Cher Albums in Order: Did you know Cher is the only solo artist with number-one singles on US Billboard charts across seven consecutive decades? From her folk-pop beginnings with Sonny & Cher to her groundbreaking dance-pop hits, Cher’s discography is a testament to her reinvention and enduring influence. For fans and music enthusiasts searching for Cher albums in order, this guide chronicles her remarkable journey through every studio album, showcasing her versatility and cultural impact. Dive into the evolution of the “Goddess of Pop” and explore the albums that shaped her legendary career!
Brief Overview of Cher’s Career
Cher, born Cheryl Sarkisian on May 20, 1946, rose to fame in 1965 as half of Sonny & Cher with the iconic “I Got You Babe.” Her solo career, spanning folk, pop, rock, disco, and dance, produced hits like “Believe” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.” With over 100 million records sold, a Grammy, an Oscar, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cher’s influence transcends music. Her bold fashion, outspoken persona, and advocacy for LGBTQ rights and HIV/AIDS awareness cement her as a pop culture icon. This Cher discography reflects her ability to reinvent and captivate across six decades.
All Cher Albums Available on: Apple Music
Also Read: Madonna Albums in Order
Complete List of Cher Albums in Order
Below is a chronological list of Cher’s solo and collaborative studio albums, detailing release years, genres, notable tracks, and their impact. This Cher albums chronological order guide ensures clarity for fans and researchers alike.
1. All I Really Want to Do (1965)
- Genre: Folk-Pop
- Notable Tracks: “All I Really Want to Do,” “Blowin’ in the Wind”
- Description: Cher’s debut solo album, released under Imperial Records, showcased her contralto voice through folk covers, including Bob Dylan’s title track. Peaking at number 16 on the US Billboard 200, it established her as a solo artist amid Sonny & Cher’s rise. AllMusic praised it as a standout folk-pop record of the era, blending youthful energy with moody storytelling.
2. The Sonny Side of Chér (1966)
- Genre: Folk-Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down),” “Where Do You Go”
- Description: Produced by Sonny Bono, this album featured Cher’s first million-selling single, “Bang Bang,” which hit number two in the US. Its theatrical narrative style foreshadowed her later hits. The album reached number 26 on the Billboard 200, solidifying her solo presence during Sonny & Cher’s counterculture fame.
3. Chér (1966)
- Genre: Folk-Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Sunny,” “Alfie”
- Description: Also known as With Love, Chér in some markets, this album included the international hit “Sunny” and the first US recording of “Alfie.” Its diverse tracklist leaned into pop storytelling, peaking at number 59 on the Billboard 200. Cher’s deepening vocal style began to shine, setting the stage for her 1970s success.
4. With Love, Chér (1967)
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “You Better Sit Down Kids,” “Mama (When My Dollies Have Babies)”
- Description: This album featured narrative-driven pop songs, with “You Better Sit Down Kids” reaching the US top ten. Its soap-opera-style tracks, as described by biographer Mark Bego, showcased Cher’s emotive delivery. Though less commercially successful, it highlighted her growing confidence as a performer.
5. Backstage (1968)
- Genre: Pop/Bossa Nova
- Notable Tracks: “Go Now,” “Carnival”
- Description: Exploring bossa nova and protest themes, Backstage was a commercial disappointment, failing to chart. Cher’s experimentation with diverse genres showed ambition but struggled against the era’s heavier rock sounds. Later reappraised, it remains a cult favorite for its bold stylistic choices.
6. 3614 Jackson Highway (1969)
- Genre: R&B/Soul
- Notable Tracks: “For What It’s Worth,” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
- Description: Recorded at Muscle Shoals without Sonny’s involvement, this R&B/soul album was a critical triumph, later called Cher’s finest by AllMusic. Despite its quality, it didn’t chart, as Sonny blocked further releases with Atco. It marked a pivotal shift toward soulful experimentation.
