The Zombies Albums Ranked
The Zombies are an English rock band formed in 1962 in St Albans and led by keyboardist and vocalist Rod Argent and vocalist Colin Blunstone. The group scored a British and American hit in 1964 with “She’s Not There”. In the US, two further singles—”Tell Her No” in 1965 and “Time of the Season” in 1968—were also successful.[6] Their 1968 album Odessey and Oracle is ranked number 100 on Rolling Stone‘s list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The Zombies were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019. Here are all of The Zombies albums ranked.
Don’t miss out on the music of The Zombies! Click to enjoy some of the music of this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer!
10. Live On The BBC 1965-1967 (1985)
“Despite the low fidelity recordings, this is the version of The Zombies I reach for most often–an excellent collection of american RnB covers and original garage rockers that never fails to get me up and moving.”
9. New World (1991)
“Colin’s voice always was the best, but here has matured. Chris and Hugh didn’t sit on their asses and didn’t just pick up their instruments after a 20 year hiatus. Both grew as well. Sebastien is not Rod, but Rod is not Sebastien either. His keyboard\guitar work is the best. It’s unfortunate he had to die so early because I wonder what the Zombies would have done with him. A good album. Songs stuck in my head, especially the title song, Lula, Lula, I Can’t Be Wrong.”
8. R.I.P. Plus (Zombies Complete Collection Vol. 4) (2000)
“It’s pretty cool to hear “RIP” more or less as Argent and White intended it to be released — some of the songs are silly, pretentious psychedelia, several are irresistibly groovy pop tunes, and all of them are charming, vintage Zombies and a delight for fans. This is one of those records where I get stuck on one song and wind up playing it over and over, in this case it’s the bombastic big beat of the Bacharach-styled “If It Don’t Work Out,” though other tracks have a similar charm”
See more: Badfinger Albums Ranked
7. Still Got That Hunger (2015)
“You can hear the maturity in the lead singer’s voice, but its lower register suits the songs, and he is still recognizable as one of music’s unique vocalists. The lead guitarist lifts a riff from a Hollies” song, “If the Lights Go Out,” but you can’t blame him for having good taste. The album is late 60’s length, which means no filler, just tight arrangements and concise tunes. It’s great they’re still here, but, given their intelligence and craftsmanship, no surprise.”
6. The Zombies (1966)
“This is the kind of music when you first hear it it blows your mind and is so magical gets you high naturally which the best art often can do. I never listen to music over and over but with this set its absolutely addicting music that you hear something new each time you listen to it. Lyrically incredible as well with clever, poignant often brutally honest lyrics about love and relationships that mask the romantic fears and despair of the songwriters with inspirational upbeat music that pack quite a punch in their polar opposites to stunning effect.”
5. Breathe Out, Breathe In (2011)
“As insane as this sounds, Colin and Rod are still at the top of their game. I won’t name names, but I get the impression that a lot of their contemporaries just go through the motions. These tunes are great, the arrangements are creative and well thought-out, and Colin’s voice is still fabulous. If you like the Zombies, Steely Dan, classic rock, or even soul music, this is one you need for your collection.”
See more: The Turtles Albums Ranked
4. The Zombies (1965)
“The Zombies still have something to prove; they’re Rock-n-Roll Hall Of Fame material. This release finds them in their 50th year (inception 1961) with Colin Blunstone’s unique voice still shinning brightly and going strong; Rod Argent’s keyboard performance and songwriting sensibilities fully intact, this release sounds fresh and contemporary. You’ll be happy to know they’ve not gone techno though, and rest assured no rapping in the middle of any of the songs.”
3. Odessey And Oracle (Revisited): The 40th Anniversary Concert – Live At The Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London, 2008 (2009)
““Odessey and Oracle” is now widely considered one of the greatest albums of the sixties and the rock era, but it took a long and winding path to finally get that acknowledgement. Recorded in 1967, released in 1968 and finally making the charts in 1969, it might have been totally forgotten had Al Kooper not pressured Columbia into releasing it just as they were about to pass on it. Even so, the first two singles failed and the album would have vanished from the shelves quickly. But either Al Kooper or the group’s American publisher Al Gallico (there is some dispute in this and likely it was both) got Columbia to give the album one last chance and release “Time of the Season”. That became one of the biggest songs of 1969 and saved the album.”
2. Begin Here (1965)
“This is true rock n roll. Any fan of the Zombies will want to own this album. I purchased the vinyl version and was quite impressed. The Zombies music really defines the era of the sixties. I wish they had stayed together longer but will enjoy their few albums. I think it has the best music talents that produced some of the legends of rock and roll.”
1. Odessey And Oracle (1968)
“Love this album, incredible tracks by an awesome and much underrated band. The singing (lead and backing vocals) is awesome, the musicianship is great and the songs are superb, from light and happy-go-lucky, such as Friends Of Mine, to the much darker and scarily horrific Butchers Tale (Western Front 1914) – a great testament to one of the best bands of the sixties.”
