Aphex Twin, real name Richard David James, is one of the most prolific musicians in the techno genre. Hailing from the acid raves of the late 80s and early 90s, he’s managed to break out of his small scene and become known worldwide. While part of this is due to his music, his notoriously bizarre character hasn’t hurt, with him claiming at times to live in a converted bank vault or to drive an armored car with a mounted machine gun, but that’s an article for another day. This list will be going over each of his studio albums so that you hopefully know what to expect when listening to each of them. Keep in mind that while this doesn’t include any albums released under his other laundry list of aliases (Polygon Window, Caustic Window, The Tuss, etc.), those releases are also worth checking out. 

Selected Ambient Works 85-92 (1992)‍

This is the record that started it all, and the one that a good number of fans consider to be his best. As the title suggests, this album contains songs written from many years prior, including “i”, which was written when he was only 14. While this more closely resembles a compilation record, it still manages to flow incredibly smoothly. The danceable rhythms of the opening track "Xtal" start things off with a bang, setting the scene for what's yet to come. Whether it’s the infectious grooves of “Ageispolis”, the grimy beeps and boops of “Green Calx”, or the trance-inducing “We Are the Music Makers”, there’s something for every techno fan. This album’s variety of sound and overall high quality turned Aphex Twin from just some redheaded stoner from Cornwall into a key figure in the British techno scene. Everyone was anxiously waiting to see what he would do next.

Favorite Song: Ageispolis

Selected Ambient Works Volume II (1994)

This album is a hard sell. It’s a whopping 2.5 hours of mostly beatless ambient music apparently inspired by lucid dreaming. The songs don’t even have official names, although there’s a set of unofficial names that have been agreed on by the fan community. I myself will admit that, as much as I do love this album, I’ve never been able to listen to it all in one sitting. If you can give it your time, though, even if that time is divided over multiple stretches, then I promise it’s worth it. Songs like “#1/Cliffs”, “#3/Rhubarb” and “#13/Blue Calx” are some of the most meditative, contemplative songs that you’ll ever listen to. If his debut was meant to be listened to while tripping on acid at a dance club, then this album is meant to be listened to while tripping on acid and staring at a sunset. Or, as Aphex himself suggested, while standing in a power station.

Favorite song: “#3/Rhubarb”

…I Care Because You Do (1995)

In his discography, this is the album I’ve heard mentioned the least. Around this time, the use of computer software to program techno music had started to become more widespread. Aphex was still using his analog synthesizers and drum machines, although with this album, it’s clear he’s just about reached the limit of said mediums. While it definitely has some slower moments, I’d still say this is a sweet release, as much as it does get overlooked. With songs like “Avril Acid Jam Shred” (an anagram of his full name), “Wax The Nip” and “Ventolin”, it would already be considered a solid release in any other musician's discography. It’s with the song “Alberto Balsalm”, though, that this album really establishes itself. If I had to describe to someone what Aphex Twin was, I would play them this.

Favorite song: “Alberto Balsalm” (obviously)

The Richard D. James Album (1996)

With the album cover and credits that attribute everything to “Me”, this release might seem like a joke at first. Despite that, this album could possibly be the best he’s done. It’s short, only 32 minutes, but every second is properly utilized. At this point, he’s begun using computer software to help him compose, and as a result, it sounds a lot more wild than his prior releases. The beats are off-kilter and you never know where each song will go. It’s as if the album cover is representative of his mood at the time of making, with him delighted at knowing how weird and awesome his new album is. Each song could justifiably be someone’s favorite, although “4” “Fingerbib”, “Goon Gumpas” and “Yellow Calx” are the best ones, I feel.

Favorite song: “Fingerbib”

drukQs (2001)

Only released to avoid a potential leak after Aphex forgot a flash drive full of material on a plane, this album is a lot to get through. At a runtime of an hour and 40 minutes, this record is the incoherent (but equally lengthy) sibling of Selected Ambient Works Vol. II. Though the album definitely feels slapped together, there are some inevitable bangers. “Vordhosbn” “Bybdonchord” “Cock/Ver10” and “54 Cymru Beats” are some of the first that come to mind. The standout track, is “Avril 14th”, a two minute peaceful piano track. It’s short, and it doesn’t represent his sound at all, but it’s just so beautiful and I can’t help but love it unconditionally. Other fans seem to as well, hence why it has 177 million Spotify listens. While this album isn’t an easy listen, I’m happy it exists, and I had a good time listening to it. 

Favorite Song: “Avril 14th” or ”Vordhosbn” (I can’t possibly decide)

Syro (2014)

This is the album that ended his extended studio hiatus and finally got him a Grammy. After such a long wait, living up to the hype would be hard. Honestly? This album does a damn good job. It’s not perfect, and it feels a little odd comparing it to his previous five albums given the gap between them, but Aphex shows that he’s still very much capable of putting out bangers more than 20 years after beginning his recording career. I can only imagine what it must have been like to be an old-school Aphex Twin fan, buying this album, then having the opener “minipops 67” reassure you that you wouldn’t be disappointed. “produk 29” is another highlight, and was even featured in the 2019 Netflix Fyre Festival documentary. The album closer, “aisatsana”, is a five minute, slow piano song. It might feel anticlimactic after such an intense album, but it’s just so peaceful that I can’t help but love it. 

Favorite song: “minipops 67”

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Note: While Aphex Twin has yet to release a follow up album, he has released multiple extended plays which collectively add up to about 2.5 studio albums worth of songs.