7. Chér (reissued as Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves) (1971)
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” “The Way of Love”
- Description: Produced by Snuff Garrett, this album marked Cher’s first musical comeback, with “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves” topping the US Billboard Hot 100. Certified gold, it reached number 16 on the Billboard 200. Its dramatic storytelling resonated, reestablishing Cher as a solo star.
8. Foxy Lady (1972)
- Genre: Pop/Ballad
- Notable Tracks: “Living in a House Divided,” “Don’t Hide Your Love”
- Description: An all-ballad album, Foxy Lady showcased Cher’s vocal evolution but saw producer Garrett depart after disputes with Sonny. Peaking at number 43, it was certified gold. The album’s emotional depth reflected Cher’s growing artistry amid her TV stardom.
9. Bittersweet White Light (1973)
- Genre: Standards/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “By Myself,” “Am I Blue?”
- Description: A standards album insisted upon by Sonny, it was a commercial flop, failing to chart. Cher’s dramatic vocal delivery suited the genre, but its old-fashioned style clashed with her contemporary image, marking a rare misstep in her discography.
10. Half-Breed (1973)
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “Half-Breed,” “Carousel Man”
- Description: Reuniting with Garrett, Cher delivered her third US number-one single, “Half-Breed.” The gold-certified album, peaking at number 28, tackled themes of identity, reflecting Cher’s Cherokee heritage. Its bold narrative solidified her as a storytelling powerhouse.
11. Dark Lady (1974)
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “Dark Lady,” “Train of Thought”
- Description: Featuring her third US number-one single, “Dark Lady,” this gold-certified album hit number 69 on the Billboard 200. Its dramatic, story-driven tracks continued Cher’s hit streak, cementing her as a leading female artist in the 1970s.
12. Stars (1975)
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Geronimo’s Cadillac,” “These Days”
- Description: Signed to Warner Bros., Cher aimed for a rock sound inspired by Joni Mitchell. Despite critical praise and later cult status, Stars flopped commercially, peaking at number 153. Its introspective style showcased her ambition to be a serious artist.
13. I’d Rather Believe in You (1976)
- Genre: Pop/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “Long Distance Love Affair,” “I’d Rather Believe in You”
- Description: Another commercial failure, this album reflected Cher’s narrative pop roots but failed to chart. Recorded amid her marriage to Gregg Allman, it struggled against her TV overexposure, though fans later appreciated its heartfelt performances.
14. Cherished (1977)
- Genre: Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Pirate,” “War Paint and Soft Feathers”
- Description: Returning to pop at Warner’s insistence, Cherished was a commercial disappointment, missing the charts. Its lighter tone clashed with Cher’s rock aspirations, but her vocal delivery remained a highlight for dedicated fans.
15. Take Me Home (1979)
- Genre: Disco/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Take Me Home,” “Wasn’t It Good”
- Description: Signed to Casablanca Records, Cher embraced disco with the gold-certified Take Me Home, peaking at number 25. The title track became a top-ten hit, capitalizing on the disco craze and marking her second musical comeback.
16. Prisoner (1979)
- Genre: Disco/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “Hell on Wheels,” “Holdin’ Out for Love”
- Description: Aiming to blend disco and rock, Prisoner faced criticism for its inconsistent style and controversial cover art. It failed to chart, but “Hell on Wheels” tied into the roller-skating trend, showing Cher’s knack for cultural relevance.
17. I Paralyze (1982)
- Genre: New Wave/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “I Paralyze,” “Back on the Street Again”
- Description: Cher’s only Columbia Records album, I Paralyze leaned into new wave but failed to chart, marking a low point before her acting pivot. Its experimental sound later gained appreciation among fans.
18. Cher (1987)
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “I Found Someone,” “We All Sleep Alone”
- Description: Signed to Geffen, this platinum-certified album marked Cher’s third comeback, hitting number 32 on the Billboard 200. “I Found Someone” was her first top-ten hit in eight years, reestablishing her as a rock force.
