Ellie Goulding Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Ellie Goulding's music has a way of weaving itself into the fabric of our lives.
From electro-folk beginnings to global pop anthems, her discography is a journey.
Today, we're diving into Ellie Goulding albums ranked, looking first at what the fans hold dearest. This helps us explore what many consider the best Ellie Goulding albums. We'll also see how current engagement shapes the picture.
Ranking Ellie Goulding's albums: The fan favorites
Here's how the albums stack up based on fan sentiment, community discussions, and overall buzz.
We're starting with the most beloved.
Lights (2011)
Lights marked Ellie Goulding's stunning debut. It was first released in 2010 by Polydor Records.
Goulding worked with a range of producers on this album. Notable names include Starsmith and Fraser T. Smith.
The album generally received positive reviews from music critics. It successfully debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart.
Lights was later re-released as Bright Lights in late 2010. This version included seven new tracks and spawned further hit singles like "Your Song" and "Lights," which became a major US success.
Key tracks:
- Starry Eyed
- Guns And Horses
Securing the top spot, Lights clearly remains a cherished album for many Ellie Goulding fans.
Its blend of folk-infused electropop and heartfelt lyrics established a unique sound. This early magic continues to resonate strongly.
Halcyon (2013)
Halcyon, Ellie Goulding's second studio album, was released in October 2012.
Recorded between 2011 and 2012, Goulding worked with producers like Jim Eliot and Starsmith. She described it as a journey from darkness to light.
The album received generally positive reviews. Critics noted a more aggressive vocal showcase and bold electropop production. It debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, later reaching number one.
Key singles from the original release included "Anything Could Happen" and "Figure 8." The album was later reissued, notably as Halcyon Days in 2013, which added further hit songs.
Key tracks:
- Burn
- How Long Will I Love You
Coming in at a strong second place, Halcyon is deeply valued by listeners. It marked a significant evolution from her debut.
The album showcased Goulding's artistic growth. It balanced emotional depth with a more powerful, anthemic, and distinctly pop sound.
Delirium (2015)
Delirium, Ellie Goulding's third studio album, was released in 2015. It aimed for a more pop-oriented sound.
Critics were generally impressed by the album's production. However, some were ambivalent about its originality.
The album debuted at number three in both the UK and the US. This marked Goulding's highest-charting record in the US at the time.
It spawned singles like "On My Mind," "Army," and "Something in the Way You Move." It also included the global hit "Love Me Like You Do."
Key tracks:
- Something In The Way You Move
- Love Me Like You Do
Delirium holds a solid place in the fan ranking. It represents a period of significant commercial success.
For many fans, its confident embrace of mainstream pop, filled with catchy hooks, defines this era of her career.
Brightest Blue (2020)
Brightest Blue is Ellie Goulding's fourth studio album. It was released in July 2020 after a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This album marked Goulding's first full-length project since Delirium in 2015. It featured guest vocals from artists like Blackbear, Diplo, and Juice Wrld.
Brightest Blue received generally positive reviews from music critics. It also achieved commercial success, becoming Goulding's third UK number-one album.
The album was structured in two parts. The first, Brightest Blue, was more introspective, while the second, EG.0, featured more collaborative, pop-leaning tracks.
Key tracks:
- Love I’m Given
- Hate Me
Though ranked fourth by fan sentiment here, Brightest Blue is appreciated for its artistic depth and dual nature.
Many listeners connect with its more personal first half. The album shows Goulding exploring vulnerability alongside her signature sound.
Higher Than Heaven (2023)
Higher Than Heaven, Ellie Goulding's fifth studio album, arrived in April 2023. It was her first album in three years.
Goulding described this album as her "least personal yet." She aimed to create an escapist pop record in response to the preceding challenging years.
The album debuted at number one in the UK. This made Goulding one of the British female artists with the most number-one albums in UK history.
Critics generally gave positive reviews. Many praised the focus on fun, escapist pop as refreshing.
Key tracks:
- All By Myself
- Midnight Dreams
While it's the most recent and rounds out this fan ranking, Higher Than Heaven resonated for its deliberate shift.
Fans often see it as a return to pure pop energy. Its straightforward, feel-good anthems offer a different side of Goulding's artistry.
Ellie Goulding 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 Ellie Goulding's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.
| Popularity Rank | Album Title | Release Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Delirium | 2015 |
| 2 | Higher Than Heaven | 2023 |
| 3 | Halcyon | 2013 |
| 4 | Brightest Blue | 2020 |
| 5 | Lights | 2011 |
Quick FAQs about Ellie Goulding's albums
Q: What was special about Ellie Goulding's debut album, Lights?
A: Lights was critically acclaimed and commercially successful, debuting at number one in the UK. It was later re-released as Bright Lights, which included the US hit single "Lights" and her popular cover of "Your Song."
Q: Who were some key collaborators on Lights?
A: Ellie Goulding worked with several producers on her debut. Starsmith was a chief producer, and she also collaborated with Fraser T. Smith, Frankmusik, and Ben Lovett of Mumford & Sons.
Ranking Ellie Goulding's albums is a fascinating exercise.
Fan favorites often highlight deep emotional connections and formative sounds. Popularity data offers a snapshot of current engagement.
Ultimately, the "best" Ellie Goulding album is the one that means the most to you. Each record captures a unique moment in her artistic evolution.
What's your personal take on Ellie Goulding albums ranked? Which songs or albums hold special significance for you?