MJ Lenderman Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

MJ Lenderman's music often feels like a secret you want to share.

His blend of sharp, witty songwriting with fuzzed-out alt-country and indie rock has built a fiercely loyal audience. Trying to determine the best MJ Lenderman album is a tough conversation, as each record offers something unique.

Here, we're looking at the MJ Lenderman albums ranked primarily by fan sentiment. We've analyzed community discussions and general consensus to see which albums resonate most deeply.

We'll also provide a secondary ranking based on current popularity data to see the full picture.

Ranking MJ Lenderman'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. MJ Lenderman (2019)

MJ Lenderman's self-titled debut arrived in 2019, introducing his distinct songwriting style.

At the time of its release, he was working in an ice cream shop to support himself financially.

The album laid the groundwork for his blend of indie rock and alternative country, establishing the sound he would build upon in later releases.

Key tracks:

• Left Your Smile
• Come Over

For many dedicated followers, the debut album holds a special place. It's the unfiltered, raw blueprint of the artist MJ Lenderman would become.

Its top position in the fan ranking speaks to an appreciation for its authenticity and the early glimpse it provided into a remarkable songwriting talent.

2. Manning Fireworks (2024)

Released in 2024 through Anti- Records, Manning Fireworks was met with widespread critical acclaim.

The album was recorded in Lenderman's hometown of Asheville, North Carolina, and produced alongside Alex Farrar.

It continues his exploration of wit and sadness, but with what many critics noted as a new level of sincerity and perspective.

Key tracks:

• Wristwatch
• She's Leaving You

It's rare for an artist's newest work to immediately challenge for the top spot, but Manning Fireworks did just that.

The album's immediate and powerful connection with both critics and fans highlights a songwriter operating at the peak of his powers. It quickly became a favorite for its sharp lyrics and potent guitar work.

3. Boat Songs (2022)

Boat Songs is widely considered the album that significantly raised MJ Lenderman's profile in the indie music scene.

Released in 2022, the album's success led to him signing a new recording contract with Anti-.

It was praised by numerous publications and helped introduce his unique storytelling to a much larger audience.

Key tracks:

• TLC Cage Match
• You are Every Girl To Me

For a large portion of the fanbase, Boat Songs was their introduction to MJ Lenderman. This role as a breakthrough record gives it a powerful nostalgic pull.

It's the album that solidified his sound and earned him a place in countless year-end lists, cementing its status as an essential part of his catalog.

4. Ghost of Your Guitar Solo (2021)

This 2021 album was written during a unique period for the artist and the world.

After a tour with his band Wednesday was cut short in 2020, Lenderman wrote the songs that would become Ghost of Your Guitar Solo.

It serves as a crucial bridge between his early work and the wider recognition he would receive with Boat Songs.

Key tracks:

• Someone Get the Grill Out of the Rain
• Ghost of Your Guitar Solo

Ghost of Your Guitar Solo is a true fan favorite for those who have followed MJ Lenderman's journey closely.

While it might not have the massive critical breakthrough status of its successors, its solid songwriting and raw emotion make it a beloved deep cut in his discography.

5. And The Wind (Live and Loose!) (2023)

This 2023 release captures the energy of MJ Lenderman's live performances with his backing band, the Wind.

The band includes several of his bandmates from Wednesday, showcasing the tight-knit musical community he is a part of.

It offers a different, often more raucous, perspective on songs from his studio albums.

Key tracks:

• Catholic Priest - Live
• Knockin - Live

Live albums often hold a different kind of appeal. While studio recordings are carefully crafted statements, live albums are about energy and a specific moment in time.

Its placement here suggests that while fans adore the live show, the studio albums are what they return to most often for the definitive versions of his songs.

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

MJ Lenderman 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 MJ Lenderman's albums based on their popularity scores from available data. This reflects which releases are currently seeing significant engagement.

Quick FAQs about MJ Lenderman's albums

Q: What band is MJ Lenderman also a member of?

A: He is a guitarist and contributing member of the acclaimed indie rock band Wednesday, alongside lead singer Karly Hartzman.

Q: What instrument did MJ Lenderman play for Indigo De Souza?

A: Before his solo career gained traction, Lenderman was the drummer for fellow Asheville artist Indigo De Souza on her first two albums.

So, we've explored the MJ Lenderman albums ranked by both fan devotion and current streaming trends.

The results show a deep love for his early, raw work, alongside massive appreciation for his critically acclaimed recent releases.

Ultimately, the best MJ Lenderman album is the one that connects with you personally. Each one tells a story worth hearing.

What's your number one? Let us know your ranking in the comments.