Breaking Benjamin Albums Ranked
Breaking Benjamin is an American rock band from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, formed in 1999 by lead singer and guitarist Benjamin Burnley and drummer Jeremy Hummel. The first lineup of the band also included guitarist Aaron Fink and bassist Mark Klepaski. This lineup released two albums, Saturate (2002) and We Are Not Alone (2004), before Hummel was replaced by Chad Szeliga in 2005. The band released two more studio albums, Phobia (2006) and Dear Agony (2009), before entering an extended hiatus in early 2010 due to Burnley’s recurring illnesses. Despite significant lineup changes, the band’s musical style and lyrical content have remained consistent, with Burnley serving as the primary composer and lead vocalist since the band’s inception. The band has commonly been noted for its formulaic hard rock tendencies with angst-heavy lyrics, swelling choruses, and “crunching” guitars. In the United States alone, the band has sold more than 7 million units and yielded three RIAA-certified platinum records, two gold records, and several certified singles, including two multi-platinum, two platinum, and five gold. The band has also produced one number one record on the Billboard 200. Here are all of Breaking Benjamin albums ranked.
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9. So Cold EP (2004)
“Five tracks long, the EP kicks off with an excellent acoustic version of “So Cold.” It’s nice to hear a new take on the song, with all the radioplay it got this summer/fall. Two new tracks “Ladybug” and “Blow Me Away” come next. “Ladybug” is a very interesting selection for the band, and sounds more like “Siamese Dream” era Smashing Pumpkins than anything else the band has done (is that track a left-over from the Billy Corgan sessions?).”
8. Aurora (2020)
“The best way I can describe this album is imagine if an artist did covers of their own songs and nailed every one. That’s exactly what Breaking Benjamin have achieved with Aurora. I was worried that this was some form of “Greatest Hits” album being released yet again, and I was pleasantly surprised with the sound they achieved putting this together. Even more so, I couldn’t believe that they found vocalists that manage to blend and accentuate Ben’s voice.”
7. Ember (2018)
“Ember takes what was learned from Dark Before Dawn and runs with it to great effect. It’s a collaborative effort between band members that maintains a consistently high standard throughout. When it’s heavy, it’s really heavy. When it’s soft, it’s beautiful. Ember wastes no time demonstrating this, going from a brief piano-led opening track to slamming you into a wall of sonic excellence.”
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6. Dark Before Dawn (2015)
“This album possesses the iconic lyrical and vocal ability of Ben Burnley in spades. Those familiar with Breaking Benjamin’s sound will notice that the band is experimenting with new chord progressions while maintaining their signature sound, especially in the songs Bury Me Alive (which sounds like Sevendust), Never Again, and Ashes of Eden (which sounds like a happy Maynard Keenan wrote the verses and Aaron Lewis wrote the rest of the song.)”
5. Saturate (2002)
“In my opinion, “Saturate” is the finest piece of rock artistry to come along since the work of Stone Temple Pilots and Tool. Ben Burnley is a talented songwriter and vocalist, bending his voice into an amazing range from almost choir-boy-like smooth tones to edgey loud soaring choruses, to near-unintelligible screaming (which he wisely uses sparingly…just enough to spike your attention when you’re getting complacent). He has a way of tweaking the end of some words with a kind of wailing that I find addictive. The guitar player also has an original & excellent style.”
4. Shallow Bay: The Best Of Breaking Benjamin (2011)
“The Shallow Bay is such a great collection of songs, some of Breaking Benjamin’s best. I say that loosely though, because BB has never disappointed me. I can listen to every album they have put out, and it never gets old. There is such an energy and meaning beneath the music. it truly offers you a window in the troubles that we as people suffer from and the demons we must fight. Anyone who is a fan of music and wants to hear great rock must pick up this collection.”
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3. We Are Not Alone (2004)
“This album learned from the mistakes of “Breaking Benjamin’s” first album and changed up their sound and formula. Compared to the rest of the Breaking Benjamin discography, this album is more on the emotional side (closely on par with ‘Dear Agony’) and is more chill than some of the other projects. The record starts off with “So Cold” which opens it up to an emotional start.”
2. Dear Agony (2009)
“”Dear Agony” is by far one of the Best Albums I’ve EVER heard. Definitely Breaking Benjamin’s 2nd Best Album in my opinion. The vocals & lyrics on this Album left me in Awe of their Outstanding Genius & Talent. This album has VERY emotional. songs like “Hopeless” “Crawl” “I will Not Bow” & “Lights” were faster and some were Heavier like “Hopeless” & “Crawl”. The album was also very sad with beautiful lyrics & vocals sung by Frontman Ben Burnley. “Give me a Sign” What Lies Beneath”, “Anthem of the Angels” and Especially “Dear Agony” which is one of the most beautiful & saddest Songs I’ve ever heard. “
1. Phobia (2006)
“This album really is something to behold. You can listen to it anytime and enjoy it. I’d suggest some standout tracks, but I can honestly say every song stands on its own… and then some. So whether you’ve recently stumbled upon BB or you have been a fan from the beginning, there’s nothing you won’t like about this album. Polished and perfected, “Phobia” is an album that has it all. Don’t be scared.”