19. Heart of Stone (1989)
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “If I Could Turn Back Time,” “Just Like Jesse James”
- Description: A triple-platinum success, peaking at number 10, this album produced three US top-ten singles. Its iconic video for “If I Could Turn Back Time” sparked controversy, cementing Cher’s bold image.
20. Love Hurts (1991)
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Love and Understanding,” “Save Up All Your Tears”
- Description: Certified gold in the US and topping the UK charts, Love Hurts showcased Cher’s emotive rock style. Its UK success and top-ten single “Love and Understanding” fueled her early 1990s dominance.
21. It’s a Man’s World (1995)
- Genre: Pop/R&B
- Notable Tracks: “Walking in Memphis,” “One by One”
- Description: Signed to Warner UK, this R&B-infused album hit the UK top ten but peaked at number 64 in the US. Critics praised Cher’s restrained vocals, marking a mature evolution in her sound.
22. Believe (1998)
- Genre: Dance-Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Believe,” “Strong Enough”
- Description: A quadruple-platinum global hit, Believe sold 11 million copies and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200. The title track, introducing the “Cher effect” Auto-Tune, topped charts in 23 countries, redefining pop music.
23. Not Commercial (2000)
- Genre: Singer-Songwriter/Rock
- Notable Tracks: “Sisters of Mercy,” “The Fall”
- Description: Self-written and sold online after label rejection, this album tackled raw themes like homelessness and suicide. Its introspective style, though not a chart success, showcased Cher’s songwriting depth.
24. Living Proof (2001)
- Genre: Dance-Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Song for the Lonely,” “The Music’s No Good Without You”
- Description: Certified gold, this dance-focused album hit number 9 on the Billboard 200. Dedicated to 9/11 victims, it reinforced Cher’s dance-pop relevance with Grammy-nominated tracks.
25. Closer to the Truth (2013)
- Genre: Dance-Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Woman’s World,” “I Hope You Find It”
- Description: Debuting at number 3 on the Billboard 200—Cher’s highest US chart position—this album blended dance and ballads. Its critical acclaim highlighted her enduring appeal at age 67.
26. Dancing Queen (2018)
- Genre: Pop/Disco
- Notable Tracks: “Dancing Queen,” “Fernando”
- Description: Inspired by Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, this ABBA covers album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200, with 153,000 first-week sales. Critics praised Cher’s vibrant reinterpretations.
27. Christmas (2023)
- Genre: Holiday/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “DJ Play a Christmas Song,” “What Christmas Means to Me”
- Description: Cher’s first holiday album topped the Billboard Top Holiday Albums chart. Featuring duets with Stevie Wonder and others, its lead single extended her record for number-one singles across seven decades.
Collaborative Studio Albums by Cher
1. Two the Hard Way (with Gregg Allman as Allman and Woman) (1977)
- Genre: Rock/Pop
- Notable Tracks: “Move Me,” “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”
- Description: Recorded under the moniker Allman and Woman during Cher’s marriage to Gregg Allman, this album blended rock and pop with a focus on duets. Released by Warner Bros. Records, it was a commercial failure, failing to chart, and received mixed reviews due to the clashing fanbases of Cher and Allman. The album was supported by a European tour, but audience conflicts led to its cancellation. Despite its lack of success, it remains a unique entry in Cher’s discography, reflecting her brief pivot to collaborative rock projects.
2. Black Rose (as lead vocalist of Black Rose) (1980)
- Genre: Rock/Punk
- Notable Tracks: “Never Should’ve Started,” “You Know It”
- Description: Cher formed the rock band Black Rose with guitarist Les Dudek and other musicians, aiming to establish herself as a serious rock artist. Released under Casablanca Records, the album leaned into punk-inspired rock but was a commercial and critical flop, with critics dismissing Cher’s rock credibility. Cher downplayed her celebrity status, avoiding top billing, but the album still failed to resonate. It’s a notable experiment in her career, showcasing her willingness to take risks outside her pop persona.
