Kehlani Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Diving into Kehlani's discography is a journey through modern R&B, raw honesty, and artistic evolution. It’s a body of work that invites personal connection, making any attempt to rank their albums a deeply subjective exercise.

So, how do you determine the best Kehlani album? We decided to look at it from the most important perspective: the fans.

This list of Kehlani albums ranked is guided by community sentiment and the passionate discussions that surround each release. We'll also look at how things stack up based on popularity data. Let's explore the music.

Ranking Kehlani'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.

1. blue water road (2022)

Kehlani's third studio album, `blue water road`, was released in the spring of 2022. It served as a lighter, more spiritual follow-up to their previous work.

The record features an impressive list of collaborators, including Justin Bieber, Syd, Jessie Reyez, and Thundercat. Production was primarily handled by Pop Wansel.

Upon its release, the album was met with universal acclaim from critics. Many praised its delicate warmth and lyrical tenderness, noting it as a confident and holistic project.

Key tracks:

• everything
• melt

Taking the top spot, `blue water road` is clearly an album that resonates deeply with Kehlani's audience. It feels like a culmination of their artistic and personal journey.

Fans often point to its thematic maturity, sonic cohesion, and vulnerable songwriting as the reasons it holds such a special place in the discography.

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2. SweetSexySavage (2017)

`SweetSexySavage` is the official debut studio album from Kehlani, released in early 2017. The project was conceived with three core elements in mind: Sweet, Sexy, and Savage.

These themes are woven throughout the album's lyrics and production. The record was inspired by iconic 90s R&B, particularly TLC's `CrazySexyCool`.

The album was a commercial success, debuting at number three on the Billboard 200. It received positive reviews, with critics highlighting Kehlani's versatility and unapologetic confidence.

Key tracks:

• Distraction
• Gangsta

As the project that formally introduced Kehlani to a massive global audience, `SweetSexySavage` holds a foundational place in the hearts of many longtime fans.

Its blend of bravado and vulnerability established a blueprint for their career, and its high ranking reflects a deep appreciation for this breakout moment.

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3. You Should Be Here (2015)

`You Should Be Here` is the celebrated commercial mixtape that put Kehlani on the map. It was self-released in 2015.

The project features guest spots from Chance the Rapper and BJ the Chicago Kid, with production largely handled by Jahaan Sweet.

The mixtape was a critical darling. It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Urban Contemporary Album, a major achievement for an independent release.

Key tracks:

• The Way (feat. Chance the Rapper)
• You Should Be Here

For many early supporters, `You Should Be Here` is the quintessential Kehlani project. Its raw, unfiltered emotion and hungry ambition captured a star in the making.

Its strong fan ranking speaks to the powerful first impression it made, cementing a bond with listeners that continues to this day.

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4. While We Wait (2019)

Released in 2019, `While We Wait` is a mixtape that bridges the gap between major studio albums. It was released by Atlantic Records.

The project includes features from Musiq Soulchild, Dom Kennedy, Ty Dolla $ign, and 6lack. It debuted in the top ten of the Billboard 200 chart.

Key tracks:

• Nights Like This (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
• Feels

This mixtape is beloved for its focused, potent collection of tracks. It's a tight, cohesive project that doesn't waste a single moment.

Fans often praise `While We Wait` as a perfect snapshot of Kehlani's artistry at the time, delivering quality and depth without the pressure of a full LP.

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5. It Was Good Until It Wasn't (2020)

Kehlani's second studio album, `It Was Good Until It Wasn't`, arrived in May 2020. The album explores the complexities and eventual breakdown of relationships.

It includes features from artists like Jhené Aiko, Masego, Lucky Daye, and James Blake. Many of its music videos were creatively shot at home during the pandemic.

The album was a major commercial success, debuting at number two on the Billboard 200. Critics praised its moody, atmospheric production and Kehlani's emotional intelligence.

Key tracks:

• Toxic
• Can I

This album captured a specific, darker mood that resonated with many listeners, especially given the time it was released.

While it may not rank as high as their more optimistic projects for some, its raw honesty and sophisticated sound are deeply appreciated by a significant part of the fanbase.

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6. CRASH (2024)

`CRASH` is Kehlani's fourth studio album, released in the summer of 2024. The album saw them continue to refine their sound.

It features guest appearances from R&B legend Jill Scott, as well as Young Miko and Omah Lay. The project earned a Grammy nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album.

Critics gave the album positive reviews, noting its blend of different sounds and confident execution.

Key tracks:

• After Hours
• What I Want

As one of Kehlani's most recent releases, the fan consensus on `CRASH` is still solidifying. Its placement here reflects a strong but still growing appreciation.

The album's ambitious sound and high-profile features have made it a critical success, and over time, it may climb even higher in the fan rankings.

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7. While We Wait 2 (2024)

Released in August 2024, `While We Wait 2` serves as a sequel to their 2019 mixtape. It was their second project of the year, following `CRASH` just two months earlier.

The mixtape is packed with features, including Lucky Daye, Vince Staples, Lil' Mo, and the group FLO.

It was presented as a more spontaneous project, created to bridge the gap and give fans more music.

Key tracks:

• Clothes Off (feat. kwn)
• When He's Not There (feat. Lucky Daye)

This project is still fresh, and like `CRASH`, its place in the overall discography is still being cemented by fans.

As a surprise sequel, it's a generous offering to the fanbase that showcases Kehlani's prolific creative drive.

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8. Cloud 19 (2014)

`Cloud 19` is the debut mixtape that started it all. Released in 2014, it introduced the world to Kehlani's talent after their time in the group PopLyfe.

The project was praised by critics at the time, with Complex naming it one of the "50 Best Albums of 2014."

It laid the groundwork for their follow-up, `You Should Be Here`, and their eventual signing to a major label.

Key tracks:

• Get Away
• 1st Position

While `Cloud 19` ranks last here, it's by no means a reflection of its quality. It's a vital piece of Kehlani's history and a snapshot of their emerging talent.

Its position is likely due to being less widely heard than their major label work. For die-hard fans, it remains a cherished and essential starting point.

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Picked your top Kehlani classic? Check out Kehlani's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.

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Kehlani 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 Kehlani'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	While We Wait	2019
2	It Was Good Until It Wasn't	2020
3	SweetSexySavage	2017
4	blue water road	2022
5	While We Wait 2	2024
6	CRASH	2024
7	You Should Be Here	2015
8	Cloud 19	2014

Quick FAQs about Kehlani's albums

Q: What is the concept behind Kehlani's album `blue water road`?

A: Kehlani described it as an "emotional journey, a sexual journey, and a spiritual journey." They imagined it as a destination in their mind, comparing the album's transparent and light feel to a glass house with sun shining through it.

Q: Who are some of the notable collaborators on `blue water road`?

A: The album features a strong lineup of guest artists. This includes Justin Bieber, Syd, Jessie Reyez, Blxst, Ambré, and Thundercat.

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So there you have it – a look at Kehlani's albums ranked.

We've considered both the passionate insights of fans and current popularity trends.

Ultimately, the "best" Kehlani album often comes down to personal connection. The moments those songs soundtrack in our lives are what matter.

Each record is a distinct chapter. What does your personal ranking of Kehlani's albums look like? Which one holds the top spot for you, and why?