Idlewild Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Diving into the Idlewild discography is a journey through raw punk energy, soaring anthems, and reflective folk-rock.

Figuring out the best Idlewild albums is a constant, passionate debate among fans. It's a catalog with distinct eras, each resonating differently.

We're setting out to create a guide to the Idlewild albums ranked by the people who know them best: the fans. This list is built on community sentiment and discussion. Later, we’ll see how this compares to current popularity data.

Ranking Idlewild'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. The Remote Part (2002)

The Remote Part is Idlewild's third studio album, showcasing a significant evolution in their sound. The band moved away from their earlier punk rock elements, embracing a more layered alternative and indie rock style.

Producer Dave Eringa helped the band craft a record with a bigger, more anthemic feel. The musical direction was heavily influenced by guitarist Rod Jones, steering them towards more complex arrangements.

The album received universal acclaim from critics, praised for its powerful songwriting and energy. It was also a commercial success, peaking at number three in the UK and eventually earning a gold certification.

Key tracks:

• You Held the World in Your Arms
• A Modern Way of Letting Go

It's no surprise to see The Remote Part at the top. For a massive portion of the fanbase, this album is the quintessential Idlewild statement.

It perfectly balances the raw energy of their past with a newfound melodic and lyrical maturity, making it a powerful and enduring favorite.

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2. 100 Broken Windows (2000)

Released in 2000, 100 Broken Windows is the band's second album and a pivotal release in their career. It marked a significant step forward in songwriting and sonic ambition from their debut.

The album is often described as an indie punk record, drawing comparisons to bands like R.E.M. and Hüsker Dü. Working with producer Dave Eringa, the band honed their chaotic energy into more structured, yet still potent, songs.

Critics praised the album for its growth, and it charted well, reaching number 15 in the UK. Its legacy has only grown, with some publications later naming it one of the best Scottish albums of the decade.

Key tracks:

• These Wooden Ideas
• Roseability

Holding the second spot, 100 Broken Windows is cherished by fans who love the band's more jagged, frantic edge.

It captures a band finding its voice, full of literary ambition and wiry guitar hooks. Many fans point to this record as the moment Idlewild truly became something special.

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3. Warnings/Promises (2005)

Warnings/Promises is Idlewild's fourth album, continuing their sonic exploration. The record saw the band lean more into folk and college rock influences, with a greater emphasis on acoustic instruments.

After writing in the Scottish Highlands, the band worked with producer Tony Hoffer in Los Angeles. The sessions were initially laidback, leading the band to re-record everything to capture a more direct and authentic sound.

The album was a natural progression from its predecessor, though some critics found it slightly less immediate. It still performed well, charting at number nine in the UK.

Key tracks:

• Love Steals Us from Loneliness
• El Capitan

This album’s position reflects its status as a beloved, if slightly more mellow, chapter in the band's story.

Fans who appreciate Roddy Woomble's lyrical introspection and the band's embrace of Americana and folk textures often hold Warnings/Promises in very high regard.

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4. Hope Is Important (1998)

Idlewild's debut album, Hope Is Important, captures the band in their earliest, most chaotic form. Released in 1998, it's a blast of raw energy and youthful exuberance.

The sound is a mix of grunge and punk rock, often drawing comparisons to Nirvana's debut, Bleach. Produced by Paul Tipler, the album was recorded in bursts between the band's relentless touring schedule.

The record introduced the world to Idlewild's frenetic live energy and Woomble's abstract lyrical style, earning them early critical praise and a dedicated following.

Key tracks:

• When I Argue I See Shapes
• I'm Happy to Be Here Tonight

As the band's starting point, Hope Is Important holds a special place for longtime fans.

While later albums are more refined, many listeners remain deeply attached to the unfiltered, noisy charm of this debut. It’s the sound of a band about to take on the world.

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5. Interview Music (2019)

Interview Music, released in 2019, is the band's ninth studio album. It marked a creative reunion with producer Dave Eringa, who helmed their classic records 100 Broken Windows and The Remote Part.

