Death Cab for Cutie Album Ranked

Death Cab for Cutie is an American alternative rock band, formed in Bellingham, Washington, United States, in 1997. The band is composed of Ben Gibbard (vocals, guitar, piano), Nick Harmer (bass), Dave Depper (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Zac Rae (keyboards, guitar), and Jason McGerr (drums). The band was originally a solo project by Gibbard. Upon getting a record deal, he expanded the project into a complete band, which released a debut album, Something About Airplanes, in 1998. The group’s fourth album, 2003’s Transatlanticism, broke into the mainstream both critically and commercially, with songs from the album featured in numerous TV series and films. The band’s major-label debut for Atlantic Records, 2005’s Plans, went platinum. A ninth studio album, Thank You for Today, was released in August 2018.
Death Cab for Cutie’s music has been called indie rock, indie pop, and alternative rock. It is noted for its unconventional instrumentation and for Gibbard’s distinctive voice and lyrical style. Since its formation, the band has released nine full-length studio albums, four EPs, two live EPs, one live album, and one demo album. The group’s name comes from the song “Death Cab for Cutie,” written by Neil Innes and Vivian Stanshall and performed by their group the Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band, originally performed on the British television show Do Not Adjust Your Set, Series 1 Episode 7, as well as in The Beatles’ movie, Magical Mystery Tour. Here are all of the Death Cab for Cutie albums ranked.

Don’t miss the innovative sound of Death Cab for Cutie! Click and feel the “emotions from lack of emotion”!

9. Something About Airplanes (1998)

“One of those iconic indie records from the 90s that just gets better with age for the most part. I love the packaging on this one so much more than the normal record. It comes in a very handsome slipcase with quality booklet and 2 CDs, one with the live album. Something About Airplanes is an old record at this point, but it’s still one of their better works for sure. Everyone has a favorite here and there, but it’s pretty hard to deny that the better songs on this record are not iconic of the genre and time period. The album definitely starts out strong out of the gate and then tapers off toward the end, but that is about how the energy should be on a dramatic record like this IMO. I don’t really have anything bad to say about this. The dynamic range is the same as the old CD at DR10, which is very good for a record these days. It doesn’t look like they touched it, and you really didn’t have to. It still sounds great in the SQ department. Recomm

8. Codes and Keys (2011)

“I didn’t know what to expect from this album since I was reading loads of reviews about the “different sound.” Naturally apprehensive, since I had no problem at all with the “old” sound! All I can say is that may be true, but the music is still incredible. You get the usual understated tones, which still pack a punch. I bought this for my husband since they are his favorite band (and mine), and from first listen, we were impressed. I could go on, but seriously – buy the album and see for yourself. You just can’t go wrong with this band.”

7. Kintsugi (2015)

“Great album, happy to have something new from DCFC. I’ve made it a point this year that I’m not going to make comparisons or blanket statements about art or artists, and I don’t want to compare this to their previous work. I am simply enjoying DCFC for what they are now, and I truly enjoyed the production being in the hands of someone other than Chris Walla. I loved Walla’s contribution to the album, and the production is decidedly different and familiar all at once in the hands of Rich Costey. I absolutely have enjoyed the spring season with this DCFC album, and I look forward to it continuing to grow on me over the summer. The lyrics seem personal to Gibbard, but I hate to limit their potential by drawing comparisons to his actual life, instead I am digesting this in whatever way I feel like, however they affect me, and whenever they do. McGerr and Harmer are one of the most solid rhythm sections in music today, and the songs on Kintsugi move with motivation and care. Music has a way of moving seamlessly through your life, and ironically, Kintsugi is currently filling the cracks in my facade with something that I didn’t even realize was missing.”

6. We Have the Fact and We’re Voting Yes (2000)

“This CD by Death Cab really turned me onto them. I first purchased their older Something About Airplane album; and although I liked it, it didn’t get me jumping up and down for the band. The first album I found either too slow, or slow with lack of intrigue. This album has just enough mid-paced stuff to mix it up, and ultimately the finest stuff (the slow stuff) is complemented this way. Company Calls and its sequel track are highlights for me. Very fun lyrically and addictive music. The contrast between the mood and speed of the songs really gets me excited about this band and interested in the music. If you are into mid-fi, slow indie rock you can’t go wrong with this. Really reminds me of Pedro the Lion, maybe Luna if you lose the spacey sounds, maybe Modest Mouse on sedatives (but then again I make weird comparisons.) True music lovers must and will (I’m sure) check this stuff out.”

5. The Photo Album (2001)

“My first time hearing DCFC was when it was playing in the background as we were setting up for a show at the Exit Inn in Nashville. It was so hypnotic. I had to find out who it was. This was the current release at the time and I immediately went out and got it on CD as well as “You Can Play These Songs With Chords” thus began my love affair with DCFC through college. This is heavy vinyl and seems to play a little slow, likely because my turntable isn’t spectacular and struggles to spend the weight at the right speed. Loving recreating the atmosphere of my first listening.”

See More: Modest Mouse Albums Ranked

4. Thank you for Today (2o18)

Thank You for Today is a really nice album. The first time hearing it, a lot of the songs kind of sounded the same. But after subsequent listens, I’ve gotta say that I like every single song on this album. The album’s opener “I Dreamt We Spoke Again” is really unique. Most DCFC album openers have an epic feel to them like “The New Year”, “Marching Bands of Manhattan”, “Bixby Canyon Bridge”. But “I Dreamt We Spoke Again” has a little bit of chill wave vibes to it. It’s certainly the most accessible DCFC opener to date. I need to make special note of “Your Hurricane”. It’s amazing. I’ve given it a lot of thought, and I’m pretty sure that it’s one of the best DCFC songs ever made. Really eloquent songwriting with a unique and interesting melody to it. I have no clue how DCFC didn’t think to make it their flagship single. This is a really solid release that’s worth your time.”

3. Narrow Stairs (2008)

 “This is one of my favorite albums. I’ve probably purchased it a few times over the years thanks to different players, stores, and formats, so I’m guessing I’ll probably purchase it a few more times as technology changes and grows. I’m not one to be too particular with lyrics, but when I occasionally pay attention I really like what I hear. I’ve probably listened to this album over 100 times. I love the harmony of the vocals and the instruments. I just love the way the music flows. I guess I have some emotional attachment because it has been one of my go to albums to help me get through more despairing moments in my life, but has also been something nice to put on when I’m working or bored.”

2. Plans (2005)

“I have been a long time fan of this group, this is by far my favorite of the albums. The album has lots of meanings, from depression to happiness it hits everything. A terrific audio quality experience, listen on my Dt 990 and the sound stage is huge. Buts the best part is instrument separation is out of this world. Can identify every hit and instrument vocals are clear and up front but no over powerful. Very well made album both in songs and engineering quality.”

1.Transatlanticism (2003)

“This album has stood the test of time. It was a welcome repository for my teenage angst when it dropped in 2003 and compelled me to purchase a Death Cab for Cutie patch for my patched sweatshirt (remember those?). Now, as a grown-up, this record brings out a different response; nostalgia, contemplation, reflection. And it makes my toes tap. Especially on The Sound of Settling. The album flows seamlessly, each track blending into the next, and is designed for playing on repeat, as the last song bleeds into the first. If you like bare-bones indie rock, with some ballads thrown in the mix, you’ll love this record. In fact, if you’re even considering buying this, just buy it.”