Some artists build careers that unfold like stories. Early experiments give way to breakthroughs, stylistic detours, and the occasional surprising comeback. The Artist Rankings series explores those stories by looking closely at an artist’s entire discography.
These essays rank albums from beginning to end, but the goal isn’t just to crown a winner. Ranking a catalog can reveal how an artist evolves, how different records speak to one another, and how reputation sometimes shifts over time. A misunderstood album might sound better decades later. A once-beloved release might feel strangely distant.
From classic rock legends to art-pop innovators and cult favorites, the rankings here are designed for listeners who enjoy revisiting albums and debating the shape of a career.
Start Here
Every Marvin Gaye Album Ranked: From Least Essential to Timeless
Every Sade Album Ranked (From Least Essential to Best)
Kate Bush Albums Ranked: From Lionheart to Hounds of Love
Ranking Doja Cat’s Albums: From Internet Irony to Artistic Fire
Browse All Rankings
-
Beethoven Symphonies Ranked: A Friendly Guide for the Curious Music Fan
I am not a classical music expert. That feels important to say right away, because classical music can trigger a certain kind of tone. Suddenly everyone’s speaking in… Continue Reading
-
Herbie Hancock Albums Ranked: Why He’s One of the Best Ways Into Jazz
Herbie Hancock might be the best artist to start with if you want to dive into the world of jazz. It’s not just that “he’s important,” though obviously… Continue Reading
-
Jason Isbell Albums Ranked: From Early Promise to Southeastern and Beyond
Jason Isbell is one of those songwriters people love to name drop. You know the usual praise. The craft. The detail. The literary lyrics. The emotional intelligence. The… Continue Reading
-
Parliament and Funkadelic Albums Ranked: The Best of the Classic P-Funk Era
If any discography deserves a ranking that feels slightly unstable, it’s P-Funk: two band names, one giant mutant organism, overlapping players, shifting labels and lineups, metaphysics, cartoon villains,… Continue Reading
-
Iggy Pop Albums Ranked: Wrestling with the Weird, Uneven Brilliance of His Solo Career
Music fans usually know the name Iggy Pop, but they often know it as shorthand. The Stooges guy. The shirtless menace. The “Lust for Life” guy. The patron… Continue Reading
-
The Byrds Albums Ranked: From Worst to Best
The Byrds are one of those bands people think they understand after “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn, Turn, Turn”. You hear the Rickenbacker jangle, the high harmonies, and… Continue Reading