Gen Z is buying them too. Why? Because streaming feels temporary. You don’t own it. You can’t hold it. You can’t display it. But a CD? It’s yours; forever. Stores like Deaf Ear Records in Wisconsin are seeing a surge in sales as customers of all ages rediscover the joy of physical music. For teens and young adults, it’s about expressing identity; a CD in your room or car isn’t just music, it’s decor, it’s personality. And for everyone, it’s about control. No more losing access because a song got pulled or your subscription lapsed. This isn’t nostalgia. It’s rebellion; against the digital rental economy. And it’s working. CDs aren’t dead. They’re just waiting for you to press play.