Phoenix Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Exploring the discography of Phoenix is a fascinating exercise. The French quartet has maintained a remarkable level of quality and style across decades.

Because of this consistency, creating a definitive ranking is tough. But that’s what makes the conversation so interesting.

We're looking at the Phoenix albums ranked, with fan sentiment as our primary guide. This list reflects community consensus and passionate debate. Later, we'll see how popularity data provides another view on what might be the best Phoenix albums.

Ranking Phoenix'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. United (2000)

Phoenix's debut studio album, United, arrived in 2000. It introduced the world to their eclectic and polished sound.

The record was praised by critics for its diverse and brilliant approach. It stood out from the French house scene of its time by blending pop, rock, and electronic elements.

Publications at the time called it one of the most amazing debuts of the year, celebrating its unique and earnest style.

Key tracks:

• If I Ever Feel Better
• Too Young

It's no surprise that fans place United at the very top. A debut album this confident and full of classic tracks is a rare thing.

The album laid the groundwork for everything that followed. Its timeless quality has earned it a permanent place in the hearts of the fanbase.

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2. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (2009)

Released in 2009, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix was the band's fourth studio album and a massive global breakthrough.

The record took Phoenix from a moderately known act to a mainstream force. Its success was fueled by major singles and extensive touring.

The album earned widespread critical acclaim. It won the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album, cementing its place as a landmark release of the late 2000s.

Key tracks:

• 1901
• Lisztomania

For many, this is the definitive Phoenix album. Its place at number two reflects its monumental impact.

While United holds the top spot for its foundational charm, the explosive and perfectly crafted pop of this record makes it a very close contender in any fan discussion.

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3. Alphabetical (2004)

Alphabetical is the second studio album from Phoenix, released in 2004. It continued to build on the sound established by their debut.

The album was met with positive reviews. Critics praised its beautiful, melodious, and organic sound.

Many considered it a sophisticated and deliciously out-of-step pop record for its time, highlighting its distinctly Parisian feel.

Key tracks:

• Everything Is Everything
• Run Run Run

Sitting comfortably in the top half of the fan ranking, Alphabetical is a cherished sophomore effort.

It solidified the band's identity without simply repeating their first album, earning it lasting respect from longtime listeners.

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4. Alpha Zulu (2022)

Phoenix's seventh studio album, Alpha Zulu, was released in 2022. It was their first record in five years.

The album was created during the pandemic while the band recorded in a studio at the Louvre Palace in Paris.

It was inspired in part by their late friend and producer Philippe Zdar. The album received universal acclaim from critics for its energy, hooks, and razor-sharp pop sensibilities.

Key tracks:

• Tonight (feat. Ezra Koenig)
• Alpha Zulu

As the band's most recent work, Alpha Zulu's solid placement shows fans were thrilled with their return.

It proved that Phoenix could still deliver their signature euphoric synth-rock with renewed enthusiasm after more than two decades.

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5. It's Never Been Like That (2006)

The band's third album, It's Never Been Like That, came out in 2006. It showcased a more direct, guitar-driven rock sound.

This record served as a bridge between their earlier work and the synth-pop explosion of their next album. It is often seen as a lean, confident, and energetic release.

Key tracks:

• Long Distance Call
• Consolation Prizes

This album is a beloved part of the Phoenix catalog, even if it doesn't always top the fan polls.

Its stripped-back approach is appreciated by fans who love the band's rock sensibilities, making it a crucial piece of their evolution.

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6. Ti Amo (2017)

Ti Amo, Phoenix's sixth album, was released in 2017. The band described it as a record about "simple, pure emotions: love, desire, lust, and innocence."

The album is heavily influenced by synth-pop and Italo disco, evoking a fantasized, summery version of Italy.

It was largely seen as a colorful and romantic escape, created in response to a period of social and political darkness.

Key tracks:

• J-Boy
• Ti Amo

While Ti Amo's strong thematic focus might make it less of an all-around favorite, its dedicated aesthetic has a special appeal.

Fans who connect with its lush, dreamy, and disco-infused sound hold it in very high regard.

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7. Bankrupt! (2013)

Released in 2013, Bankrupt! was the highly anticipated follow-up to the band's massive success with Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

The band has said they were aiming for something more experimental and less poppy than its predecessor.

The album was still a commercial success, debuting high on charts worldwide and leading to major festival headline slots.

Key tracks:

• Trying To Be Cool
• Entertainment

Following up a phenomenon is always a challenge. Bankrupt!'s position on this list reflects the tough spot it was in.

While it may be the least favored among the studio albums according to fan sentiment, it's admired for its bold, dense, and ambitious sound.

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

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Phoenix 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 Phoenix'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	Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix	2009
2	United	2000
3	Bankrupt!	2013
4	Ti Amo	2017
5	Alpha Zulu	2022
6	Alphabetical	2004
7	It's Never Been Like That	2006

Quick FAQs about Phoenix's albums

Q: How was Phoenix's debut album received by critics?

A: Their debut, United, received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its diverse sound, with some outlets at the time calling it one of the most brilliant and amazing debuts of the year.

Q: What are the main singles from the album United?

A: The key singles released from United include "Too Young," "If I Ever Feel Better," and "Party Time."

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So there you have it, a detailed look at the Phoenix albums ranked from multiple perspectives.

Both fan passion and current engagement data tell a part of the story. Ultimately, the best Phoenix album is the one that connects with you the most.

What does your personal ranking look like?