Liner notes are the written and visual content accompanying a physical music release — printed on the inner gatefold panels of a vinyl jacket, on separate insert sheets, or in a CD booklet. They typically include production credits (musicians, engineers, producers, studios), song lyrics, artist photos, essays or commentary about the recording, personal thank-you lists, and sometimes artwork or poetry.
Liner notes represent one of physical music's greatest advantages over streaming. They provide context that transforms passive listening into an informed, enriched experience. Reading who played which instrument, where the album was recorded, and the artist's personal reflections while listening to the music creates a deeper connection. Many iconic liner notes are considered literary works in their own right — Bob Dylan's stream-of-consciousness prose, Joni Mitchell's poetic dedications, and hip-hop's detailed credit breakdowns.
For vinyl collectors, liner notes are a key part of the package's value. Original pressings with extensive liner notes, lyric sheets, posters, or other inserts are worth significantly more when these items are present and in good condition. Always check for completeness when buying used records. Modern vinyl releases increasingly invest in premium liner notes and packaging as a way to add value beyond what streaming can offer.
The Grammy Award for Best Album Notes has been awarded since 1964. Winners include Leonard Bernstein, Johnny Cash, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.