Kaiser Chiefs Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Few bands crashed into the mid-2000s indie scene with the same riotous energy as Kaiser Chiefs. Their anthems became the soundtrack for a generation.

Putting the Kaiser Chiefs albums ranked in order is a challenge. Their discography shows a journey from pure indie rock to more polished, experimental sounds.

We're looking at their studio albums through the eyes of the fans. This ranking is based on community sentiment and long-held favorites to find what many consider the best Kaiser Chiefs album. Later, we’ll see how popularity data tells a different story.

Ranking Kaiser Chiefs'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. Employment (2005)

Kaiser Chiefs' debut album, Employment, was a landmark release for the band and for British indie rock.

Inspired by new wave and punk from the late 70s and 80s, the album was an immediate success.

It was a massive commercial hit, selling over three million copies. It also earned the band three Brit Awards, an NME award for Best Album, and a Mercury Prize nomination.

Key tracks:

• I Predict A Riot
• Everyday I Love You Less And Less

It’s no surprise that Employment takes the top spot. For countless fans, this album isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a time capsule.

Its combination of sharp songwriting and explosive energy defined an era and remains the benchmark for the band.

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2. Yours Truly, Angry Mob (2007)

Following a huge debut is never easy, but Kaiser Chiefs returned with Yours Truly, Angry Mob.

Produced again by Stephen Street, the album took on lyrically darker and more socially aware themes.

It tackled subjects like street crime, fame, and the media, showing a new depth to their writing.

Key tracks:

• Ruby
• Love's Not A Competition (But I'm Winning)

This album proved Kaiser Chiefs were no one-trick pony. It delivered "Ruby," their first number-one single and a global hit.

Fans value its confident evolution, successfully building on the foundation of Employment while sharpening its edge.

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3. Off With Their Heads (2008)

The band's third studio album, Off With Their Heads, continued their run of chart success.

It reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and featured guest appearances from artists like Lily Allen and Sway DaSafo.

The lead single, "Never Miss a Beat," became another festival-ready anthem for the group.

Key tracks:

• Never Miss A Beat
• Good Days Bad Days

This record is appreciated by fans for its tight, punchy, and incredibly catchy songs. It feels like a consolidation of their strengths.

While not as monumental as their first two, its solid tracklist and memorable hooks give it a firm place in the hearts of many listeners.

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4. Education, Education, Education & War (2014)

This album marked a significant moment for Kaiser Chiefs. It was their first record with new drummer Vijay Mistry.

The title references a famous 1996 speech by Tony Blair. The album's themes reflect this political and social awareness.

Produced by Ben H. Allen III, the album has a powerful and defiant sound that brought them back to the top of the UK charts.

Key tracks:

• Coming Home
• The Factory Gates

Fans often see Education, Education, Education & War as a powerful comeback. It was a bold, statement-making album.

The band sounded re-energized, and its success proved they still had a lot to say and could command the charts.

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5. Stay Together (2016)

Stay Together represented a noticeable sonic shift for Kaiser Chiefs. The band embraced a more pop-oriented and synth-heavy sound.

This album saw them collaborate with producer Brian Higgins, known for his work with pop acts like Girls Aloud and Pet Shop Boys.

It was a clear move away from their indie rock roots into a brighter, more polished territory.

Key tracks:

• Hole In My Soul
• We Stay Together

This album is one of the more divisive in the band's discography. Its pop direction was a departure that didn't connect with all longtime fans.

However, others appreciate the bold change of pace and the quality of the songwriting, even if it's in a different style.

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6. Duck (2019)

On their seventh album, Duck, Kaiser Chiefs sought to blend their classic sound with the pop sensibilities they explored on their previous record.

The lead single "Record Collection" offers a commentary on modern life and our relationship with the internet.

The album was promoted by a massive hometown show at Elland Road to celebrate 100 years of Leeds United F.C.

Key tracks:

• Record Collection
• Wait

Many fans view Duck as a return to form of sorts. It successfully merged the band’s core identity with fresh ideas.

It's an album that sounds unmistakably like Kaiser Chiefs, full of energy and confidence.

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7. Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album (2024)

The band's most recent release continues their exploration of melody and danceable rhythms.

The album title is a playful nod to their longevity in the music industry. It reflects a band comfortable in its own skin.

It once again showed their ability to craft catchy, pop-infused rock songs for a modern audience.

Key tracks:

• How 2 Dance
• Beautiful Girl

As the newest entry, fan opinion on the Easy Eighth Album is still forming. It showcases the band's continued relevance.

While perhaps not as instantly classic as their early work for some, it proves they can still write an infectious tune.

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8. The Future Is Medieval (2011)

The Future Is Medieval was released in a truly innovative way. The band launched it directly from their website.

Fans were given a unique experience. They could choose 10 out of 20 available songs to create their own personalized version of the album.

This experimental approach put the listener in the driver's seat, making each fan's album potentially unique.

Key tracks:

• Little Shocks
• If You Will Have Me

This album’s unique release format is its most discussed feature. It was a bold and forward-thinking experiment.

While the songs themselves are strong, the lack of a single definitive tracklist may be why it ranks lower in fan consensus compared to their more traditional releases.

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

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Kaiser Chiefs 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 Kaiser Chiefs'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	Employment	2005
2	Yours Truly, Angry Mob	2007
3	Off With Their Heads	2008
4	Education, Education, Education & War	2014
5	Stay Together	2016
6	Duck	2019
7	Kaiser Chiefs' Easy Eighth Album	2024
8	The Future Is Medieval	2011

Quick FAQs about Kaiser Chiefs's albums

Q: What was the impact of Kaiser Chiefs' debut album, Employment?

A: Employment was a massive critical and commercial success, selling over three million copies. It won three Brit Awards, an NME award for Best Album, and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.

Q: What inspired the sound of Employment?

A: The album was primarily inspired by the new wave and punk rock music of the late 1970s and 1980s. This gave it a quintessentially British sound that was celebrated by critics.

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So there you have it – a look at Kaiser Chiefs's albums ranked.

We've considered both the passionate insights of fans and current popularity trends.

Ultimately, the "best" Kaiser Chiefs album often comes down to personal connection. The moments those songs soundtrack in our lives are what matter.

Each record is a distinct chapter. What does your personal ranking of Kaiser Chiefs's albums look like? Which one holds the top spot for you, and why?