Kae Tempest Albums In Order Of Release

If you’re a fan of raw, poetic storytelling fused with hip-hop beats and profound social commentary, Kae Tempest’s music is a must-explore. Formerly known as Kate Tempest, this British artist has evolved from spoken word stages to critically acclaimed albums that challenge norms and spark introspection. In this guide, we’ll walk through Kae Tempest’s albums in chronological order up to 2025, highlighting each one’s essence, embedding Spotify players for easy listening, and listing the tracks. Whether you’re a longtime admirer or new to their world, prepare to be captivated by themes of identity, society, and human connection.

List Of Kae Tempest Albums In Order by Year

Explore the complete list of Kae Tempest albums in order by year, from early spoken-word releases to powerful, genre-blending studio albums. Discover release dates, musical evolution, standout tracks, and how Kae Tempest’s unique voice has shaped modern hip-hop, poetry, and alternative music.

Kae Tempest Albums in Order: A Complete Discography Guide with Tracklists

Everybody Down (2014)

Kae Tempest’s debut album, released under the name Kate Tempest, is a masterful narrative tapestry that weaves together the lives of interconnected characters in modern London. Nominated for the 2014 Mercury Prize, it blends sharp rap flows with electronic production by Dan Carey, exploring themes of love, ambition, and urban struggle. The album feels like a novel in rhyme, with each track advancing a gripping story of young people navigating chaos and dreams. Its innovative structure and vivid lyricism marked Tempest as a fresh voice in hip-hop and poetry, earning praise for its authenticity and emotional depth. A groundbreaking start that set the stage for their evolving artistry.

Track list:

1. Marshall Law
2. The Truth
3. Lonely Daze
4. Chicken
5. The Beigeness
6. Theme From Becky
7. Stink
8. The Heist
9. To the Victor the Spoils
10. Circles
11. Happy End
12. A Hammer

Let Them Eat Chaos (2016)

Building on their debut’s momentum, Let Them Eat Chaos is a politically charged concept album that unfolds over one stormy night in a London block of flats. As Kate Tempest, they deliver spoken-word rap over haunting beats, critiquing capitalism, inequality, and environmental neglect through the eyes of seven insomniac neighbors. Released amid Brexit tensions, it debuted at No. 28 on the UK charts and was another Mercury Prize nominee. The album’s rhythmic urgency and prophetic lyrics create a sense of shared isolation, urging listeners to confront societal ills. It’s a poetic call to action, blending despair with hope, and remains a timely reflection on modern disconnection.

Track list:

1. Picture a Vacuum
2. Lionmouth Door Knocker
3. Ketamine for Breakfast
4. Europe Is Lost
5. We Die
6. Whoops
7. Brews / Interlude
8. Don’t Fall In
9. Pictures on a Screen
10. Perfect Coffee
11. Grubby
12. Breaks
13. Tunnel Vision

The Book of Traps and Lessons (2019)

Kae Tempest’s third album, still under Kate Tempest, shifts to a more introspective tone with minimalist production by Rick Rubin and Dan Carey. It grapples with personal growth, empathy, and the pitfalls of human existence, drawing from poetry to create meditative tracks that feel like life lessons. Themes of vulnerability, division, and unity resonate deeply, especially in a divided world. Critically acclaimed for its raw honesty, it explores identity and connection with sparse instrumentation that lets Tempest’s words shine. This album marks a maturation, inviting listeners on a journey of self-reflection and compassion, solidifying their status as a profound storyteller.

Track list:

1. Thirsty
2. Keep Moving Don’t Move
3. Brown Eyed Man
4. Three Sided Coin
5. I Trap You
6. All Humans Too Late
7. Hold Your Own
8. Lessons
9. Firesmoke
10. Holy Elixir
11. People’s Faces

The Line Is a Curve (2022)

Now fully embracing the name Kae Tempest, this album delves into themes of transformation, pressure, and acceptance amid personal and global upheaval. Produced with Dan Carey and featuring guests like Kevin Abstract and Lianne La Havas, it blends electronic pulses with poetic introspection. Tracks navigate anxiety, identity shifts, and resilience, reflecting Tempest’s non-binary journey. It received widespread acclaim for its vulnerability and sonic evolution, charting Tempest’s growth from storyteller to introspective force. The title suggests life’s non-linear path, encouraging listeners to embrace change. A powerful, empathetic work that connects on a human level, perfect for turbulent times.

