‘Algorithms make everything predictable’: why the CD is making a comeback

As John Lewis reports a 96% rise in searches for CD players, music fans share their reasons for ditching streaming

CDs appear to be having a resurgence. John Lewis said searches for CD players are up 96% since July, while another report on trends in music and film this year found that CD sales are up 16%.

With this in mind, we asked music fans why they favour discs over other formats, and if it is a new preference or a lifetime habit.

‘I have well over 10,000 CDs’

Andrew Wales, 67, from London, owns “well over 10,000” CDs. “My wife’s very considerate,” he says over the phone. “There’s quite a few in this room where I’m speaking.” They have also spilt into the next bedroom and into the corridor.