Universal Records (UMG subsidiary, “RECORDS” must be a part of the logo; read annotation)

"UNIVERSAL RECORDS" is not the same thing as "UNIVERSAL"!

Originally part of Rising Tide Records which was founded in 1995 (and acquired in 1996 by MCA) whose pop division was spun off and renamed Universal Records in 1996, prior to the Universal Music Group takeover of Europe's Polygram. In 1999, Universal Records was pooled together with Motown Records and Republic Records to form Universal Motown Republic Group.

From 1999-2012 it was part of UMRG (Universal Motown Republic Group). Starting in 2000 it was also the primary holding label (instead of Universal Records, Inc.). In summer 2011 again became a standalone label. Note: It appears that many digital releases have been retroactively credited as Universal Records for releases that were on Universal Republic Records between 2008-2012. Double check with physical release if possible or if it has Universal Republic Records copyrights.

Logo history: (cat#s that appear only on releases where Universal Records is ONLY imprint on release)
1996-2000 : cat#s UD-53xxx; UDM-53xxx; UDS-53xxx; USD-53xxx; UND 5xxxx; UND-8xxxx; U5P-xxxx; 012 xxx xxx-x; 314 xxx xxx-x
1996-2000 : cat#s U-53xxx
2000-2005 : cat #s 012 xxx xxx-x; 314 xxx xxx-x; 440 xxx xxx-x; (in Europe): 015 xxx-x

For releases in the Philippines, please consider Universal Records (Philippines)