Track list:

1. Priority Boredom
2. I Saw Light (feat. Grian Chatten)
3. Nothing to Prove
4. No Prizes (feat. Lianne La Havas)
5. Salt Coast
6. Don’t You Ever
7. These Are the Days
8. Smoking
9. Water in the Rain
10. Move
11. More Pressure (feat. Kevin Abstract)
12. Grace

Self Titled (2025)

Kae Tempest’s fifth studio album, Self Titled, is a bold love letter to community, identity, and future possibilities. Co-produced with talents like Tom Rowlands and featuring collaborators such as Neil Tennant and Young Fathers, it explores trans experiences, London roots, and collective hope amid despair. Released in July 2025, it balances rhythmic intensity with tender reflections, addressing personal evolution and societal bonds. Critics hailed its beauty and resilience, noting Tempest’s lyrical prowess in crafting anthems of solidarity. This self-reflective opus celebrates growth and connection, inviting fans to find joy in authenticity and shared humanity.

Track list:

1. I Stand on the Line
2. Statue in the Square
3. Know Yourself
4. Sunshine on Catford
5. Bless the Bold Future
6. Everything All Together
7. Prayers to the Wind
8. Freedom! ’25
9. The Arc
10. Having Spent Life Seeking
11. The Old Ways
12. Home

Frequently asked questions about Kae Tempest’s

Here are 5 frequently asked questions about Kae Tempest’s albums and career, based on common curiosities from fans and newcomers alike. These cover key aspects of their discography up to 2025.

1. In what order should I listen to Kae Tempest’s albums for the first time?

Start chronologically to follow their artistic evolution:

• Everybody Down (2014) – The narrative-driven debut.
• Let Them Eat Chaos (2016) – Politically intense concept album.
• The Book of Traps and Lessons (2019) – Introspective and minimalist.
• The Line Is a Curve (2022) – Transitional, embracing the name Kae.
• Self Titled (2025) – The most personal and celebratory yet. This order reveals the shift from sharp social storytelling to deeper self-exploration and joy amid struggle.

2. Why did Kae Tempest change their name from Kate Tempest, and when did it happen?

Kae Tempest (he/him pronouns as of 2025) first came out as non-binary in August 2020, adopting they/them pronouns and changing the name to Kae (pronounced like the letter “K,” an old English word for jay bird, symbolizing courage, adaptation, and communication). This marked a step toward self-acceptance after years of hiding aspects of identity. In 2025, Kae came out as a trans man, reflected powerfully in the Self Titled album, which serves as a love letter to the trans community, personal growth, and resilience.

3. Which Kae Tempest album is the most critically acclaimed?

Let Them Eat Chaos (2016) and The Line Is a Curve (2022) both earned strong praise and Mercury Prize nominations (for the former). However, Self Titled (2025) has been hailed by many as their strongest and most powerful work yet — a deeply personal, collaborative triumph blending pain, anxiety, and irrepressible joy, with standout tracks addressing transphobia, mental health, and hope.

4. Does Kae Tempest have any notable collaborations on their albums?

Yes! Later works feature exciting guests: Kevin Abstract on “More Pressure” (The Line Is a Curve, 2022), Lianne La Havas and Grian Chatten on others from that album. Self Titled (2025) stands out with Neil Tennant (Pet Shop Boys) on “Sunshine on Catford,” Young Fathers on “Breathe,” and more from Connie Constance and Tawiah — adding fresh layers to Kae’s rhythmic, poetic style.

5. What themes connect all of Kae Tempest’s albums?

Across the discography, recurring threads include urban life in London, social inequality, personal identity struggles, empathy, and human connection. Early albums focus on societal critique and interconnected stories, while later ones (especially post-2020) dive into self-discovery, gender transition, mental health, and defiant hope. Self Titled ties it together as a celebration of authenticity and community in tough times.

Conclusion

Kae Tempest’s journey from the narrative intensity of Everybody Down to the bold, heartfelt triumph of Self Titled (2025) showcases one of the most compelling voices in modern music and poetry. Their work challenges listeners to confront harsh realities while finding beauty, courage, and solidarity. Whether you’re drawn to the sharp social commentary, introspective lyricism, or the raw honesty of personal transformation, diving into these five albums in order offers a rewarding experience of growth and resilience. Start listening — Kae’s words have a way of staying with you long after the music stops.