Waxahatchee Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Katie Crutchfield, known as Waxahatchee, has carved a unique path in indie music.
Her discography is rich with emotional depth and evolving sounds. Fans often debate which of her works stands as her definitive statement.
Today, we explore Waxahatchee albums ranked, primarily through the lens of dedicated listeners. We're looking at what the fans cherish most.
This journey will help us understand what many consider the best Waxahatchee albums. We'll also glance at how current engagement data reflects their standing. Let's dive in.
Ranking Waxahatchee'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. Cerulean Salt (2013)
Waxahatchee's second album, `Cerulean Salt`, arrived in March 2013.
It was released via Don Giovanni Records in the U.S. and Wichita Recordings in the U.K.
The album quickly garnered critical acclaim. It highlighted Katie Crutchfield's sharp songwriting and poignant lyricism.
It reached #1 on the Official Record Store Chart in July 2013. Pitchfork awarded it a strong 8.4 rating, cementing its impact.
Key tracks:
- Peace and Quiet
- Blue, Pt. 2
Topping our fan-driven list, `Cerulean Salt` clearly holds a special place for many Waxahatchee enthusiasts.
Its blend of raw honesty and melodic strength seems to resonate deeply. This album is often cited as a pivotal work in her early career.
2. Saint Cloud (2020)
`Saint Cloud` is the fifth studio album from Waxahatchee. It was released on March 27, 2020.
The album arrived just as the global pandemic began. This timing gave its themes of reflection and renewal a unique resonance.
Music critics universally praised `Saint Cloud`. They highlighted its depth and more mellow, Americana-tinged sound.
It marked a stylistic shift for Katie Crutchfield. The album explored themes of sobriety and self-discovery with newfound clarity.
Key tracks:
- Lilacs
- Fire
Securing the second spot, `Saint Cloud` is a fan favorite celebrated for its maturity and warmth.
Many listeners connect with its hopeful, resilient spirit. The album's refined songwriting feels like a landmark in Waxahatchee's discography.
3. Out in the Storm (2017)
Waxahatchee's fourth album, `Out in the Storm`, was released on July 14, 2017, via Merge Records.
This record signaled a move away from the lo-fi sound of earlier works. Co-producer John Agnello helped shape its more robust production.
It was recorded at Miner Street Recordings with her touring band. This brought a fuller, more dynamic sound to the songs.
Pitchfork's review praised Katie Crutchfield’s "sharp, gorgeous songwriting." It also highlighted the "immersive" band sound and "fiery exorcisms" within the tracks.
Key tracks:
- Silver
- Never Been Wrong
Coming in at number three, `Out in the Storm` is valued by fans for its cathartic energy and directness.
The album's powerful lyrical themes and rock-infused sound make it a standout for those who appreciate its rawer, more confrontational edge.
4. American Weekend (2012)
Waxahatchee's debut album, `American Weekend`, was released in 2012 on Don Giovanni Records.
Katie Crutchfield recorded this intimate collection in just one week. The setting was her family home in Birmingham, Alabama.
The lyrics are deeply personal. They explore relationships, devastation, and longing with raw honesty.
This bedroom-recorded album received positive reviews. It was recognized for its spare beauty and emotional impact.
Key tracks:
- Be Good
- Noccalula
`American Weekend` holds the fourth position, cherished for its unvarnished vulnerability.
Fans appreciate the album's lo-fi charm. It offers a foundational glimpse into Crutchfield's songwriting prowess at its most elemental.
5. Tigers Blood (2024)
`Tigers Blood` is the sixth studio album by Waxahatchee. It was released on March 22, 2024.
The album was preceded by singles like "Right Back to It." It continued to build on the artist's evolving sound.
`Tigers Blood` received critical acclaim upon its release. It even earned Katie Crutchfield her first Grammy Award nomination for Best Americana Album.
This work further showcases her refined songwriting and keen observational lyrics.
Key tracks:
- Much Ado About Nothing
- Right Back to It
Ranked fifth by fans, `Tigers Blood` is a newer addition that has quickly made an impact.
Its combination of sharp lyricism and compelling melodies resonates well. The album demonstrates Crutchfield's continued growth as a songwriter.
6. Ivy Tripp (2015)
`Ivy Tripp`, Waxahatchee's third album, was released on April 7, 2015.
This album marked her debut with Merge Records. Katie Crutchfield co-produced it with Kyle Gilbride and Keith Spencer.
Crutchfield described the title as a term for "directionless-ness." The songs explore themes of uncertainty and finding one's path.
Musically, `Ivy Tripp` expanded on her sound. It incorporated poppier elements and more diverse instrumentation than previous works.
Key tracks:
- La Loose
- Under a Rock
Though `Ivy Tripp` appears at number six, it's an important part of Waxahatchee's journey.
Fans often appreciate its exploratory nature and the way it bridges her earlier rawness with more polished sounds to come.
Waxahatchee 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 Waxahatchee'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 | Saint Cloud | 2020 |
| 2 | Tigers Blood | 2024 |
| 3 | American Weekend | 2012 |
| 4 | Cerulean Salt | 2013 |
| 5 | Out in the Storm | 2017 |
| 6 | Ivy Tripp | 2015 |
Quick FAQs about Waxahatchee's albums
Q: What is distinctive about Waxahatchee's album `Cerulean Salt`?
A: `Cerulean Salt` marked a significant moment for Waxahatchee. It was critically acclaimed upon its 2013 release, noted for its songwriting.
Q: How did `Cerulean Salt` perform commercially?
A: The album achieved notable success. It topped the Official Record Store Chart in July 2013 and received high praise from critics.
So there you have it – a look at Waxahatchee's albums ranked.
We've considered both the passionate insights of fans and current engagement trends.
Ultimately, the "best" Waxahatchee album often comes down to personal connection. The moments those songs soundtrack in our lives are what matter.
Each record is a distinct chapter in Katie Crutchfield's artistic journey. What does your personal ranking of Waxahatchee's albums look like?
Which one holds the top spot for you, and why?