The National Albums Ranked: Fan Favorites (2025)
Stepping into the discography of The National is like opening a well-worn book of poetry.
Their music is defined by complex emotion and sophisticated arrangements. This makes ranking their albums a uniquely personal exercise for fans.
We are exploring The National albums ranked, starting with the records that the most dedicated listeners hold dearest. It's a look at what many consider the best The National albums through the eyes of the community.
Later, we will see how popularity data shapes the list. Let's trace the story of this incredible band.
Ranking The National'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. Boxer (2007)
Boxer is the fourth studio album from The National, released in May 2007.
Upon its release, the album debuted at number 68 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
Its creation was documented in the film A Skin, A Night, which explored the intricate recording process of this landmark record.
Key tracks:
- Fake Empire
- Slow Show
Topping the fan ranking, Boxer is often considered the quintessential album by The National. It’s the record where their sound fully crystallized into the baritone-driven, anxious, and beautiful art-rock they are known for.
For many, this album isn't just a collection of songs; it’s a singular, cohesive mood piece that has earned its place as a modern classic.
2. Alligator (2005)
Released in April 2005, Alligator is the band's third studio album.
This record was a turning point, earning The National widespread critical acclaim and significantly growing their audience.
The album's closing track, "Mr. November," gained further notoriety through its association with Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign.
Key tracks:
- Mr. November
- Secret Meeting
Landing at a very close second, Alligator is often the other album in the "best ever" conversation among longtime fans. It's heralded for its raw energy and cathartic explosions.
Where Boxer is meticulously polished, Alligator feels more immediate and volatile, capturing a band on the verge of a major breakthrough.
3. Trouble Will Find Me (2013)
The band's sixth studio album, Trouble Will Find Me, was released in May 2013.
The record featured an array of guest artists, including St. Vincent, Sharon Van Etten, and Sufjan Stevens.
It was a major commercial success, reaching number three on both the Billboard 200 and the UK Albums Chart, and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album.
Key tracks:
- I Need My Girl
- Don't Swallow the Cap
This album feels like a masterful refinement of the band's core elements. It's emotionally resonant, beautifully produced, and contains some of their most beloved individual songs.
Its high standing with fans speaks to its perfect balance of introspection and grand, sweeping choruses that became anthemic.
4. High Violet (2010)
High Violet is The National's fifth studio album, released in May 2010.
Produced by the band themselves with assistance from Peter Katis, the album continued their upward trajectory after Boxer.
It features the iconic sculpture "The Binding Force" by artist Mark Fox on its cover, perfectly matching the album's dense and dramatic tone.
Key tracks:
- Bloodbuzz Ohio
- Sorrow
Holding strong in the top tier, High Violet is viewed by many as the epic, widescreen version of The National.
The sound is bigger, the textures are deeper, and the emotional stakes feel immense. It's a fan favorite for its powerful, cinematic quality.
5. Sleep Well Beast (2017)
Released in September 2017, Sleep Well Beast is the band's seventh studio album.
The record was a significant critical success, ultimately winning the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album in 2018.
It saw the band experimenting more with electronic textures and fractured song structures, adding a new layer to their sound.
Key tracks:
- The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness
- Nobody Else Will Be There
This Grammy-winning album is appreciated by fans for its bold sonic evolution. The integration of electronics and glitchy production was a brave step forward.
Its place in the middle of the ranking suggests that while the experimentation is respected, it might not hold the same foundational appeal as their earlier, more organic work for some listeners.
6. I Am Easy to Find (2019)
I Am Easy to Find arrived in May 2019 as the band's eighth studio effort.
The album was a unique project, accompanied by a short film of the same name directed by Mike Mills and starring Alicia Vikander.
It is notable for its heavy use of female vocalists, who often share lead vocal duties, creating a rich, choral texture throughout the record.
Key tracks:
- Light Years
- Rylan
This album represents The National at their most collaborative and expansive. The chorus of female voices adds a completely new dimension to their music.
