Macklemore Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Diving into the Macklemore discography reveals a fascinating career arc. It's a journey from independent Seattle grit to global chart domination and back to deep introspection.
Ranking his work always sparks a lively conversation among fans.
We're here to explore the Macklemore albums ranked, guided first by the sentiment of the dedicated listeners. This fan-first view helps us see which records hold the most weight and what many consider the best Macklemore albums.
We'll also look at how popularity data stacks up.
Ranking Macklemore'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 Heist (2012)
This is the debut studio album from the powerhouse duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Released independently, it became a cultural phenomenon. The record was self-produced and self-recorded, with the duo later hiring help for radio promotion.
The Heist sold 78,000 copies in its first week. It eventually won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album, solidifying its place in music history.
Its massive success was fueled by singles like "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us," which both hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Key tracks:
- Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz)
- Can't Hold Us (feat. Ray Dalton)
It’s no surprise that The Heist sits at the top. For many, this album represents a lightning-in-a-bottle moment.
The combination of impossibly catchy hits, clever storytelling, and heartfelt anthems like "Same Love" created a project with universal appeal that still resonates deeply with fans.
2. BEN (2023)
BEN is Macklemore's third solo studio album and his first in six years.
The record features a host of guests, including DJ Premier, NLE Choppa, and Tones and I.
Much of the album was influenced by Macklemore's personal struggles and relapse during the COVID-19 lockdowns, making it a deeply vulnerable and honest project.
Key tracks:
- NO BAD DAYS (feat. Collett)
- CHANT (feat. Tones And I)
Placing second in the fan ranking, BEN clearly connected with listeners on a profound level.
Fans have praised its maturity and raw vulnerability. It feels less like a play for the charts and more like a necessary, cathartic release from an artist who has grown immensely.
3. GEMINI (2017)
GEMINI marked Macklemore's first solo album since 2005, created without his longtime collaborator Ryan Lewis.
The album deliberately steps away from the heavy political themes of his previous work. Instead, it focuses on creating music that is fun and enjoyable to listen to.
It was supported by major singles, including the uplifting "Glorious" and the nostalgic "Good Old Days."
Key tracks:
- Glorious (feat. Skylar Grey)
- Good Old Days (feat. Kesha)
This record's solid standing with fans comes from its infectious energy and radio-friendly hits.
While some missed the social commentary, many appreciated GEMINI for what it was: a well-crafted, positive, and confident pop-rap album that proved Macklemore could shine on his own.
4. This Unruly Mess I've Made (2016)
This was the anticipated second and final studio album from Macklemore & Ryan Lewis.
Following the massive success of The Heist, this album delves into more complex themes. It tackles fame, media scrutiny, and social issues like white privilege.
It was a much heavier and more confrontational project than its predecessor, featuring singles like "Downtown" and the extensive track "White Privilege II."
Key tracks:
- Downtown (feat. Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, Kool Moe Dee & Eric Nally)
- Growing Up (feat. Ed Sheeran)
This album's placement reflects its challenging nature. It was the difficult follow-up to a phenomenon, and it carried that weight heavily.
While respected for its ambition and willingness to tackle tough subjects, some fans found it less cohesive and fun than The Heist, making it a more divisive entry in their discography.
5. The Language of My World (2005)
This is where it all began. The Language of My World is Macklemore's first official full-length album, released under his own name.
Recorded and released long before his international breakthrough, this album showcases his early style and influences from the East Coast underground hip-hop scene.
It laid the lyrical and thematic groundwork for the artist he would become.
Key tracks:
- Hold Your Head Up
- Inhale Deep
Landing at the bottom of the fan ranking is less a judgment on quality and more a reflection of its reach.
This is a true deep cut, primarily known by longtime, dedicated fans. It offers a fascinating glimpse of a raw, hungry artist, but it lacks the polished production and hit-making power of his later work.
Picked your top Macklemore classic? Check out Macklemore's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.
Macklemore 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 Macklemore'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 | GEMINI | 2017 |
| 2 | The Heist | 2012 |
| 3 | This Unruly Mess I've Made | 2016 |
| 4 | BEN | 2023 |
| 5 | The Language of My World | 2005 |
Quick FAQs about Macklemore's albums
Q: Was The Heist an independent release?
A: Yes, the album was independently produced, recorded, and released by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. They later hired Warner Music Group's radio promotion department to help push their singles.
Q: What were the biggest singles from The Heist?
A: The album was supported by several huge singles. "Thrift Shop" and "Can't Hold Us" were the most commercially successful, both reaching number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
So there you have it, a look at Macklemore's albums ranked from multiple perspectives.
We've considered the passionate choices of the fan base and the current trends shown in engagement data.
Ultimately, the "best" Macklemore album is a personal choice. The songs that connect with your own experiences are the ones that truly matter.
Each record marks a different chapter in a compelling career. What does your ranking of Macklemore's albums look like? Which one takes the top spot for you?