Elton John 7-Inch Singles vs Full LPs: Which Should You Collect?
By Elton John Official Store - Elton John Official Store | Published: 2026-10-16
Category: Comparisons
Compare 7-inch singles and full LPs for Elton John record collecting. Learn the trade-offs in cost, storage, sound, and the stories each format tells.
Quick answer
If you want the most music and the definitive album experience per dollar, collect full LPs like The One 2LP. If you enjoy the hunt, the B-sides, and the visual variety of picture sleeves, Elton John 7-inch singles are a rewarding niche. Many collectors do both: LPs for listening, 7-inches for the thrill of the chase.
What each format actually gives you
A 7-inch single typically holds one main track per side, sometimes with a B-side or an alternate mix. That means you get the hit you know plus a companion track that may not appear on any album. Full LPs, by contrast, deliver a complete body of work. For example, The One 2LP includes tracks like 'Simple Life,' 'The One,' and 'Runaway Train' with Eric Clapton, all on a single release. The trade-off is focus versus breadth: singles let you zero in on a moment; LPs let you live inside an era.
Cost and storage: the practical math
7-inch singles usually cost less per item than a full LP, but they add up quickly if you chase many releases. They also take up less shelf space individually, yet a collection of 50 singles can occupy more room than a handful of LPs. LPs cost more upfront and need sturdier storage, but each purchase delivers more playing time. If your budget is tight and you want maximum music per dollar, start with LPs. If you enjoy the slow build of a singles collection, the lower per-item price makes it easy to add one or two at a time.
Sound quality and the listening experience
Both formats can sound excellent, but they are mastered differently. A 7-inch single often prioritizes loudness and impact for radio play, while an LP side can allow for more dynamic range across a longer sequence. On a modest turntable, you may not hear a dramatic difference, but on a revealing system, LPs often present a more natural, less compressed sound. That said, a well-pressed 7-inch can be a thrill—especially for mono mixes or edits that never made it to album. The trade-off is convenience: flipping a 7-inch every three minutes versus settling into a full side.
Collectibility and the stories they tell
7-inch singles often carry picture sleeves, unique B-sides, and regional variations that make them a treasure hunt. LPs, meanwhile, offer gatefold art, lyric sheets, and a cohesive statement. Consider The Lockdown Sessions Blue Vinyl: it's a 2LP set with 16 collaborations, giving you a curated snapshot of Elton's recent work with artists like Dua Lipa and Charlie Puth. That kind of release is harder to replicate across scattered singles. The trade-off is narrative: singles tell micro-stories; LPs tell the full chapter.
Trade-offs at a glance
- 7-inch singles: Lower cost per item, smaller footprint, and often include non-album B-sides or unique sleeves. But you get only a few minutes of music per disc, and completing a full era can mean hunting down many releases. Best if you enjoy the chase and want variety without committing to full albums.
- Full LPs: More music per purchase, often with gatefold art and a cohesive sequence. They cost more upfront and require more shelf space, but they deliver a complete listening session. Best if you want the definitive album experience and maximum value per dollar.
- Hybrid approach: Collect LPs for the main albums you love, and add 7-inch singles for favorite tracks, remixes, or picture sleeves. This balances depth and discovery. Best if you can't choose and want the strengths of both formats.
Product facts
- The One 2LP: The One 2LP: Originally released in 1992, Elton John's 23rd studio album, certified 2x platinum by the RIAA, with guest appearances from Eric Clapton and David Gilmour. A full LP gives you a complete album experience with star collaborations, ideal if you want depth over a single hit.
- The Lockdown Sessions Blue Vinyl: The Lockdown Sessions Blue Vinyl: A 2LP collaborations album with 16 songs featuring artists like Dua Lipa, Young Thug, and Charlie Puth. This 2LP shows how a full-length release can capture a specific era and diverse collaborations, something singles can't replicate.
- Captain Fantastic Button Down Shirt: Captain Fantastic Button Down Shirt: Cuban-style button-down with all-over Captain Fantastic artwork, available in sizes S, M, and L. Wear your fandom while you listen—this shirt adds a visual element to your collection, whether you're spinning singles or LPs.
Which should you collect?
Choose 7-inch singles if
- You enjoy the hunt for rare B-sides and picture sleeves
- You have limited shelf space and want to sample many eras
- You prefer lower-cost purchases spread over time
Choose full LPs if
- You want the most music per dollar and a complete album sequence
- You prefer fewer, more substantial purchases
- You value gatefold art and liner notes as part of the experience
