The best new wave albums

Ranked by every score on sleeves, critics' and listeners'. An album with few scores is pulled toward the average until more come in, so one perfect score cannot top the list.

  1. 1Be the CowboyMitski · 4.8 from 2 scores
  2. 2Franz FerdinandFranz Ferdinand · 4.5 from 3 scores
  3. 3This Is HappeningLCD Soundsystem · 4.2 from 3 scores
  1. 4The New AbnormalThe Strokes4.3 from 2 scores
  2. 5Songs From the Big ChairTears for Fears4.5 from 1 score
  3. 6Violent FemmesViolent Femmes4.5 from 1 score
  4. 7After LaughterParamore4 from 3 scores
  5. 8KickINXS4 from 1 score
  6. 9I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of itThe 19753.8 from 3 scores
  7. 10Sam’s TownThe Killers3.7 from 3 scores
  8. 11ReflektorArcade Fire3.7 from 3 scores
  9. 12The 1975The 19753.7 from 3 scores
  10. 13Little Dark AgeMGMT3.5 from 2 scores
  11. 14A Brief Inquiry Into Online RelationshipsThe 19753 from 1 score
  12. 15The FameLady Gaga3.3 from 2 scores
  13. 16Day & AgeThe Killers3.3 from 3 scores
  14. 17Walking on a DreamEmpire of the Sun3 from 3 scores
  15. 18Hot FussThe Killers2.8 from 2 scores
  16. 19AnglesThe Strokes2.8 from 3 scores