Fans often see this as a beautiful but distinct chapter. Its ranking reflects its status as a grand, ambitious project that perhaps feels less like a traditional National album and more like a unique art piece.
7. First Two Pages of Frankenstein (2023)
First Two Pages of Frankenstein is the ninth studio album by The National, released in April 2023.
The album was produced by the band at Long Pond studio and includes high-profile guest appearances from Sufjan Stevens, Phoebe Bridgers, and Taylor Swift.
It emerged from a period of writer's block and uncertainty for the band, marking a return to their more intimate and subdued songwriting.
Key tracks:
- The Alcott (feat. Taylor Swift)
- Once Upon A Poolside (feat. Sufjan Stevens)
As one of the band's most recent works, this album is still finding its long-term place in the discography for many fans.
It's a quiet, contemplative record that feels like a warm, familiar embrace. Its current ranking may reflect that it is less immediate than their classic-era work, rewarding patient listeners over time.
8. Laugh Track (2023)
Laugh Track arrived as a surprise tenth studio album in September 2023, just months after its predecessor.
Much of the material was written alongside First Two Pages of Frankenstein but features a looser, more live-in-the-room energy.
The album includes guest appearances from Phoebe Bridgers and Rosanne Cash, plus the previously released single "Weird Goodbyes" with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.
Key tracks:
- Weird Goodbyes (feat. Bon Iver)
- Laugh Track (feat. Phoebe Bridgers)
The companion piece to Frankenstein, Laugh Track feels more spontaneous and sprawling. Its surprise release means many fans are still spending time with it.
This album's position shows that while it's full of great moments, it is still being absorbed into the larger narrative of the band's celebrated catalog.
9. The National (2001)
The self-titled debut album from The National was released in July 2001.
This early work introduces the band with a sound that leans more towards alt-country and Americana than their later, more defining indie rock style.
It captures the raw beginnings of the band, laying the groundwork for the sonic identity they would later perfect.
Key tracks:
- Cold Girl Fever
- The Perfect Song
The debut album is a fascinating historical document for dedicated fans. You can hear the seeds of what would come, particularly in Matt Berninger's lyrical themes.
Its lower ranking is understandable, as it's the work of a band still finding its voice. It's essential for understanding their journey but lacks the focus and power of later releases.
10. Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers (2003)
Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers is the band's second studio album, released in 2003.
It was the first record where the band collaborated with producer Peter Katis, who would become a key partner on their most acclaimed albums.
This album also marks the first time Bryce Dessner appears as a full member, officially forming the five-piece lineup that continues today.
Key tracks:
- Slipping Husband
- Cardinal Song
This album is a crucial stepping stone. It's darker, sharper, and more confident than the debut, moving closer to the sound that would define them.
While it contains some fan-favorite deep cuts, it's often seen as the final piece of the puzzle before the masterpiece run of Alligator and Boxer, explaining its position in the fan ranking.
Picked your top The National classic? Check out The National's discography on their Roll The Record Artist hub.
The National 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 The National'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 | Trouble Will Find Me | 2013 |
| 2 | First Two Pages of Frankenstein | 2023 |
| 3 | High Violet | 2010 |
| 4 | Boxer | 2007 |
| 5 | I Am Easy to Find | 2019 |
| 6 | Sleep Well Beast | 2017 |
| 7 | Laugh Track | 2023 |
| 8 | Alligator | 2005 |
| 9 | Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers | 2003 |
| 10 | The National | 2001 |
Quick FAQs about The National's albums
Q: What is the photo on the cover of Boxer?
A: The cover photo shows the band performing at the wedding of their producer, Peter Katis. They were playing songs from their previous album, Alligator.
Q: Did Sufjan Stevens appear on Boxer?
A: Yes, he did. Sufjan Stevens contributed piano to the tracks "Racing Like a Pro" and "Ada" during a one-day casual collaboration.
That concludes our deep exploration of The National albums ranked.
The fan list shows a deep appreciation for the era where their sound became iconic. The data shows which records continue to find new ears.
But the best The National album is always the one that speaks to you. Their music is intensely personal that way.
What's your number one?