The Smile Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Exploring the discography of The Smile always sparks interesting conversations.
This project, featuring Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead alongside Tom Skinner, quickly carved its own path.
Today, we're diving into The Smile albums ranked, primarily by what the fans think. We'll see which records resonate most deeply within the community.
This fan-focused approach helps us understand what many consider the best The Smile albums. Later, we'll also glance at how these albums stack up based on general popularity data. Let's begin this journey through their compelling releases.
Ranking The Smile'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. A Light for Attracting Attention (2022)
The Smile's debut, A Light for Attracting Attention, arrived in May 2022.
It was brought to life by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, and drummer Tom Skinner.
Longtime Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich helmed the album's production in London. The band worked on it during COVID-19 lockdowns, making a surprise debut at a Glastonbury Festival stream in 2021.
The album received critical acclaim. It also reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and earned a Libera Awards nomination.
Key tracks:
- The Smoke
- We Don't Know What Tomorrow Brings
As the top fan-ranked album, A Light for Attracting Attention clearly made a massive impact.
Its blend of familiar Radiohead undertones with fresh, often urgent, energy resonated deeply. Fans often praise its intricate musicianship and atmospheric depth.
2. Wall Of Eyes (2024)
Wall Of Eyes, The Smile's second studio album, was released in January 2024.
This record was produced by Sam Petts-Davies. Recording took place in Oxfordshire and at Abbey Road Studios in London.
The band developed these songs while touring for their debut. Singles like "Bending Hectic" and the title track, "Wall Of Eyes", preceded the album's release, accompanied by music videos directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.
The album was lauded by critics and achieved top-ten chart positions in several countries. A subsequent European tour supported its release.
Key tracks:
- Teleharmonic
- Wall Of Eyes
Securing the second spot in fan estimation, Wall Of Eyes continued to build on The Smile's distinctive sound.
Many listeners appreciate its more expansive and sometimes cinematic feel. The album's nuanced songwriting seems to have solidified the band's identity for many fans.
3. Cutouts (2024)
The Smile's third album, Cutouts, arrived in October 2024.
It was recorded during the same sessions as Wall Of Eyes, also with producer Sam Petts-Davies.
Locations included Oxfordshire and Abbey Road Studios. Promotion involved singles like "Don't Get Me Started" and "The Slip," along with visuals by digital artist Weirdcore and cryptic social media teasers.
Cutouts also garnered critical acclaim and charted well, reaching number 7 on the UK Albums Chart.
Key tracks:
- Zero Sum
- Eyes & Mouth
While newer, Cutouts holds a strong position with fans. Its connection to the Wall Of Eyes sessions offers a fascinating insight into a prolific creative period.
Fans seem to appreciate its distinct character. The album showcases another facet of The Smile's evolving artistry.
The Smile 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 The Smile'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 | A Light for Attracting Attention | 2022 |
| 2 | Wall Of Eyes | 2024 |
| 3 | Cutouts | 2024 |
Quick FAQs about The Smile's albums
Q: How did The Smile form and start working on A Light for Attracting Attention?
A: The Smile, comprising Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood with drummer Tom Skinner, began working on their debut album shortly before the first UK COVID-19 lockdowns. Nigel Godrich produced the album.
Q: What inspired the artwork for A Light for Attracting Attention?
A: The cover art, by Yorke and Stanley Donwood, was inspired by medieval maps and early maps of the British Isles showing springs and rivers. They worked entirely on canvas with gouache paint.
Ranking music is always a deeply personal endeavor.
Our exploration of The Smile albums ranked shows a clear fondness for their impactful debut, with their subsequent works also holding significant places in fans' hearts.
The "best" The Smile album will always vary from listener to listener. Each record offers a unique window into their artistic vision.
What's your take? Which album by The Smile stands out most for you?