Ivy Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Sorting through the discography of a band like Ivy is a journey in itself.

Their blend of sophisticated indie pop and Dominique Durand's effortless vocals has created a catalog where every fan has a deeply personal favorite.

Here, we explore the Ivy albums ranked, using fan sentiment as our primary guide to find what many consider the best Ivy album. We will also look at how popularity data stacks up to see a different side of the story.

Ranking Ivy'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. Realistic (1995)

Ivy's debut album, Realistic, was released in early 1995 on Seed Records.

The album established the band's musical direction, with production handled by members Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger alongside Kurt Ralske.

While it didn't achieve major commercial success, Realistic earned positive reviews and produced three singles, including "Get Enough," which was heavily promoted and praised in the United Kingdom.

Key tracks:

• Decay
• Get Enough

Taking the top spot, Realistic proves the power of a first impression. For many dedicated listeners, the band's debut captured the pure, unfiltered essence of their sound that would define their entire career.

Its high standing in fan discussions shows a deep appreciation for the raw charm and foundational songwriting that started it all.

---

2. Long Distance (2000)

Released at the turn of the millennium, Long Distance marked a sonic shift for Ivy.

The album embraced new wave influences while retaining the band's signature indie pop core. Andy Chase and Adam Schlesinger handled the majority of the production.

Critically well-received, the album is home to "Edge of the Ocean," a track that gained widespread recognition through its use in films and TV, becoming one of the band's most well-known songs.

Key tracks:

• Edge Of The Ocean
• Undertow

As a very close second, Long Distance is often considered the moment Ivy perfected their atmospheric and lush sound.

Its blend of melancholy and groove resonates strongly, and the inclusion of their signature song "Edge of the Ocean" cements its status as a monumental achievement in their catalog.

---

3. In The Clear (2005)

In The Clear arrived in 2005, continuing the band's evolution.

The album was recorded after the members, Andy Chase, Adam Schlesinger, and Dominique Durand, had been active for over a decade.

It featured collaborations with notable musicians like James Iha and was partly mixed by UK producer Steve Osborne, known for his work with New Order and Starsailor.

Key tracks:

• Ocean City Girl
• Feel So Free

Positioned firmly in the top half, In The Clear is seen by fans as a confident, polished, and incredibly solid record.

It may not have the debut's raw energy or the breakthrough feel of Long Distance, but its masterful songwriting and refined production make it a consistent and rewarding listen that holds a special place for many.

---

4. Guestroom (2002)

Released in 2002, Guestroom is a unique entry in Ivy's catalog as it consists entirely of cover songs.

The album features the band's interpretations of tracks by artists like The Cure, Steely Dan, and The Ronettes, showcasing their influences.

Some of the songs were previously released as B-sides, but the album collected them into a cohesive project that received positive reviews for its warm and thoughtful renditions.

Key tracks:

• Only A Fool Would Say That
• Let's Go To Bed

A covers album always occupies a unique space. Guestroom's ranking reflects its status as a beloved, yet distinct, project.

Fans appreciate it as a fascinating look into the band's influences, executed with their signature style, even if original material naturally commands more attention in overall rankings.

---

5. All Hours (2011)

All Hours, from 2011, marked a significant sonic exploration for Ivy.

Following a hiatus, the band returned with a sound heavily influenced by electropop and synth-pop, departing from their more guitar-driven earlier work.

The album experimented more with electronic textures and 1980s-reminiscent sounds, receiving mixed reviews but charting on Billboard's Dance/Electronic and Heatseekers charts.

Key tracks:

• I Still Want You
• World Without You

This album saw the band venture into a more electronic-driven soundscape. Its placement here suggests that while the shift was appreciated by some, it may have been more divisive for fans devoted to their classic indie pop style.

All Hours stands as a bold and interesting chapter, even if it doesn't hold the same universal acclaim as their earlier work.

---

6. Apartment Life (1997)

Ivy's third album, Long Distance, was released in 2000 in Japan and 2001 in the US.

This record saw the band depart from the sound of its predecessors, Realistic and Apartment Life, by incorporating more new wave influences.

The album was praised for this new direction and produced the band's signature song, "Edge of the Ocean," which found significant success in film and television placements.

Key tracks:

• The Best Thing
• I've Got A Feeling

Some might be surprised to see Apartment Life here, as it's a critically praised and beloved record.

Its lower fan ranking could indicate that while it's respected, other albums in the discography have forged a stronger or more immediate connection with the core fanbase over time.

---

7. Traces of You (2025)

Traces of You is the band's 2025 album.

It was created using fragments and demos recorded by the late Adam Schlesinger between 1995 and 2012.

The album serves as a poignant collection, with every track featuring contributions from Schlesinger, who passed away in 2020.

Key tracks:

• Mystery Girl
• Midnight Hour

As the band's newest release, built from demos featuring the late Adam Schlesinger, Traces of You holds a deeply emotional weight.

Its ranking likely reflects the fact that fans are still spending time with it. Its place in the Ivy story is still being written as listeners absorb this poignant and meaningful collection.

---

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

---

Ivy 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 Ivy'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	Long Distance	2000
2	Traces of You	2025
3	In The Clear	2005
4	Realistic	1995
5	Guestroom	2002
6	All Hours	2011
7	Apartment Life	1997

Quick FAQs about Ivy's albums

Q: When was Ivy's debut album released?

A: Ivy's debut album, Realistic, was released on February 14, 1995. It was put out by Seed Records.

Q: Which single from Realistic gained attention in the UK?

A: The lead single, "Get Enough," received widespread acclaim in the United Kingdom. It was even named "Single of the Week" by the magazine Melody Maker after its release.

---

So there you have it – a detailed look at Ivy's albums ranked from two different perspectives.

The passion of the fanbase often highlights the foundational records, while current data shows what's resonating with a broader audience right now.

Ultimately, the best Ivy album is the one that connects with you the most. Each record offers a unique window into their timeless sound.

What does your ranking of Ivy's albums look like?