Black Country, New Road Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Few bands have navigated such a profound artistic evolution in such a short time as Black Country, New Road.

Their discography, though concise, sparks intense discussion among fans. Trying to determine the best Black Country, New Road albums is a fascinating exercise in tracking a band's rapid reinvention.

Here, we are looking at the Black Country, New Road albums ranked according to the pulse of the fan community.

We'll also see how this compares to current popularity data.

Ranking Black Country, New Road's albums: The fan favorites

This is how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.

We're starting with the most beloved.

1. Ants From Up There (2022)

Ants From Up There is the band's celebrated second studio album, released via Ninja Tune.

The album carries a poignant weight as the final record to feature lead vocalist and guitarist Isaac Wood. He announced his departure just four days before its release.

Written during COVID-19 lockdowns, the material was tested on the road during brief touring stints. This process allowed the songs to mature before being recorded at Chale Abbey on the Isle of Wight.

Upon its release, the album received unanimous critical acclaim and became the band's highest-charting record, hitting number 3 on the UK Albums Chart.

Key tracks:

• The Place Where He Inserted the Blade
• Concorde

Securing the top spot, Ants From Up There is widely regarded by fans as a modern masterpiece. Its grand, cathartic, and emotionally devastating journey resonates deeply within the community.

The context of Wood's departure imbues the album with a legendary, heart-wrenching quality that elevates it beyond just a collection of songs into a singular, monumental statement.

2. For the first time (2021)

The band's debut studio album, For the first time, served as an explosive introduction to their unique sound.

Blending experimental rock, post-punk, and free jazz, the album was recorded in March 2020. The sessions captured the raw energy of a band right at the beginning of the UK's first lockdown.

The record features reworked versions of early fan-favorite singles like "Athens, France" and "Sunglasses," showcasing the band's evolving arrangements.

Its dynamic instrumentation and intense performances earned widespread critical praise and a nomination for the 2021 Mercury Prize.

Key tracks:

• Track X
• Athens, France

As the album that started it all, For the first time holds a special place for many listeners. It represents the untamed, chaotic, and brilliant spark that first drew the world's attention.

Its high fan ranking is a testament to the power of that initial impact. For many, it's the purest distillation of the band's early, angular intensity.

3. Forever Howlong (2025)

Forever Howlong marks the beginning of a new chapter for Black Country, New Road. It is their first studio album following the departure of Isaac Wood.

The album sees vocal and primary songwriting duties taken over by members Tyler Hyde, Georgia Ellery, and May Kershaw.

Serving as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed second album, this record was produced by James Ford and saw the band exploring new instruments and sounds.

Critics noted the album's more accessible and uplifting tone, a contrast to the celebrated angst of their previous work.

Key tracks:

• Besties
• Nancy Tries to Take the Night

This album represents a courageous and necessary reinvention. Its position in the fan ranking reflects the challenge of following two iconic records while forging a completely new identity.

For fans, it is a testament to the group's resilience and collective creativity, even as they navigate the absence of a founding voice.

Picked your top Black Country, New Road classic? Check out Black Country, New Road's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

Black Country, New Road albums: A look at popularity data

While fan sentiment paints a rich picture, current popularity data can offer another interesting angle.

This looks at an artist's discography through a different lens.

Below is a ranking of Black Country, New Road's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Quick FAQs about Black Country, New Road's albums

Q: Why is Ants From Up There Isaac Wood's final album with the band?

A: Isaac Wood announced his departure from Black Country, New Road just four days before the album was released, citing his mental health as the reason.

Q: Where was the album Ants From Up There recorded?

A: The album was recorded at Chale Abbey, a studio located on the Isle of Wight in the UK.

So there you have it, a look at the Black Country, New Road albums ranked by the people who know them best: the fans.

From a chaotic debut to an emotional epic and a brave rebirth, their catalog is a powerful statement.

Ultimately, the "best" Black Country, New Road album is the one that connects with you personally. Each record captures a distinct moment in time.

What does your ranking look like? Let us know which album holds the top spot for you.