Supertramp Albums Ranked

Supertramp was an English rock band formed in London in 1969. Marked by the individual songwriting of founders Roger Hodgson (vocals, keyboards, guitar) and Rick Davies (vocals, keyboards), they are distinguished for blending progressive rock and pop styles and for their use of Wurlitzer electric piano and saxophone. The group’s line-up changed numerous times throughout their career, with Davies the only consistent member. Other longtime members included bassist Dougie Thomson, drummer Bob Siebenberg, and saxophonist John Helliwell.
The band was initially a full-fledged prog-rock group, but starting with their third album Crime of the Century (1974), they maintained a more pop-oriented sound. They reached their commercial peak with 1979’s Breakfast in America, which yielded the international top 10 singles “The Logical Song”, “Breakfast in America”, “Goodbye Stranger” and “Take the Long Way Home”. Their other top 40 hits included “Dreamer” (1974), “Give a Little Bit” (1977), and “It’s Raining Again” (1982). Here are all of Supertramp’s albums ranked.

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8. Indelibly Stamped (1971)

“Another great and somewhat unknown album by Supertramp. No gimmicks, a real band playing real music. From the early 70’s the sound on some of these tracks is simply great. You either have a rhythm that gets you moving without you realizing it or find yourself listening to a soft great ballad. If you like Supertramp, you’ll like this. If not, try the Amazon sample player for a taster. If you buy it somewhat unsure, let it play a couple of times…it will grow on you.”

7. Supertramp (1970)

“The only failure of this album is the name on the cover, for it’s got little to do with what the band would later release to much commercial success, but it is instead a landmark of the progressive rock genre. It came out on July 14, 1970, before Genesis’ Trespass (with which there is a strong parenthood in style), The Yes Album or Emerson, Lake and Palmer, and less than a year after In the Court of the Crimson King. Homoneous in themes but varied in tones, alternating short and lengthy pieces with a sophisticated sound and classy arrangement, it features all the distinctive elements of prog rock. And as with any prog album, it only makes full sense when listened to in its entirety. But for those who want to save time and pick up songs, Maybe I’m a Beggar and Try Again are true prog anthems, while Nothing to Show sounds closer to the future hits of the band. It admittedly sounds much better too.”

6. Brother Where You Bound (1985)

“I don’t know why anyone would listen to this expecting a Hodgson lite album. When Hodgson left Davies said he wanted the band to get back to a harder sound as with tracks like Rudy Crime of the Century and Waiting So Long. Hodgsons tracks were more melodic and jaunty whereas Davies tended to be heavier bluesy and more riff based. This album is exactly that. Almost a concept album with s 16 minute title track in the vein of Rudy – dark brooding and punchy. Cannonball is a great opener with a heavy piano motif. Better Days bounces along and the final track is a piano/keyboard closer with echoes of Downstream. In short if you like Crime Rudy etc this album you will probably like. If Supertramp to you is the chart hits then you probably won’t like it. It is what it is but for me it’s a masterpiece and one of my favourite as albums of all time”

5. “…Famous Last Words…” (1982)

“Who does not like SuperTramp? This was the last recording with the masterful, mystical Roger Hodgson, so you will hear that wonderful voice here with this band for the last time, I bought it to complete my SuperTramp collection, I had the LP way back in the 80’s but without Roger this band was bound to only last another year or two. Really too bad, as they were a great Live Band as well. Buy this CD and add them to your collection, like a lot of 70’s bands’ from England they were unique, interesting and very talented, I am sorry so many younger people missed them, but they are here on CD…….Buy and Enjoy.”

See more: Rush Albums Ranked

4. Crisis? What Crisis? (1975)

“The songs on this album really grow on you, in a good way. It’s my 3rd favorite Supertramp album behind “Crime” & “Breakfast,” and it’s not a distant 3rd, it’s a close 3rd. I’ve read that when Supertramp recorded the album, they were pressed for time, short on material, so most of the songs are leftovers from “Crime” sessions, or even older. When you first hear the album you think, “sure that makes sense…sort of sounds like that.” But the songs have a charm and a raw quality which I think is fantastic. It’s got the good Ken Scott engineering like “Crime,” but it’s not as dramatic, powerful, or sonically perfect, and Bob Siebenberg’s drums sit further back in the mix. The remastering is really good. Yes, it has some compression to make the album pop, but it’s tastefully done. The life hasn’t been squashed out of it. If you like Supertramp, it’s an essential album to pick up.”

3. Even in the Quietest Moments… (1977)

“For me this album is more arty than their previous or later – in a very good way. While the first song (well known Give a Little Bit) is not telling you what will go on on this album, it’s a nice fresh intro with Roger mostly on guitar. Rick counters with his Lover Boy that seems musically a bit boring until the refrain with its nice arches and repetitive piano riff over a chord progression (I always like this – something changes and something stays – creates nice tension). We go on with Quietest Moments – soft song with guitars and clarinets, going into climax (yet still soft enough) with saxophones. Slow and nicely developed. First half of the album is concluded with Downstream – piano driven song about little boat trip and other big problems. Babaji is another moody song so typical for Roger – starting rather slow but later driven by their view of rock – that is normal band with some strings, saxes, piano of course. Sometimes it reminds me ELO a bit – but it’s pure Supertramp anyway. And then there is From Now On. I just love this song – especially on their live Paris where the crowd adds to the mood so much. Here you have to live without it – but it still shines. Piano work is effective, supported by organ of some kind. The later part of the song is pure peace in heart – may I even say coziness – I just wish I could watch some fireplace or what and listen to this. Absolute beauty, absolute atmosphere.”

2. Breakfast in America (1979)

“Last great Supertramp album,if you leave “Paris” (Live Album) out,this album really shows the band going on another direction and the creative differences between Rick Davies and Roger Hodgson and it show’s why they split up,Roger has the hit singles (The Logical Song,Breakfast in America,Take the Long Way Home) which are pop songs and Rick Davies has (Goodbye Stranger) which is a more rock song.While Roger wanted to move into something different Rick wanted to stay in the Blues/Rock genre. Definitely give this album a chance if you are interested in Supertramp and don’t forget to check out “Crime of the Century” by Supertramp another great effort by the band.”

1.Crime of the Century (1974)

“The very best album Supertramp ever released. Breakfast in America certainly took a more pop mainstream approach and is an acknowledged classic that all love but his is a must-own. It really can’t be compared to any other music by any other band at the time and the musical twists and diverse styles as Hodgson and Davies sparred to find the right sound are captivating….a mesmerizing listen from start to finish….one of my favorite recordings of the 70s. The final song Crime of the Century is possibly the coolest yet most frightening song ever recorded. That song alone is worth the price of purchase. This is an unheralded achievement by a truly talented group. Forty three years later this still holds up as the best they ever accomplished. Highly recommended.”