If you remember aimlessly walking around the local mall and eating at Sbarro with your Converse, or god forbid, your Osiris skate shoes, chances are that you’re an avid Tigers Jaw fan. The Pennsylvania band has been around since 2005 and have proclaimed themselves as “a real cool band,” which given the self confidence, is actually real cool. And more, importantly, they’ve got the track record to support their claim, as you’ll see in our ranking. Now let us be very clear, Tigers Jaw has no bad albums, which makes ranking their albums very difficult. We love them all, but we are forced by law to rank them. So here we go.
6. Belongs to the Dead (2006)
Whether it’s the 2005 version or the much better mixed 2006 version of their debut, Tigers Jaw came out of the gate swinging. The signature charmingly laid back vocal delivery of Adam McIlwee in combination with the jangly guitars and smooth bass lines make for an enjoyable listen. Unfortunately, we’re putting it in last because songs like “Okay Paddy,” “Heat,” and “The Sun” would be rerecorded on their self-titled album, and to be frank, they’re much better on that album.
Play it again: “Danielson”
Skip it: “Okay Paddy,” “Heat,” “The Sun” are all much better on S/T
5. I Won’t Care How You Remember Me (2021)
This album marks the third release since the departure of 3 original members, including lead singer Adam McIlwee. The band transitioned nicely into the new lineup on the prior two albums, with longtime members Brianna Collins and Ben Walsh picking up the slack on vocals. On this album, the lyrical content has expanded, which allows the duo to paint a brighter picture and potentially scare off any listeners who are scared of words with more than two syllables. So, it’s a win-win, really.
Play it again: “Cat’s Cradle,” “Can’t Wait Forever,” “Lemon Mouth”
Skip it: “Never Wanted To,” “Heaven Apart”
4. Two Worlds (2010)
From a quick glance at the length of the lyrics, you might be surprised to see how much Tigers Jaw actually has to say on this album. On “Two Worlds,” McIlwee sings “I want to be a loser forever, man.” Which, when sung by an actual loser (i.e. Rivers Cuomo) might sound sad and pathetic, but here it sounds badass and cool as fuck. With that, and the continuation of the band’s mall rock inspired sound, puts Two Worlds at #4.
Play it again: “Thank You Noah Lowry,” “Return”
Skip it: “I Saw the Wolf”
3. Spin (2017)
Now we know what you’re thinking. “Back in my day, pop punk and emo albums were less than 35 minutes, not any of this 42 minute bullshit.” Shut up. Back in your day, successful musicians wouldn’t have to teach art to supplement their income to afford a studio apartment. And besides, we’re not complaining about the runtime, especially considering tracks like “Escape Plan” and “Window” excel with that quintessential Tigers Jaw sound.
Play it again: “June,” “Escape Plan,” “Guardian”
Skip it: “Same Stone”
2. Charmer (2014)
Although this was the first album following the departure of former members Adam McIlwee, Dennis Mishko, and Pat Brier, it sounds like they never left. Well. That’s because they didn’t, not until “Charmer” was finished. Part swan song, part reinvention of the band, 100% pure emo bliss. Not to mention the iconic album cover, which at first glance looks like a handkerchief, but it’s actually something much cooler. An embroidered handkerchief.
Play it again: “Cool,” “Hum,” “Soft Spoken,” “Divide”
Skip it: If you really have to, “I Envy Your Apathy”
1. Tigers Jaw (2008)
This is the one with the pizza on the cover. That should honestly be enough of an explanation of why it’s at the top spot of our ranking but, we’ll explain our reasoning for anyone not convinced. McIlwee puts on a masterclass in pop punk/emo lyricism with highlights in every song. On top of that, the band really excels in tracks like “I Saw Water” and “Meals on Wheels,” especially Brianna Collins’ subtle keyboard playing. Don’t believe us? Just buy the album, buy a cheese pizza, sit back in that sofa chair and reminisce about the late aughts like the sad sack you are.
Play it again: “The Sun,” “Heat,” “I Saw Water” honestly the whole album.
Skip it: No need to skip anything, in fact, just hit replay.