John Maus Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Trying to rank the works of John Maus is a unique challenge. His music often feels less like a collection of songs and more like a series of philosophical transmissions from a forgotten future.

Each album in his discography occupies its own distinct, reverb-drenched world. This makes any discussion about the "best" John Maus album incredibly subjective and fascinating.

To make sense of it all, we're looking at the John Maus albums ranked according to the fans.

We'll explore which records resonate most deeply with his listeners, followed by a look at how they stack up based on current popularity data.

Ranking John Maus'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. Songs (2006)

This is the first official album from John Maus. It was released in 2006 by the British label Upset the Rhythm.

The album was recorded over five years. It features remixed tracks that originally appeared on his early, self-released projects.

Upon its release, the album received largely negative reviews from critics. However, it later built a strong cult following, a common theme in Maus's career.

Key tracks:

• Just Wait Til Next Year
• Time To Die

It's fascinating that fans place Songs at the very top. This debut captures the raw, unfiltered essence of the John Maus sound.

Its high ranking suggests that for many listeners, this initial, unpolished vision is the most powerful and authentic expression of his music.

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2. We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves (2011)

This 2011 album is often considered John Maus's breakthrough release. It brought him wider recognition and critical acclaim.

The album cemented his signature style. It blends vintage synthesizer sounds, a deep baritone vocal delivery, and melodies reminiscent of medieval church modes.

It was after the success of this record that many critics and fans began to re-evaluate his earlier work, solidifying his status as a unique outsider artist.

Key tracks:

• Hey Moon
• Keep Pushing On

For a huge portion of the fanbase, this album is the quintessential John Maus experience. It's the record that introduced many to his sound.

Its place near the top is no surprise. The album is both accessible and deeply strange, a perfect balance that defines his appeal.

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3. Screen Memories (2017)

Released in 2017, this was Maus's first album of new music in six years. He recorded it at his home in Minnesota.

The album's themes are often apocalyptic. They were inspired by the constant stream of world events Maus consumed while making the record.

For some tracks, he even used an artificial neural network to help generate song structures and melodies, adding another layer of experimentalism to his work.

Key tracks:

• Walls of Silence
• Touchdown

Screen Memories holds a solid position with fans as a powerful and worthy return. The album felt both familiar and forward-thinking.

Listeners appreciate its darker, more ominous tone, which felt perfectly suited to the time of its release.

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4. Addendum (2018)

Addendum was released in 2018 as a companion piece to the previous year's Screen Memories.

Maus explained that he realized he had two full albums worth of material from his recording sessions.

The songs on this collection were reportedly made in a more "carefree" manner, resulting in a sound that feels closer to his usual style.

Key tracks:

• Second Death
• Outer Space

As a collection of leftover tracks, Addendum is understandably not ranked as a core statement. Yet fans still hold it in high regard.

It's seen as a generous and high-quality epilogue to Screen Memories, offering more of the sound they love.

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5. Love Is Real (2007)

This is the second official album by John Maus. It was released in 2007 on the label Upset the Rhythm.

Love Is Real continues the lo-fi, synth-heavy sound established on his debut, Songs.

The record further developed his unique blend of pop structures with experimental and often melancholic undertones.

Key tracks:

• Do Your Best
• My Whole World's Coming Apart

While Love Is Real sits lower in the fan ranking, it remains a crucial part of his early discography.

It's an album that many dedicated fans point to as a hidden gem, a vital bridge between his raw debut and his more polished breakthrough.

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6. Later Than You Think (2025)

This is the sixth and most recent studio album from John Maus, released in September 2025.

The album arrives after another long period of public silence. It continues his exploration of vintage synthesizers and his distinct baritone style.

His work is often linked to his academic background, though Maus himself denies composing with specific theories in mind.

Key tracks:

• Disappears
• Because We Built It

As the newest release, Later Than You Think is still finding its place within the broader discography.

Its current fan ranking reflects that listeners are still absorbing the album and figuring out how it compares to his classic material.

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7. A Collection of Rarities and Previously Unreleased Material (2012)

This 2012 compilation gathers recordings that span from 1999 to 2010. It features outtakes from his first three albums.

The album was conceived by his label, Ribbon Music. Maus himself did not consider it an "official record" but was happy that there was interest in the material.

It provides a fascinating glimpse into his creative process and the evolution of his sound over a decade.

Key tracks:

• Bennington (2007)
• No Title (Molly) [2008]

Ranking last among fans is not a knock on the quality here. It simply reflects its status as a compilation rather than a cohesive studio album.

For die-hard fans, this collection is essential. It fills in the gaps and offers a deeper understanding of his musical journey.

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

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John Maus 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 John Maus'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	Later Than You Think	2025
2	We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves	2011
3	Songs	2006
4	Love Is Real	2007
5	Screen Memories	2017
6	A Collection of Rarities and Previously Unreleased Material	2012
7	Addendum	2018

Quick FAQs about John Maus's albums

Q: Where did the songs on John Maus's album Songs come from?

A: The album largely consists of remixed tracks that he first recorded for self-released projects between 1999 and 2003, such as Snowless Winters EP and Love Letters From Hell.

Q: How was the album Songs received when it first came out?

A: Initially, it drew generally negative reviews from music critics. Its reputation grew over time, and it eventually became a beloved cult classic among his fanbase.

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So there you have it – a detailed look at the John Maus albums ranked.

We've seen how the passionate fanbase views his catalog, and we've glanced at the numbers behind current listening habits.

The "best" John Maus album is truly in the ear of the beholder. Each record offers a different window into his singular artistic world.

What does your ranking of John Maus's albums look like?