The Pixies are an American alternative rock band formed in 1986 in Boston, Massachusetts. The original lineup comprised Black Francis (vocals, rhythm guitar), Joey Santiago (lead guitar), Kim Deal (bass, backing vocals) and David Lovering (drums). The band disbanded acrimoniously in 1993, but reunited in 2004. After Deal left in 2013, the Pixies hired Kim Shattuck as a touring bassist; she was replaced the same year by Paz Lenchantin, who became a permanent member in 2016.

The Pixies are associated with the 1990s alternative rock boom, and draw on elements including punk rock and surf rock. Their music is known for its dynamic “loud-quiet” shifts and song structures. Francis is the Pixies’ primary songwriter; his often surreal lyrics cover offbeat subjects such as extraterrestrials, incest, and biblical violence. They achieved modest popularity in the US, but were more successful in Europe. Their jarring pop sound influenced acts such as Nirvana, Radiohead, the Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer. Their popularity grew in the years after their break-up, leading to sold-out world tours following their reunion in 2004. Here are all of The Pixies albums ranked.

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8. Come On Pilgrim EP (1987)

“The Pixies, ghawd…what an add and strange band, really. Francis Black is just, I really don’t wanna’ use words to describe him, I don’t think the proper ones are around at this time. If you don’t already have this album, or you’re just getting into the Pixies buy this album first. I promise, it is a total trip, and you’ll be hooked on the Pixies for life.”

7. Indie Cindy (2014)

“This was way better than I expected. These guys still have it. Black Francis sounds as good as ever. Might have been a 5 star review if they could have lured Kim Deal back. No new ground was broken with this album but it fits right in with all of their stuff from the 1980s and 1990s. A must have for all Pixies fans.”

6. Head Carrier (2016)

“I can’t help but roll my eyes at reviews going, “But it’s not ‘Doolittle/Kim Deal/Insert Caveat Here.” I’ve been a career-long fan of the Pixies, and I love this album. If you enjoy growth and maturity in musicians, you’ll probably like it. If you hold up the first couple of albums as some pinnacle never to be reached again, you’ll be disappointed. It does hark back to “Doolittle” and Paz’s voice and playing aren’t a mimic of Kim Deal’s work but still similar enough that she doesn’t feel out of place. Charles, Joey, and Dave all bring their signature style, and it is a decidedly good Pixies’ album. For me, standout tracks are “All I Think About Now,” “Talent,” and “Tenement Song.” Honestly, I listened the album on repeat during a long drive recently and kept finding new things to enjoy about each track with subsequent listens.”

5. Beneath the Eyrie (2019)

“I’ve been a Pixies fan for a long time and there is a fan thing where their post reunion albums aren’t considered as good as the originals. I actually enjoy them more. Beneath The Eyrie may well be my favourite Pixies album. Daniel Boone is simply transcendent. Get a good pair of headphones and a dark room and just get lost in the music.”

4. Trompe le Monde (1991)

“After wearing out my “Doolittle” tape in the late 80’s I graduated to CD. “Trompe” was one of the first CD’s I had bought welcoming the 90’s, and the 15 dollar price tag in the beginning of the digital era was a lot of money. I would imagine inflation would bring it up to about the price of this: Mobile Fidelity’s reissue on vinyl. Well after repeated listens on my scratched up CD over the years I revisited this classic Pixies album via 21st century vinyl. Wow. So many textures and timbers went by my adolescent ears unnoticed as this disc went on it’s journey to the label. How could I have missed this beautiful music and called myself a Pixies fan? After 20 years I can wholeheartedly say that not only does this record hold up to the years it actually grew on me!”

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3. Bossanova (1990)

“this is their greatest moment.but others have pointed out that. I’m surprised this didn’t really sell and people only talk about SR and Doolittle. If you’re a fan of this kind of music(Pixies and Loop and stuff like that),get this. This is a must buy for fans of so called alternative music.

2. Surfer Rosa (1988)

“Following their remarkable debut EP “Come On Pilgrim,” Pixies teamed with the great Steve Albini for their debut LP, “Surfer Rosa,” which itself became a touchstone of independent, “alternative” music, cited by Kurt Cobain as one of his favorite albums and a significant influence on Nirvana’s music. From the bombastic (and perfectly tuned, mic’ed, and recorded) drum intro of “Bone Machine,” to the strange beauty of Gigantic, and the punk intensity of “Something Against You,” to the snaking bass line and lyrical genius of “Cactus,” this album is as huge in its span as it is in its sound. Never again would the Pixies so much as attempt to match the grit and grime of this album, and that’s probably for the best. But for all the nice production value.”

1. Doolittle’ (1989)

” Doolittle is such an excellent album. The Pixies are just good,period. They are one of the few bands that I actually stay really excited about. They have been such a huge indie rock influence for the past 20 years or so. They have influenced so many talented bands from Nirvana to Radiohead. Doolittle is a really great album. I think I like it better than Surfer Rosa, which is also an excellent album. This album features excellent tracks such as “Monkey Gone to Heaven,” “Here comes your Man”, “Gouge Away”, “LaLa Love You”, “Debaser”, and “Crackity Jones.” This album is just eclectic, fun and different. It is still classic Pixies, which makes it better. It is worth the money and you can pick up most Pixies albums relatively cheap. The Pixies are definitely one of those bands you are glad are not so mainstream because its like holding a little secret of splendor.”