Niall Horan Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Niall Horan's journey from boy band phenomenon to established solo artist is a fascinating story.
He's carefully crafted a discography that blends folk-pop honesty with stadium-ready hooks.
Today, we're exploring the Niall Horan albums ranked, guided by the people who know them best: the fans. This gives us a unique look at what many consider the best Niall Horan albums, followed by a quick check of popularity data.
Ranking Niall Horan'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. Flicker (2017)
Flicker is the debut solo album from Niall Horan. It was released in 2017 as his first major statement after One Direction.
The record was led by the successful singles "This Town" and "Slow Hands," which established his new musical direction.
Horan cited classic rock acts like Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles as major inspirations, aiming for a "folk-with-pop feel" for the album.
The album was a huge commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the U.S., a massive achievement for his first solo effort.
Key tracks:
- This Town
- Slow Hands
Taking the top spot, Flicker holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It represents Horan's confident first step into a solo career, defining his sound on his own terms.
The album's warm, acoustic-driven instrumentation and heartfelt songwriting resonated deeply. It felt both authentic and like a natural evolution, earning it a lasting reputation as his definitive work for many listeners.
2. Heartbreak Weather (2020)
Released in 2020, Heartbreak Weather is Horan's second studio album.
The project was promoted with the singles "Nice to Meet Ya," "Put a Little Love on Me," and "No Judgement." Horan aimed to tell a cohesive story, guiding listeners through the different emotional sides of a breakup.
The album was a chart success, hitting number one in both the UK and his native Ireland. It also debuted in the top five in the United States.
Key tracks:
- Black And White
- Put A Little Love On Me
Coming in at a strong number two, Heartbreak Weather is celebrated for its expanded sound and conceptual depth.
Fans appreciate how Horan built upon the foundation of Flicker. He introduced more pop-rock energy and created a full narrative arc, showing significant growth as both a songwriter and a storyteller.
3. The Show (2023)
The Show is Niall Horan's third studio album, released in the summer of 2023.
The record draws from rock and synth-pop influences, showcased on its lead singles "Heaven" and "Meltdown."
Horan described the album as a reflection of where he is now in his life. He noted that the sound and lyrics feel more mature, like something a 30-year-old would release.
It was another commercial success, topping the charts in eight countries, including the UK and Ireland.
Key tracks:
- Heaven
- Meltdown
This album showcases a clear artistic evolution, embracing a more polished and synth-heavy production.
While critically acclaimed for its maturity, its third-place fan ranking suggests that some listeners still hold a stronger connection to the more organic sounds of his earlier work. It's a fantastic record, but one that is still finding its long-term place in the discography.
4. The Show: The Encore (2023)
Released in late 2023, The Show: The Encore is a deluxe version of Horan's third album.
It expands upon the original tracklist with new additions. These include live recordings and alternate versions of album songs, most notably a collaboration with Lizzy McAlpine on "You Could Start a Cult."
Key tracks:
- Something In The Orange
- You Could Start A Cult (with Lizzy McAlpine)
As a deluxe edition, The Show: The Encore naturally lands at the end of this ranking.
It's not a standalone studio project but rather a fantastic companion piece for dedicated fans. The added live tracks and reimagined songs offer a deeper appreciation for the original album's artistry.
Picked your top Niall Horan classic? Check out Niall Horan's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.
Niall Horan 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 Niall Horan'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 | Flicker | 2017 |
| 2 | Heartbreak Weather | 2020 |
| 3 | The Show | 2023 |
| 4 | The Show: The Encore | 2023 |
Quick FAQs about Niall Horan's albums
Q: What were the main musical influences for Niall Horan's debut album Flicker?
A: For Flicker, Niall Horan drew significant inspiration from classic rock acts. He specifically cited Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles as major influences on the album's folk-with-pop feel.
Q: Did Flicker perform well commercially?
A: Yes, Flicker was a huge commercial success. It debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in the United States, making it his first solo number-one album.
So there you have it – a look at Niall Horan's albums ranked.
We've considered both the passionate insights of fans and current engagement trends.
Ultimately, the "best" Niall Horan album often comes down to personal connection. The moments those songs soundtrack in our lives are what matter most.
Each record is a distinct chapter in his musical story. What does your personal ranking of Niall Horan's albums look like? Which one holds the top spot for you?