Sigur Rós Studio Albums Ranked From Worst To Best

Ranking the Sigur Rós studio albums from worst to best...

Sigur Rós is an Icelandic post-rock band that was formed in 1994. The band's music is known for its ethereal and atmospheric soundscapes, characterised by lush instrumental arrangements, soaring falsetto vocals, and a sense of emotional depth. 

In addition to their studio albums, Sigur Rós is also known for their captivating live performances, which often incorporate stunning visuals and immersive experiences. They have toured extensively and performed at numerous music festivals around the world.

Overall, Sigur Rós is celebrated for their distinctive sound, innovative approach to music, and their ability to create immersive and transcendent musical experiences.

Sigur Rós has released a total of eight studio albums, spanning over 25 years. Each album has its own unique outlay and tone, and here, we rank them all, from worst to best... 

8. Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust (2008)

"Með suð í eyrum við spilum endalaust" represents a departure from the band's previous sound, with a more stripped-down and straightforward approach. 

It features a lighter and more playful tone, incorporating elements of folk and pop music. Despite this being a beautifully made album, this 2008 hit is often seen by fans and critics as the band's worst record.
  

7. Von (1997)

Sigur Rós' debut album, "Von," displays the experimental nature of their early work. It features a mix of ethereal soundscapes, post-rock elements, and electronic textures, setting the foundation for their later sound. 

It could be argued that this 1997 release is the band's most relevant piece, as it pretty much created their own genre, and gave the band the platform to push off. 

6. Kveikur (2013)

"Kveikur" showcases a heavier and more intense sound, with distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and powerful vocals from lead singer Jónsi. The album explores themes of darkness, isolation, and the struggle for survival. 

This record represents a significant shift in Sigur Rós' musical style, incorporating elements of post-rock, shoegaze, and industrial rock to create a unique and atmospheric sound. It showcases the band's ability to evolve and push boundaries while maintaining their distinctive and ethereal soundscapes.

5. Valtari (2012)

"Valtari" leans towards a dreamier and more atmospheric sound, with an emphasis on lush orchestrations and a sense of melancholy. It features fewer lyrics and focuses more on instrumental textures and emotional resonance. 

This stunning album is a contemplative and introspective album that showcases Sigur Rós' ability to create immersive and emotive soundscapes. It represents a continuation of the band's unique musical style while further exploring themes of beauty, solitude, and introspection. As far as ambient, post-rock albums go, "Valtari" rubs shoulders with the very best. 

4. ÁTTA (2023)

Sigur Ros' first new studio album in ten years, "ATTA", is their most intimate and emotionally direct record to date. Few bands cut through the noise and distractions of the world to bring you a pure elemental truth or feeling like Sigur Ros.

This record leans heavily towards the orchestral, and touches on everything that has made Sigur Ros one of the most ambitious and acclaimed bands of recent times. Topping "Valtari" was always going to be a difficult task, but "ATTA" does that, by the finest of margins, showing us that there are still plenty of creative juices left in the Sigur Ros tank. 

3. Takk... (2005)

"Takk..." signifies a shift towards a more accessible sound, incorporating more conventional song structures and uplifting melodies. It retains the ethereal quality of their previous work but also introduces elements of optimism and joy. 

"Takk...", the band's fourth studio release, received widespread critical acclaim, and is often regarded as one of Sigur Rós' most accessible and captivating albums. It helped solidify their international presence and introduced their music to a broader audience. "Takk..." features a combination of sweeping orchestral arrangements, delicate piano melodies, and Jónsi's distinct falsetto vocals. It showcases the band's ability to create immersive soundscapes that transport listeners to an emotional and evocative realm.

2. ( ) (2002)

"( )", or known by most fans as "the untitled album", is unique in that it features untitled tracks, represented by empty parentheses. The album is characterised by its minimalist approach, with hauntingly beautiful compositions. It offers a profound and introspective listening experience. The album maintains the band's signature ethereal and atmospheric soundscapes but takes a more minimalist approach compared to their previous works. 

The compositions are characterised by expansive and immersive textures, often built upon layers of ambient guitar, strings, and delicate piano melodies. Jónsi's ethereal falsetto vocals blend seamlessly with the music, adding to the otherworldly quality of the album.

1. Ágætis byrjun (1999)

"Ágætis byrjun" is the second studio album by Sigur Rós, released in 1999. Translated as "A Good Beginning," the album marked a breakthrough for the band and remains one of their most revered and influential works. Widely considered their breakthrough album, "Ágætis byrjun" showcases the band's atmospheric soundscapes, ethereal vocals, and emotional depth. 

It is often regarded as a masterpiece and has had a significant influence on post-rock and ambient music.  Sigur Rós has created some masterful music, across eight albums, but from the purest fans, to the casuals, "Ágætis byrjun" will always be their magnum opus. 


Remember that this ranking is subjective, and each Sigur Rós album has its own unique qualities and appeal. Exploring their discography in chronological order can provide a comprehensive understanding of the band's evolution and artistic progression.

Give us your thoughts in the comments below... 

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