Albums: Ranked from Good to Best

Some people only know Nada Surf from their one mainstream hit, 1996's "Popular." To be honest, "Popular" isn't even close to being one of their best songs. It's a shame that they are mostly known for that one song — a one-hit wonder, so to speak — when they have crafted great album after great album. A one-hit wonder they are not. Here is the ranking of their albums.

10.  High/Low (1996)

Nada Surf are an alt-rock band from New York, formed in 1992. Most people only know them from "Popular," a teenage anthem. A song about popular people getting all the girls. As memorable as that song is, the rest of the album is forgettable. I don't think anyone but maybe Nada Surf had any idea that they would release so much great music moving forward.

9.  The Proximity Effect (1998)

"The Proximity Effect" is their follow-up to their lackluster debut, "High/Low." Unlike its predecessor, "The Proximity Effect" shimmered with subtle greatness throughout. Maybe not on the level of the albums that were to come. Nonetheless, it was there.

8.  If I Had a Hi-Fi (2010)

Nada Surf decided to record an album full of covers. The reason this album works so well is that many of the songs are relatively obscure. The album actually works as a proper Nada Surf album because it doesn't feel like a cover album. The songs feel like they were originally written by the band.

7.  You Know Who You Are (2016)

A mature, wonderfully consistent Nada Surf album that quietly sneaks up on you. "Cold to See Clear" and "Believe You’re Mine" show a band that can still make straightforward guitar pop feel deeply personal.

6. The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy (2012)

As usual, Nada Surf has written an album full of bright melodies. Unlike previous efforts, the songs on this album almost run together at times. That being said, this album has a handful of treasures, just not on the level we have become accustomed to.