Vinyl pressings
by Janet Jackson · 1989
Rhythm Nation was first pressed on vinyl in 1989. Every vinyl pressing is listed below with its label, catalog number and runout codes, so you can tell an original from a reissue.
20 pressings came out in 1989, the album's first year, in 9 countries. Compare the label and catalog number on your copy, then the codes etched or stamped in the runout groove (the dead wax around the label): they are the surest sign of an early pressing.
A&M SP 012335 A.ESI Emw" #05361 STERLINGVariant 1, Side A Runout
A&M SP 012335 B.ESI Emw #05361 STERLINGVariant 1, Side B Runout
A&M SP 012335 A ES1 EMW #05361 STERLINGVariant 2, Side A Runout
A&M SP 012335 B ES1 EMW #05361X STERLINGVariant 2, Side B Runout
A&M-AM-01455-A C1 E GI (TR) A3Side A Runout
A&M-AM-01455-B-C1 E GI (TR) A4Side B Runout
AM-01455-ASide A Label
AM-01455-BSide B Label
SRC A+M AM-01455-A SP1 1-1Etched Side A
SRC A+M AM-01455-B SP1 1-1Etched Side B
AM-01455-ASide A Label
AM-01455-BSide B Label
USAT 673 A-1U-1-1 JARunout, side A, stamped/etched
USAT 673 B-1U-1-1Runout, side B, stamped
USA 673 A-1U-1-Q2 JARunout side A
USA 673 B-1U-1-Q3Runout side B
Not sure how to read the runout? See matrix numbers, runout and dead wax and how to tell a first pressing.
By decade, oldest first. Open a pressing for its full label, barcode and runout details.
| Year | Country | Label and catalog number | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Australia | A&M Records K1043 / A&M Records AM-1455First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1989 | Australia | A&M Records K1043 / A&M Records AM-1455First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1989 | Canada | A&M Records SP-12335First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | Canada | A&M Records AM-1455First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1989 | Canada | A&M Records SP-12335First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | A&M Records 390 468-1First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM |
| 1989 | Europe | A&M Records 390 468-7 / JDJ Entertainment 390 468-7First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Stereo |
| 1989 | France | A&M Records 390 468-7First year7", Single | 7", Single |
| 1989 | Mexico | PolyGram 912First year7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo | 7", 45 RPM, Single, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout USAT 673First year12", 45 RPM, Single | 12", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout USA 673 / A&M Records USA 673First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout USAPD 673First year12", Picture Disc · Picture disc | 12", Picture Disc · Picture disc |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout USATDJ 673 / A&M Records USATDJ 673First year12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo | 12", 33 ⅓ RPM, Promo · Promo |
| 1989 | UK | A&M Records USAS 673 / Breakout USA 673First year7", 45 RPM, Single | 7", 45 RPM, Single |
| 1989 | UK | Breakout USAPD 67312", Picture Disc, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Picture disc | 12", Picture Disc, Test Pressing · Test pressing, Picture disc |
21 vinyl pressings of Rhythm Nation are listed here, from 9 countries.
The earliest pressings are from 1989, in US, UK, Australia & New Zealand, Australia and more. One of them is A&M Records SP-12335.
Check the catalog number on the label (first-year pressings use SP-12335, AM-1455, USAT 673, USA 673) and the codes etched in the runout groove, then compare them with the pressings listed above; for example, A&M SP 012335 A.ESI Emw" #05361 STERLING and A&M SP 012335 B.ESI Emw #05361 STERLING. Later reissues often keep the catalog number but change the label design or the runout codes.
It depends on which pressing you have and on the condition of the record and its sleeve. Early pressings from the album's home country in near mint condition are usually worth the most; common later reissues are worth far less. Scan your copy with VinylLens to see its value for every grade.
