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.
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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
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Bilal Albums Ranked: From Neo-Soul Prodigy to Genre-Warping Visionary
Even if you’ve never listened to a Bilal album, there’s a very good chance you’ve heard Bilal. He’s one of those artists who keeps showing up on other… Continue Reading
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Tears for Fears Albums Ranked: Beyond the Big Classics
Ranking Tears for Fears feels simple for about five seconds. You put Songs from the Big Chair at number one, The Hurting at number two, and everyone nods… Continue Reading
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The Spins to Infinity: Every Major Mac Miller Album and Mixtape Ranked
Mac Miller’s catalog is very easy to try to make a nice, tidy narrative out of. You know the version. The goofy Pittsburgh kid makes bright internet-era mixtapes… Continue Reading
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Sturgill Simpson Albums Ranked: From High Top Mountain to Johnny Blue Skies
Sturgill Simpson has never seemed especially interested in making things easy for anyone. Not for Nashville or country radio. Not for fans who wanted him to keep making… Continue Reading
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Gorillaz Albums Ranked: From Plastic Beach to the Virtual Beyond
Gorillaz are one of the few big pop projects that still sound like they should not have worked at all. A cartoon band with Damon Albarn hiding inside… Continue Reading
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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