What is the best indie album for newcomers to the genre?

Not sure where to start with indie music? These albums are the perfect entry points — accessible, beloved, and essential. Vote for the one you'd hand to a new fan first.

1. 1
   Is This It

   The Strokes' 2001 debut — punchy, melodic, and irresistibly cool. A near-perfect gateway into indie rock.
2. 2
   Funeral

   Arcade Fire's 2004 debut — accessible yet emotionally grand, an immediate and powerful first indie rock experience.
3. 3
   Oh, Inverted World

   The Shins' 2001 debut, gentle and melodic jangle-pop that's indie rock without intimidation.
4. 4
   Vampire Weekend

   Vampire Weekend's 2008 debut, buoyant Afropop-tinged indie pop that feels immediately joyful and fresh.
5. 5
   Transatlanticism

   Death Cab for Cutie's 2003 album — emotionally resonant and melodic, a perfect emotional entry point to indie.
6. 6
   Fleet Foxes

   Fleet Foxes' 2008 debut — gorgeous harmonies and pastoral folk that feels universally welcoming.
7. 7
   Punisher

   Phoebe Bridgers' 2020 album — quietly heartbreaking, beautifully produced, and immediately affecting for new listeners.
8. 8
   Boxer

   The National's 2007 album — sophisticated but melodic, a great introduction to literary indie rock.
9. 9
   For Emma, Forever Ago

   Bon Iver's 2007 debut — raw and intimate acoustic folk that speaks to listeners across all music tastes.
10. 10
    Illinois

    Sufjan Stevens' 2005 orchestral folk album — ambitious yet joyful, a great showcase of indie's range.
11. 11
    Teen Dream

    Beach House's 2010 dream pop album — lush and enveloping, a smooth and beautiful introduction to indie.
12. 12
    Modern Vampires of the City

    Vampire Weekend's 2013 album — playful, smart, and melodic, ideal for newcomers who love accessible indie pop.
13. 13
    Jubilee

    Japanese Breakfast's 2021 album — upbeat and accessible indie pop that feels welcoming and joyful.
14. 14
    The Bends

    Radiohead's 1995 album — melodic and guitar-driven, an accessible entry before their more challenging work.
15. 15
    Wet Leg

    Wet Leg's 2022 debut — witty, catchy, and immediately likeable British indie rock for any new listener.