 Albums Ranked series, we take a look at the discography of Wolf Alice.){kind=link}
For the tenth edition of our criminally underrated (by us) Albums Ranked series, we take a look at the discography of Wolf Alice. Since their inception in 2010, the duo-turned-band have risen through the ranks to become one of the best British bands around. With hits like ‘Don’t Delete The Kisses’, ‘Bros’ and ‘How Can I Make It OK?’, it still feels like they’ve not hit their ceiling yet. I personally think they’ll be headlining festivals in the next couple of years.
Check out our Paramore Albums Ranked here.
With new album The Clearing arriving on August 22nd, now’s a good time to get into Wolf Alice. Here we’ll be ranking all three of their albums from the not so best to the very best, and because I saw them perform back in 2014 (setlist.fm is a treasure), we’ll also include their EPs Blush and Creature Songs too. Not their initial 2010 EP though – that seems to be nowhere! But first, let’s take a look at the singles released from The Clearing so far…
THE CLEARING (SO FAR)
‘Bloom Baby Bloom‘ – There’s probably not many songs that could announce a comeback quite as big as this. The lead single sounds as fresh and exciting as it did back in May, and is arguably their boldest song to date. It aims for every element: an anthemic, dramatic rock ballad that’s equal parts fun as it is insane, and it knocks it out of the park.
In amongst the energy and Ellie Rowsell’s over the top, but brilliant, vocals, is a new sound that feels far more expansive than we’ve heard before. There’s a lot explored, and it feels like a lot of fun was had exploring. It’s one of the best singles of the year.
‘The Sofa’ – Much less grandiose but equally as dramatic is the second single. Its acoustic-based instrumental invites strings and horns into a mix that’s intimate yet all-encompassing. Lyrically it’s raw, and insightful, as Ellie details internal struggles with different parts of herself, and lists all of the emotions she can feel. Not as a warning, but as an affirmation that it’s all part of being human.
‘White Horses’ – The latest tease of the new album goes into another different direction, with drummer Joel Amey sharing lead vocals with Ellie, and a move towards Psychedelic Rock that adds an unsteady vibe to it. Its rolling acoustic guitars and deep bass notes feel like a trek across the desert, as if it’s taking a drive. Taking in the scenery in a moment of reflection.
It’s not quite as ambitious as the other singles, but does add evidence that The Clearing could possibly be the most varied Wolf Alice album yet. They’ve really honed in on creating big moments in each song – something that was mentioned as a particular focus in the writing process – and well, it could become of the best albums of the year. I cannot wait.
Anyway, let’s get on with the album ranking of Wolf Alice!