The xx Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Few bands have defined a mood quite like The xx. Their discography is a masterclass in minimalism, space, and quiet emotional power.

This creates a deeply personal listening experience. It also makes any attempt to rank The xx albums a fascinating exercise.

We're looking at their studio records, guided first by fan sentiment. Then, we will see how popularity data provides a different perspective on what might be the best The xx album.

Ranking The xx'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. xx (2009)

The debut album from The xx, released in 2009, established their signature sound. It is a landmark of English indie pop.

The album's sound is famously minimalist. Producer Jamie Smith focused on capturing the intimate, unembellished quality of the band's original demos.

Its melancholic songs feature quiet duets between Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim. The lyrics explore love, loss, and intimacy with a rare vulnerability.

Though initially ignored by major media, `xx` became a sleeper hit. It earned widespread acclaim and won the Mercury Prize in 2010, cementing its influence on a generation of artists.

Key tracks:

• Intro
• Crystalised

It is no surprise to see `xx` at the top. For many listeners, this album is not just music; it's an atmosphere.

This record defined a specific, nocturnal mood that felt entirely new. Its lasting impact and perfect execution make it the undeniable fan favorite.

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2. I See You (2017)

The band's third studio album, `I See You`, arrived after a nearly five-year wait.

It marked a clear evolution in their sound. The band aimed for a more progressive and wide-ranging musical concept than their first two albums.

Jamie xx's solo work on his album `In Colour` heavily influenced the record's direction. This brought more club-inspired textures and samples into the band's framework.

Critics praised `I See You` for feeling more open and expansive. It successfully expanded their sonic palette without losing the band's core emotional intimacy.

Key tracks:

• I Dare You
• On Hold

Holding the second spot, `I See You` represents a confident and welcome evolution. It feels like the sound of the band looking outward.

Fans clearly connected with this brighter, more dynamic version of The xx. It showed growth while still feeling completely authentic.

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3. Coexist (2012)

`Coexist` is the second studio album from The xx. It followed their hugely successful debut.

The music was heavily influenced by the electronic dance scene the band experienced while on tour. Yet, the album doubles down on a minimalist aesthetic.

Its sound is defined by spatial arrangements, loose song structures, and a quiet tension. The album's lyrics explore a failing relationship with sparse, impactful detail.

The record was a commercial and critical success, debuting at number one in the UK.

Key tracks:

• Angels
• Fiction

Though it lands third in the fan ranking, `Coexist` is a deeply cherished record. It is arguably the band's most introspective and subtle work.

Some might find its profound quietness more challenging than their other albums. For dedicated fans, however, this stark and beautiful record remains a powerful, immersive listen.

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

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The xx 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 xx'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	xx	2009
2	I See You	2017
3	Coexist	2012

Quick FAQs about The xx's albums

Q: How did The xx develop their signature minimalist sound?

A: The band's style grew from rehearsing quietly in their bedrooms so they wouldn't disturb anyone. Romy Madley Croft also found a reverb setting on her practice amp, which created the atmospheric guitar sound that became essential to their music.

Q: Where was the debut album `xx` recorded?

A: The album was recorded at XL Recordings' small in-house studio in London. The space was a converted garage, and the band often recorded at night, adding to the isolated and intimate feel of the final record.

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So there you have it. A look into The xx albums ranked by both fan love and streaming data.

Each perspective confirms the incredible staying power of their debut, while also celebrating the band's artistic journey.

The best The xx album is always the one that speaks to you the most. Which record holds that top spot for you?