Fruit Bats Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Ranking the discography of a band like Fruit Bats is a beautiful, impossible task.

Eric D. Johnson's project has gifted us with so many warm, wistful, and wonderful albums over the years. Each one holds a different memory for a different listener.

Here, we're taking on the challenge. This list of Fruit Bats albums ranked is guided first and foremost by fan sentiment. We're looking at which records resonate most deeply within the community. It's the best way to find out what many consider the best Fruit Bats albums.

We will also see how they stack up based on current popularity data.

Ranking Fruit Bats'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. Gold Past Life (2019)

As their debut on Merge Records, Gold Past Life was a significant moment for Fruit Bats. The album quickly found its way onto the Billboard Heatseeker and Independent album charts.

It's packed with songs that became instant fan favorites and streaming hits, cementing its place in the band's catalog.

Tragically, this album also marked the final recorded appearance of the great Neal Casal with Fruit Bats before his passing.

Key tracks:

• The Bottom of It
• A Lingering Love

Taking the top spot in our fan ranking, Gold Past Life is widely seen as a modern classic in the Fruit Bats discography.

Its blend of golden-hued melodies and sharp, heartfelt lyrics connected deeply with listeners, making it an essential and beloved record.

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2. Absolute Loser (2016)

Released after a five-year gap, Absolute Loser marked a triumphant return for Fruit Bats. It was the band's sixth official LP and their first on the Easy Sound label.

The album delivered one of the band's biggest songs, "Humbug Mountain Song," which has since become a massive streaming success.

Its success was praised by critics as well, with Paste magazine naming it one of the best albums of 2016.

Key tracks:

• Humbug Mountain Song
• Absolute Loser

Landing at number two shows the immense affection fans have for this record. It was a comeback that didn't just meet expectations but created a new high point for the band.

The album's warm, inviting sound felt both familiar and fresh, proving that Fruit Bats's songwriting had only grown richer with time.

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3. Siamese Dream (2021)

This release is a unique entry in the band's catalog. It's a full-album cover of The Smashing Pumpkins' iconic 1993 record, Siamese Dream.

Eric D. Johnson recorded the entire album at his home in Los Angeles. He played every single instrument himself, reimagining the '90s alt-rock classic through a folk-rock lens.

Key tracks:

• Today
• Hummer

A cover album ranking this high is a testament to the project's creativity and execution. Fans clearly embraced this bold and affectionate tribute.

It’s a project born of love, and that sincerity shines through, making it a cherished release for many listeners.

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4. The Ruminant Band (2009)

After a break while Johnson toured with The Shins, Fruit Bats returned with The Ruminant Band. The album marked a distinct sonic shift for the group.

It introduced a more ragged, guitar-heavy folk-rock sound. Johnson himself has described it as a creative and stylistic turning point for him as an artist.

This record was also a critical breakthrough, earning positive reviews from major outlets like Pitchfork and The A.V. Club.

Key tracks:

• Flamingo
• The Ruminant Band

The Ruminant Band holds a special place for many longtime fans. It represents a moment of evolution and newfound confidence in the band's sound.

Its high ranking reflects an appreciation for this pivotal, slightly grittier chapter in the Fruit Bats story.

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5. Mouthfuls (2003)

Mouthfuls was Fruit Bats's debut album for the legendary Sub Pop Records. It established the band as a significant new voice in the indie-folk scene of the early 2000s.

The album's closing track, "When U Love Somebody," has become one of the band's most enduring and signature songs.

Johnson has said he wrote the beloved track in the same amount of time it takes to sing it.

Key tracks:

• When U Love Somebody
• Rainbow Sign

This record is pure, early-era Fruit Bats charm. Its position in the top five speaks to its foundational importance and timeless appeal.

For many fans, Mouthfuls was their introduction to the band, and the warmth of that discovery has never faded.

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6. Echolocation (2001)

This is where it all began. Echolocation was the first proper full-length album released under the Fruit Bats name.

Produced by Brian Deck, the album emerged from Johnson's homemade cassette recordings from the late 1990s.

The release led to the band's live debut in Chicago in March 2001 and extensive touring with bands like Modest Mouse and The Shins.

Key tracks:

• The Old Black Hole
• Glass in Your Feet

As the band's debut, Echolocation is a snapshot of their earliest sound. Its solid ranking shows respect for the project's roots.

Fans appreciate this raw, foundational record that laid the groundwork for the two decades of music that would follow.

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7. A River Running to Your Heart (2023)

As one of the band's more recent studio albums, A River Running to Your Heart continues the musical journey of Fruit Bats.

It showcases the refined songwriting and warm production that have become hallmarks of the band's modern era.

