Fishbone Albums Ranked

Fishbone is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1979, that plays a fusion of ska, punk, funk, metal, reggae, and soul. AllMusic has described the group as “one of the most distinctive and eclectic alternative rock bands of the late ’80s. With their hyperactive, self-conscious diversity, goofy sense of humor, and sharp social commentary, the group gained a sizable cult following yet they were never able to earn a mainstream audience.” Fishbone first assembled in 1979 with John Norwood Fisher (bass), his brother Philip “Fish” Fisher (drums), Angelo Moore (vocals, saxophones, and theremin), Kendall Jones (guitar), “Dirty” Walter A. Kibby II (vocals, trumpet), and Christopher Dowd (keyboards, trombone, vocals). They achieved their greatest commercial success in the late 1980s and early 1990s, after which they went through many personnel changes. From 2003 to 2010, John Norwood Fisher and Angelo Moore were the last remaining original members of the band. In the 2010s, all the other original members except Kendall Jones rejoined the band for various reunions and anniversary activities. In November 2020, Kendall Jones joined the band on stage for the first time since 1993 for a performance of “Them Bones” by Alice In Chains for a tribute to the band arranged by the Museum of Pop Culture. Here are all of Fishbone’s albums ranked.

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5. Give A Monkey A Brain And He’ll Swear He’s The Center Of The Universe (1993)

“After an ep and three full length albums that each provided growth musically and put Fishbone on the verge of a major break through, internal conflicts in the group led to this disc feeling a bit unfocused at points. While this cd lacks the major standout tracks such as “Everyday Sunshine” and “Sunless Saturday” from the previous disc The Reality of my Surroundings; there’s still enough here to warrant a purchase from fans. Fishbone on an ok album such as this are still better than most groups on their best disc.”

4. In Your Face (1986)

“Classic album. A must-have for any Fishbone fans. This album went on to influence so many other bands at the time, one could say this album was at the forefront of the Third-Wave ska revival in the U.S. during the late 80s, early 90s.”

3. The Reality Of My Surroundings (1991)

“This is another quality offering from Fishbone. It is a shame that some of their lesser contemporaries got the spotlight and not them at the time of this release. Solid, with some really cool jams. A must have for fans new and old alike.”

2. Fishbone (1985)

“During the late 70’s a group of neighborhood kids from South Central Los Angeles with very diverse cultural and musical back rounds starting playing music together in the bedroom of their bedrooms. They were John Norwood Fischer and his brother Phillip (known as Fish),Chris Dowd,Angelo Moore,Walter Kirby. They began gigging their way out of their project upbringing. Something about them was different than other bands at the time. They were a rock sextet with horns. They played a mixture of music that went in every possible way against type. And they impressed someone to the degree Columbia records signed them and in 1984,Fishbone released their first album (or EP as it were” to the world.”

1. Truth And Soul (1988)

“Considering how much garbage had made people insanely rich the past 30 years, it’s an absolute travesty that these guys are snubbed. By far, Fishbone is one of the most talented, creative, hardest rocking, fun funking, and ALL around monsters of all things sonic and visual. Can’t say enough about’em. Nutt up and buy this album, it’s a treasure and a staple. They have every bit as many incredible albums as similar “fringe” type bands light the Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. Green Day are bazillionaires and these guys aren’t. Life ain’t fair.”