Few bands have a signature sound as instantly recognisable as Wishbone Ash. Pioneers of the twin-lead guitar harmony that would later define Thin Lizzy, Iron Maiden and countless others, they fused hard rock, folk and progressive ambition into some of the most melodic and influential rock of the early 1970s. Their catalogue is long and, frankly, convoluted, so here we rank their essential studio albums, from worst to best.

The short version

At the top sits Argus (1972), one of the great rock albums of its decade and their undisputed masterpiece, with the sophisticated Pilgrimage and the peak-era There’s the Rub close behind. At the other end, the post-Martin-Turner records of the 1980s and 1990s tend to divide even the faithful. The full ranking is below.

How we rank them

This is one fan’s honest take on Wishbone Ash’s essential studio albums — the band have recorded prolifically across five decades, so we have focused on the classic run and the most notable later records. We weigh songwriting, the twin-guitar magic, ambition and lasting impact. The facts are accurate; the order is where the arguments begin.

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The lower reaches

16. Strange Affair (1991)

A patchy early-1990s reunion-era album, with capable playing but forgettable songwriting. A long way from the classics, it drifts by without leaving much of a mark. Minor latter-day Ash.

15. Number the Brave (1981)

The first album after Martin Turner’s departure, with John Wetton on bass, and a record caught awkwardly between eras. Competently played but short on the old magic, it never quite finds its feet. A transitional misfire.

14. Twin Barrels Burning (1982)

A heavier, new-wave-of-British-heavy-metal-inflected album, and the best of the immediate post-Turner records. There is still twin-lead soloing here, but it is a real stylistic detour. A divisive but energetic curio.

13. Front Page News (1977)

A smoother, more American soft-rock-leaning album, pleasant and well-played but with the old fire fading. There are nice moments, yet little that lingers. A likeable but minor entry.

The middle of the pack

12. Coat of Arms (2020)

The most recent album, a solid, mature latter-day effort with the trademark harmonies fully intact. Enjoyable and well-crafted, if not quite essential, it shows the band ageing with dignity. A dependable modern record.

11. Locked In (1976)

A slicker, soul-inflected album that divided fans and critics on release. There are underrated moments, but it is a clear step down from their peak, and the fire is dimmed. A patchy transitional record.

10. Just Testing (1980)

The last album with Martin Turner, and a decent return to form after a couple of weaker records. “Living Proof” is a highlight, and the classic chemistry flickers back to life. A solid, underrated farewell to the classic lineup.

9. Nouveau Calls (1987)

The all-instrumental reunion of the original quartet, and a lovely, understated return to the twin-guitar sound fans had missed. Graceful and warm, if low-key, it reminded everyone what made them special. A charming comeback.

8. No Smoke Without Fire (1978)

A strong return to their rockier roots after a softer spell, reuniting with the producer of their first three albums. “You See Red” is an underrated gem, and the whole thing crackles. A welcome rebound.

The upper tier

7. Blue Horizon (2014)

A genuine late-career high, ambitious and multi-sectioned, with Powell and Muddy Manninen weaving gorgeous guitar tapestries around each other. Proof there was real life in the old band yet. A modern triumph.

6. New England (1976)

A breezy, mellow, remarkably consistent album from their American period, the twin-guitar magic intact amid the West Coast sheen. Not for everyone, but a real grower and a longtime fan favourite. Underrated and hard to forget.

5. Wishbone Four (1973)

The fourth album, and the last of the original lineup’s initial run. Less celebrated than its predecessors, but full of fine songs, and their highest-charting record in the United States. A solid, underrated classic.

4. Wishbone Ash (1970)

The debut, which introduced the twin-lead sound in style, from the boogie of “Blind Eye” to the ten-minute “Phoenix”. Raw, exciting and hugely influential, it announced a genuinely new voice in rock. A remarkable first statement.

The masterpieces

3. There’s the Rub (1974)

The first album with Laurie Wisefield replacing Ted Turner, and a creative peak. “Silver Shoes”, “Persephone” and the astonishing nine-minute instrumental “F.U.B.B.” are among their very best. A near-masterpiece.

2. Pilgrimage (1971)

The second album, softer and more sophisticated, blending jazz, folk and rock with real subtlety. “Jail Bait” and the unsung “The Pilgrim” show a band maturing at astonishing speed. A gorgeous, underrated gem.

1. Argus (1972)

The masterpiece: an almost flawless blend of progressive rock, folk and hard rock, and one of the defining twin-guitar albums ever made. “The King Will Come”, “Warrior”, “Blowin’ Free” and “Throw Down the Sword” are immortal. Voted Album of 1972, and the place to begin.

Every essential Wishbone Ash album, ranked

The full ranking at a glance, best to worst.

Where to start

New to Wishbone Ash? Begin with Argus (1972), one of the great rock albums of the 1970s, then explore Pilgrimage and There’s the Rub. For a guided path, see our where to start with Wishbone Ash guide, or follow the story in sequence with Wishbone Ash albums in order.

The verdict

Criminally undervalued next to the bands they inspired, Wishbone Ash created a sound that echoes through five decades of rock — a band whose best work remains as thrilling as any twin-guitar music ever made. Andy Powell has kept the flame burning across every era. If you only know Argus, the deeper cuts reward exploration; our pick of the most underrated Wishbone Ash albums is a good place to dig.

Go deeper

Keep exploring: count down their finest tracks with the best Wishbone Ash songs, browse our pick of their best Wishbone Ash albums, or head back to the full directory of every prog band’s discography, ranked.

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