The album reaffirms Eric D. Johnson's ability to craft songs that feel both intimate and expansive.

Key tracks:

• Rushin' River Valley
• We Used to Live Here

Being a newer release, this album is still finding its long-term place in the hearts of listeners.

Its placement here suggests a strong, positive reception, even if it hasn't had the years to build the deep nostalgic connection of the classic records.

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8. Tripper (2011)

Tripper served as Fruit Bats's final album for Sub Pop. Produced by Thom Monahan, the record featured some notable guest appearances.

Musicians like J. Mascis, Neal Casal, and Richard Swift all contributed to the album's sound.

It was the first Fruit Bats record to chart on the Billboard Heatseekers list, reaching the top 15.

Key tracks:

• You're Too Weird
• Tangie and Ray

This album is often seen as a subtle but confident work in the band's catalog. It doesn't always get the same attention as its predecessor, The Ruminant Band.

However, fans who connect with its hazy, introspective vibe hold it in very high regard.

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9. Spelled In Bones (2005)

This was the band's second full-length for Sub Pop, following the success of Mouthfuls.

The release of Spelled In Bones coincided with the band's network television debut. They performed on Last Call with Carson Daly in 2005.

This period saw the band touring extensively with acts like Rogue Wave, Son Volt, and Ray Lamontagne.

Key tracks:

• Lives Of Crime
• The Wind That Blew My Heart Away

Spelled In Bones is a bit of a hidden gem for some listeners. It's a fantastic record that sometimes gets overshadowed by the albums surrounding it.

Fans who love this album appreciate its earthy tones and solid, unpretentious songwriting.

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10. The Glory of Fruit Bats (2020)

Released in 2020, The Glory of Fruit Bats is another special project in the band's extensive discography.

The album features a collection of unique recordings and interpretations. It offers a different look into the creative world of Eric D. Johnson during a very productive period.

Key tracks:

• The Rock Doc
• I Will Always Love You

This album is appreciated by dedicated fans who enjoy exploring every corner of the Fruit Bats universe.

While it might not be a traditional studio LP, its creative spirit makes it a worthy and interesting part of the collection.

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11. The Pet Parade (2021)

The Pet Parade was produced by Josh Kaufman, Johnson's bandmate in Bonny Light Horseman. The album was recorded remotely during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The title refers to a real pet parade from Johnson's childhood. It also serves as a metaphor for the "beauty and absurdity of existence."

The record was nominated for Best Americana Album at the 2021 Libera Awards.

Key tracks:

• The Pet Parade
• Cub Pilot

This is a more contemplative and atmospheric album. Its quiet beauty and thoughtful production may take more time to fully unfold for some listeners.

Fans who connect with its gentle, patient mood consider it a deeply rewarding listen.

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12. Baby Man (2025)

Baby Man is the highly anticipated album from Fruit Bats, released in Septembere 2025.

As a just released album, its placement on this list reflects the excitement and anticipation building within the fan community based on early singles and announcements.

It promises to be the next chapter in the ever-evolving story of Fruit Bats.

Key tracks:

• Baby Man
• Let You People Down

It is, of course, too early to place this album definitively. But the early buzz is undeniable.

This ranking represents the hope and excitement that fans have for what is sure to be another fantastic entry in the discography.

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

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Fruit Bats 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 Fruit Bats'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	Gold Past Life	2019
2	Absolute Loser	2016
3	Mouthfuls	2003
4	A River Running to Your Heart	2023
5	Baby Man	2025
6	The Ruminant Band	2009
7	Tripper	2011
8	Siamese Dream	2021
9	Spelled In Bones	2005
10	The Glory of Fruit Bats	2020
11	Echolocation	2001
12	The Pet Parade	2021

Quick FAQs about Fruit Bats's albums

Q: What makes the album Gold Past Life a fan favorite?

A: Fans connected deeply with its blend of memorable songs like "The Bottom of It," its warm production, and sharp lyricism. It was also a critical success and represented a new chapter for the band on Merge Records.

Q: Is there a story behind the title of The Pet Parade?

A: Yes, the title is a reference to an actual pet parade that Eric D. Johnson attended as a child. He also uses it as a metaphor for the beauty and absurdity of existence, a theme explored throughout the album.

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So there you have it – a detailed look at the Fruit Bats albums ranked by the fans.

We've explored the community's favorites and also glanced at how current popularity data tells a slightly different story.

Of course, the "best" Fruit Bats album is the one that means the most to you. It's the record that soundtracked a road trip or got you through a tough week.

Every album is a worthwhile stop on a fantastic musical journey. What's your number one?