This return to a familiar collaborator resulted in a sound that felt both new and nostalgic. The album blends fractured, angular rock with the more melodic sensibilities the band developed over their career.

The record was a success in their home country, hitting number one on the Scottish Albums Chart and a respectable number 22 on the main UK chart.

Key tracks:

• All These Words
• Dream Variations

For many fans, Interview Music was a welcome return to form, capturing a renewed energy and creative spark.

Its standing here shows appreciation for a veteran band proving they still have vital, interesting music to make, expertly blending their past with their present.

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6. Post Electric Blues (2009)

Post Electric Blues was Idlewild's seventh studio album, released in 2009. The album was notable for its unconventional release method, as the band self-released it directly to fans before a wider distribution.

This fan-funded approach gave the band complete creative freedom. Guitarist Rod Jones described the album's feel as upbeat, sounding like "a band having a good time."

The independent release strategy meant its official chart position of No. 90 didn't reflect the thousands of copies already sold directly to their dedicated supporters.

Key tracks:

• Take Me Back to the Islands
• Readers & Writers

This album is often seen as a solid and enjoyable entry in the discography, even if it doesn't always hit the heights of their most acclaimed work.

Fans appreciate the directness and warmth of the record, a product of the creative freedom the band carved out for themselves at the time.

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7. Make Another World (2007)

Idlewild's sound continued to evolve throughout their career. From their early, dissonant material, the band gradually developed a more sweeping and melodic rock style.

Albums like The Remote Part and Warnings/Promises cemented this shift towards a grander, more anthemic approach to songwriting.

After a hiatus in 2010, the band reunited to record new music, including Everything Ever Written in 2015 and Interview Music in 2019, showing their continued passion for creating.

Key tracks:

• Everything (As It Moves)
• Make Another World

Make Another World represents a distinct phase for Idlewild, and its position reflects a split opinion among some fans.

While filled with strong tracks, it sometimes struggles to stand out between the folksy turn of its predecessor and the creative independence of its successor. Still, it remains a worthy part of their journey.

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8. Everything Ever Written (2015)

Everything Ever Written marked Idlewild's return after a five-year hiatus.

Released in 2015, the album was produced by Rod Jones and introduced new members to the lineup.

The record was a welcome comeback, blending the band's classic sounds with new influences and a renewed sense of purpose.

Key tracks:

• Every Little Means Trust
• Collect Yourself

This album is significant to fans as it signaled the band's successful return.

Its place in the ranking reflects appreciation for the reunion itself, showcasing a mature band still capable of creating vital music.

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9. Idlewild (2025)

The band's tenth studio album, self-titled Idlewild, was released in 2025.

This release continues the band's long-running musical journey, adding another chapter to their extensive catalog.

Key tracks:

• Stay Out Of Place
• I Wish I Wrote It Down

As the newest album, Idlewild is still finding its place within the band's celebrated history.

Its position shows that while fans are engaging with the new material, the classic records hold a powerful, nostalgic grip.

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

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Idlewild 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 Idlewild'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	The Remote Part	2002
2	100 Broken Windows	2000
3	Warnings/Promises	2005
4	Hope Is Important	1998
5	Idlewild	2025
6	Interview Music	2019
7	Post Electric Blues	2009
8	Make Another World	2007
9	Everything Ever Written	2015

Quick FAQs about Idlewild's albums

Q: What is the spoken word piece at the end of The Remote Part?

A: The album's closing track, "In Remote Part/Scottish Fiction," features a narrative from Scottish poet laureate Edwin Morgan. He wrote the poem, titled "Scottish Fiction," specifically for the band.

Q: Where did the album title The Remote Part come from?

A: The title came from a conversation frontman Roddy Woomble had with the poet Edwin Morgan. It was chosen after the band had considered other names like "Scottish Fiction."

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That concludes our deep look into the Idlewild albums ranked by fan sentiment.

From the consensus favorites to the cult classics, each record offers a different window into the band's journey.

Ultimately, the best Idlewild album is the one that connects with you the most. It's the one that found you at the right time.

What's your personal ranking?