to the version of the album I have available. If I don’t like that edition, I’ll look for others to compare it against. If I find it's non-offensive and enjoyable, then that is the only version I need to concern myself with.

Unique Artwork and Packaging

Album covers are often iconic and present a visual accompaniment to the music held within. Collecting multiple copies of an album can provide you with a diverse array of cover art and packaging designs. Limited editions, vinyl releases, and special box sets often feature exclusive artwork that complements the music within. There are also regional differences, particularly with regard to classic album releases, whereby the US and UK editions are considerably different. One example of this would be ABBA’s The Album whereby the original UK release is designed differently to that of the broader international release. 

A more contemporary example showcasing the benefits of owning multiple copies of an album would be the Foo Fighters Sonic Highways, from 2014, whereby fans who wanted the amalgamated album artwork would need to pick up all nine copies of the vinyl record to create the larger puzzle-like artwork. Similarly, Taylor Swift, upon releasing Midnights in 2022, released the album with four different covers allowing fans to choose the artwork they preferred. 

Naturally, some of us (myself included) would likely attain each cover if money were no object, for that is the collector’s mindset. We must remember, however, that these releases, more often than not, come about because of marketing departments rather than artistic intent. Record labels are well aware that certain fans will buy multiple copies and it’s a way to generate greater sales. Nevertheless, these multiple versions allow fans to further appreciate the visual artistry, that accompanies the auditory element, and can enhance the experience. Of course, these multiple copies could just sit on the shelf gathering dust; a problem that I’ve got firsthand experience with.

Although, nothing gave me more pleasure, in the 90s, than to attain the CD and prerecorded cassette of an album I loved. Yes, it was a waste of money, by other people’s standards, but the shift in the designs between the CD and cassette often fascinated me as much as the music itself. Hence, I still consider owning multiple copies of an album I truly love, on multiple formats, as it expands the experience as the artwork isn’t always uniform between the vinyl and CD releases. 

Support Your Favourite Artists

Streaming is fantastic, isn’t it? It’s affordable. Readily available. Yet, it isn’t really part of our collection as music on any streaming platform can be changed without our knowledge, or acceptance, for we’re only renting the music. Hence, when you own music, particularly multiple copies of an album, you’re not only benefiting yourself by knowing that baring some incident, the music will remain the same throughout your lifetime. 

An additional benefit is that the artist will be paid fairer, from the purchase of a record, than they will if you stream the album. Of course, there is no reason why, in the modern era, you couldn’t do both. Both vinyl and CD formats are perfect for home listening while streaming will help you traverse the world, while also offering access to more music than the majority of us could ever afford to own. 

Speaking of the cost, one major disadvantage of owning multiple copies of an album you love is the cost. While it’s your money to spend how you wish, please remember that this hobby is a lifelong pursuit and as much as we enjoy it, it isn’t worth going into debt over.

In conclusion, owning multiple copies of an album is not just about redundancy; it's about enriching your musical journey. Whether it's discovering hidden tracks, exploring different mixes and masterings, appreciating visual elements, capturing nostalgia, or supporting artists, each copy of an album offers a distinct perspective and a deeper connection to the music you love. So, the next time you contemplate acquiring another version of a beloved album, remember that you're not merely adding to your collection – you're enriching your sonic journey.