Patrick Watson Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)

Trying to rank the albums of Patrick Watson is a fascinating challenge.

His music creates entire worlds, blending intimate piano with sweeping orchestral arrangements. Each record in his discography feels like its own distinct, immersive experience.

Here, we're taking a deep look at the Patrick Watson albums ranked, using fan sentiment as our primary guide.

We'll explore what makes each album resonate with listeners to find what many consider the best Patrick Watson albums.

Later, we'll see how popularity data provides a different perspective.

Ranking Patrick Watson'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. Wave (2019)

Released in 2019, Wave is the sixth studio album from Patrick Watson and his band.

The album is often described as texturally and aesthetically stunning. It balances beauty and sadness in every moment.

This careful craftsmanship earned the album widespread critical acclaim. It was also nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year at the 2020 Juno Awards.

Key tracks:

• Melody Noir
• Here Comes The River

Taking the top spot, Wave clearly connects with fans on a profound level.

Its intimate and melancholic atmosphere feels both personal and universal, making it an emotional cornerstone in his discography for many listeners.

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2. Adventures In Your Own Backyard (2012)

This 2012 album saw the band returning to Montreal to record in a more relaxed, home-studio environment.

Compared to its predecessor, Wooden Arms, this album is musically simpler and more direct. It focuses on grounded emotions rather than experimental sounds.

The title refers not just to the recording location but also to the idea of finding magic in the familiar details of daily life.

The record was a commercial success, debuting at number two on the Canadian Albums Chart and eventually being certified gold.

Key tracks:

• Lighthouse
• Adventures In Your Own Backyard

As the fan-favorite runner-up, Adventures In Your Own Backyard is celebrated for its warmth and accessibility.

Fans often praise its gentle, inviting sound and the heartfelt songwriting that feels like a comforting embrace.

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3. Better in the Shade (2022)

Better in the Shade is the seventh studio album from Patrick Watson, released in 2022.

The album received very positive reviews from critics upon its release.

Many reviewers praised its intimate and cozy feel, with one describing it as the sonic equivalent of human warmth.

Key tracks:

• Ode to Vivian
• Better in the Shade

This recent release quickly found a strong foothold with fans.

Its placement shows an appreciation for Watson's continued evolution, proving he can still deliver concise and emotionally resonant work.

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4. Close to Paradise (2006)

Released in 2006, Close to Paradise was a landmark album for Patrick Watson.

The record showcases a blend of cabaret pop, classical influences, and indie rock that would become a signature of the band's sound.

It was a major critical success, earning the prestigious Polaris Music Prize in 2007 and significantly raising the band's international profile.

Key tracks:

• The Great Escape
• Slip Into Your Skin

For many longtime fans, Close to Paradise is the quintessential Patrick Watson album.

It represents the moment the band's ambitious, cinematic vision was fully realized, and its songs remain live staples and fan favorites.

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5. Wooden Arms (2009)

Following the success of Close to Paradise, 2009's Wooden Arms continued to explore the band's experimental side.

The album is known for its use of unusual instruments and objects to create unique sounds. For instance, Watson played a bicycle as percussion on one track.

Like its predecessor, Wooden Arms was a finalist for the Polaris Music Prize, cementing the band's status as critical darlings.

Key tracks:

• Big Bird In A Small Cage
• Wooden Arms

This album holds a special place for fans who love Patrick Watson's inventive and whimsical nature.

Its creative and sometimes quirky soundscapes are a testament to the band's fearless approach to making music.

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6. Love Songs For Robots (2015)

Love Songs For Robots, the band's fifth studio album, was released in 2015.

The album continued Watson's journey into lush, atmospheric soundscapes, blending organic and electronic elements.

It was recognized on the long-list for the 2015 Polaris Music Prize, continuing the band's streak of critical acclaim.

Key tracks:

• Love Songs For Robots
• Hearts

While not at the top of the fan ranking, this album is appreciated for its cinematic scope and intricate production.

Listeners who enjoy getting lost in dense layers of sound often point to this record as a highlight.

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7. Just Another Ordinary Day (2003)

This 2003 release marks an early point in Patrick Watson's career, before the full band lineup was solidified.

The album lays the groundwork for the blend of styles that would be refined on later releases like Close to Paradise.

It offers a raw and insightful glimpse into the formation of Watson's unique musical identity.

Key tracks:

• Shame
• Mary

Though it ranks lower, Just Another Ordinary Day is a crucial part of the story.

Dedicated fans see it as a fascinating early document, containing the DNA of the masterpieces that would follow.

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8. Uh Oh (2025)

Released in September 2025, Uh Oh is the highly anticipated next chapter from Patrick Watson.

The album is described as a collaborative project, featuring an exciting lineup of guest artists.

Anticipation is building around what new sonic territories this record will explore.

Key tracks:

• Uh Oh
• Silencio

As an new album, Uh Oh's low ranking is simply a matter of timing.

Once fans have had the chance to live with these new songs, its position in the Patrick Watson discography will surely change.

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

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Patrick Watson 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 Patrick Watson'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	Better in the Shade	2022
2	Uh Oh	2025
3	Close to Paradise	2006
4	Wave	2019
5	Adventures In Your Own Backyard	2012
6	Wooden Arms	2009
7	Love Songs For Robots	2015
8	Just Another Ordinary Day	2003

Quick FAQs about Patrick Watson's albums

Q: Was the album Wave recognized with any major awards?

A: Yes, Wave was nominated for Adult Alternative Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2020.

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So there you have it, a detailed tour of Patrick Watson's albums ranked by the fans who love them.

From the emotional intimacy of Wave to the cinematic scope of Close to Paradise, each record offers a unique journey.

Ultimately, the best Patrick Watson album is the one that connects with you personally. His music has a way of becoming the soundtrack to our own quiet moments.

What does your ranking look like?