All 5 Tool Albums, Ranked By Fans

Coley Reed
Updated May 14, 2024 30.5K views 5 items

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1.6K voters

Beginning with their sonic mix of heavy metal and alternative rock, Tool has set a remarkable path in American music history. This list spotlights the band's illustrious discography, focusing particularly on their studio albums ranked and voted by the fans, in an endeavor to trace Tool's distinctive journey through the years. In creating this list, the defining criteria hinge upon a balance of fan votes and individual album impact on the music landscape, communicating the intense dedication and diversity of Tool's artistic evolution over time.

Diving into the quintessential albums, Lateralus tops the chart with its unconventional usage of the Fibonacci sequence in the title track. This album not only echoes complex rhythm changes but is also testament to haunting vocals. Similarly, the 1996 album Ænima stands out not just for its innovative sound but the culturally impactful contribution to the 1990s music scene. Undertow brought to the fore Tool's aggressive overtones, while their 2019 record Fear Inoculum was a game-changer, making a phenomenal impact after a 13-year hiatus. Each album unique and reflective, provides a window into Tool's artistry, cementing their force in the music world.

This crowd-ranked list serves as an insightful guide to appreciating the transformative journey and stylistic progression of Tool. It invites fans to delve deeper into their music, accentuating diversity and creative prowess that have infused each album with an individual charm all its own. Essentially, these albums form the cornerstone of the band's legacy, accounting their influences, authenticity, and the astonishing ability to meld a variety of genres.

We invite you, the readers and fans, to contribute to this dynamic ranking and participate in the lively debate about which Tool albums think are the best. With each, the list becomes a reflection of our collective admiration for this ingenious band. So, plug in your headphones, dive deep into Tool's enthralling hits, and join the conversation. Your vote matters!

  • Lateralus
    Photo: Volcano
    1
    654 votes

    Lateralus

    Released on May 15, 2001, the third studio record album boasts innovative usage of the Fibonacci sequence in its title track. Having been favorably by critics, the album went on to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, selling more than 555,200 copies in its initial week of release. Among its accolades, it holds a Grammy award for Best Metal Performance for the "Schism". The album is also notable for housing the fan favorites "Schism" and "Parabola". Complex rhythm changes, haunting vocals, and an onslaught of dynamic changes culminate to create a challenging yet captivating album.

    Tracklist:

    1. The Grudge
    2. Eon Blue Apocalypse
    3. The Patient
    4. Mantra
    5. Schism
    6. Parabol
    7. Parabola
    8. Ticks & Leeches
    9. Lateralus
    10. Disposition
    11. Reflection
    12. Triad
    13. Faaip de Oiad

  • Ænima
    Photo: Zoo
    2
    632 votes

    Ænima

    Launched by Tool in 1996, the second studio album gained significant acclaim for its innovative sound. It was favorably received by critics, with Entertainment Weekly calling it "one of 1996's strangest and strongest alt-metal records". Debuting at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, it solidified Tool's place in the music industry. The title track won Best Metal Performance at the 1998 Grammy Awards. Songs like "Stinkfist" and "Forty Six & 2," both of which had music videos released, quickly became fan favorites. The album was also dedicated to comedian Bill Hicks, who partly inspired the record.

    Tracklist:

    1. Stinkfist
    2. Eulogy
    3. H.
    4. Useful Idiot
    5. Forty Six & 2
    6. Message to Harry Manback
    7. Hooker with a Penis
    8. Intermission
    9. jimmy
    10. Die Eier von Satan
    11. Pushit
    12. Cesaro Summability
    13. Ænema
    14. (-) Ions
    15. Third Eye

  • 10,000 Days
    Photo: Tool Dissectional ,Volcano
    3
    544 votes

    10,000 Days

    The fourth studio album brilliantly showcased innovative recording techniques, earning praise for its musicianship from various critics. It stormed the charts, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 with-week sales of over 560,000 copies. This led to platinum certifications in multiple countries. The album featured popular songs such as "Vicarious," "The Pot," and "Jambi." It won the Grammy Award for Best Recording Package with the tracks "Vicarious" and "The Pot" earning nominations for Best Hard Rock Performance. The album's unique stereoscopic eyeglasses packaging became a distinctive feature, elevating its renown.

    Tracklist:

    1. Vicarious
    2. Jambi
    3. Wings for Marie (Pt 1)
    4. 10,000 Days (Wings Pt 2)
    5. The Pot
    6. Lipan Conjuring
    7. Lost Keys (Blame Hofmann)
    8. Rosetta Stoned
    9. Intension
    10. Right in Two
    11. Viginti Tres

    More 10,000 DaysRight Arrow
  • Undertow
    Photo: Zoo
    4
    456 votes

    Undertow

    Released by Tool in 1993, the debut album became an essential part of the '90s music scenario. Praised for its technical brilliance, musical complexities, and aggressive overtones, it carved a niche for itself. Welcomed with positive reception, it also raised eyebrows with its unique artwork, featuring the lead guitarist's pet pig, Moe. Successful songs like "Prison Sex" further elevated the album's popularity. 

    Tracklist:

    1. Intolerance
    2. Prison Sex
    3. Sober
    4. Bottom
    5. Crawl Away
    6. Swamp Song
    7. Undertow
    8. 4°
    9. Flood
    10. Disgustipated

  • Fear Inoculum
    Photo: Tool Dissectional, Volcano, RCA
    5
    336 votes

    Fear Inoculum

    Coming to life after a 13 year hiatus, the fifth studio album from Tool made a phenomenal impact upon its release. Celebrated for successfully refining their iconic sound, the album dominated the charts, debuting number one on the US Billboard 200 and selling 270,000 units in its first week. Grammy nominations were bestowed upon the explorative songs, "Fear Inoculum" and "7empest", with the latter winning for Best Metal Performance. Distinctive for its CD package that included a HD screen with original video footage and a 36-page booklet, the album captured the essence of the band experimental spirit.

    Tracklist:

    1. Fear Inoculum
    2. Pneuma
    3. Litanie contre la peur (instrumental; French for "Litany Against Fear")
    4. Invincible
    5. Legion Inoculant" (instrumental)
    6. Descending
    7. Culling Voices
    8. Chocolate Chip Trip (instrumental)
    9. 7empest
    10. Mockingbear (instrumental)