Barry Can’t Swim Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Ranking the work of an artist like Barry Can't Swim feels like an exciting, if difficult, task. His rise has been meteoric, and his sound is already so distinct.
Each album in his discography offers a unique emotional landscape. So, which is the best Barry Can't Swim album? It's a question fans are already debating.
We're exploring the Barry Can't Swim albums ranked, using fan sentiment as our primary guide. We will also see how the records stack up based on current popularity data.
Ranking Barry Can't Swim'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. When Will We Land? (2023)
Released in October 2023, the debut album from Barry Can't Swim was a remarkable statement piece.
It quickly garnered critical acclaim. The album was shortlisted for the 2024 Mercury Prize and won BBC Radio 1's award for "Best Dance Album."
Critics celebrated its detail and variety, with PopMatters calling it a "tour-de-force." It was a fresh, vibrant, and fun introduction to his world.
Key tracks:
- How It Feels
- Sunsleeper
Taking the top spot, When Will We Land? is the record that defined Barry Can't Swim for a massive new audience. It's an instant classic for a reason.
For many fans, this album's blend of uplifting house, jazz, and afrobeat is the definitive sound of the artist. Its critical success only solidified its place in their hearts.
2. Loner (2025)
The highly anticipated sophomore album, Loner, arrived in July 2025. It marked a clear evolution in the artist's journey.
Barry Can't Swim, or Joshua Mainnie, described it as a more authentic expression of himself and his life over the past year. It's a deeply personal follow-up.
Reviews noted the immense sonic ground the album covers. Clash Magazine called it a "gorgeous and varied album that will surely soundtrack countless summers."
Key tracks:
- Childhood
- The Person You’d Like To Be
Coming in at number two, Loner showcases a different, more introspective side of the artist.
While the explosive energy of the debut still resonates strongest with many, fans have deeply appreciated the maturity and emotional depth of this follow-up. It's a record that rewards close listening.
Picked your top Barry Can't Swim classic? Check out Barry Can't Swim's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.
Barry Can't Swim 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 Barry Can't Swim'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 | When Will We Land? | 2023 |
| 2 | Loner | 2025 |
Quick FAQs about Barry Can't Swim's albums
Q: What major awards or nominations did When Will We Land? receive?
A: The album was shortlisted for the prestigious 2024 Mercury Prize. It also won the award for "Best Dance Album" at the BBC Radio 1 Dance Awards.
Q: How does Barry Can't Swim view his own creative process?
A: He identifies more as a musician than a strict producer. He emphasizes a preference for crafting his music using instruments, which is clear in his layered sound.
Looking at Barry Can't Swim's albums ranked gives a clear picture of an artist on an incredible trajectory.
Whether you prefer the explosive debut or the introspective follow-up, both fan sentiment and data show the impact of his work.
The best Barry Can't Swim album is the one that connects with you personally. Each record offers a unique and beautiful journey.
What's your personal ranking of his albums?