How many albums does Cher Have?
American entertainer Cher has released 27 studio albums, 11 compilation albums, four soundtrack albums, and three live albums.
All Cher Albums in Order of Release Date
Studio albums:
1. All I Really Want to Do — October 16, 1965
2. The Sonny Side of Chér — March 28, 1966
3. Chér — September 5, 1966
4. With Love, Chér — October 23, 1967
5. Backstage — May 27, 1968
6. 3614 Jackson Highway — June 20, 1969
7. Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves — September, 1971
8. Foxy Lady — July 10, 1972
9. Bittersweet White Light — April, 1973
10. Half-Breed — September, 1973
11. Dark Lady — May, 1974
12. Stars — April 19, 1975
13. I’d Rather Believe in You — October 12, 1976
14. Cherished — August 11, 1977
15. Take Me Home — January 25, 1979
16. Prisoner — October 22, 1979
17. I Paralyze — May 28, 1982
18. Cher — November 10, 1987
19. Heart of Stone — July 10, 1989
20. Love Hurts — June 18, 1991
21. It’s a Man’s World — November 6, 1995
22. Believe — November 10, 1998
23. Not Commercial — November 8, 2000
24. Living Proof — November 19, 2001
25. Closer to the Truth — September 24, 2013
26. Dancing Queen — September 28, 2018
27. Christmas — October 20, 2023
Compilations:
1. Cher’s Golden Greats — 1968
2. Superpack Vol. 1 — 1972
3. Superpack Vol. 2 — 1972
4. Greatest Hits — October 1974
5. Greatest Hits: 1965–1992 — November 9, 1992
6. If I Could Turn Back Time: Cher’s Greatest Hits — March 9, 1999
7. The Greatest Hits — November 30, 1999
8. The Very Best of Cher — April 1, 2003
9. Gold — March 1, 2005
10. Icon — January 4, 2011
11. Forever — September 20, 2024
Soundtrack albums:
1. Chastity — June 20, 1969
2. Mermaids — November 13, 1990
3. Burlesque (with Christina Aguilera) — November 19, 2010
4. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again — July 13, 2018
Live albums:
1. VH1 Divas 1999 — November 2, 1999
2. VH1 Divas Las Vegas — October 22, 2002
3. Live! The Farewell Tour — August 26, 2003
Video albums:
1. Extravaganza: Live at the Mirage — June 9, 1992
2. The Video Collection — 8 March 1993
3. Live in Concert — December 6, 1999 (UK), December 21, 1999 (US)
4. The Farewell Tour — April 8, 2003
5. The Very Best of Cher: The Video Hits Collection — June 22, 2004
Other albums:
1. Two the Hard Way (as Allman and Woman) — November 1977
2. Black Rose — August 21, 1980
Evolution of Cher’s Music
Cher’s music evolved dramatically, reflecting her adaptability. The 1960s saw her blend folk-pop with Sonny & Cher and solo hits like “Bang Bang,” embodying counterculture vibes. The 1970s brought narrative-driven pop with “Gypsys, Tramps & Thieves,” followed by disco in Take Me Home. Her 1980s hair metal phase (Cher, Heart of Stone) showcased rock anthems, while Believe (1998) pioneered dance-pop with Auto-Tune’s “Cher effect.” The 21st century saw her embrace modern dance-pop (Closer to the Truth) and ABBA-inspired pop (Dancing Queen). Each shift, from folk to disco to rock to dance, highlights her ability to stay relevant, making her Cher music evolution a masterclass in reinvention.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- Auto-Tune Pioneer: Cher insisted on using Auto-Tune for Believe (1998), creating the “Cher effect” that revolutionized pop music.
- Cult Classic: 3614 Jackson Highway (1969) was initially overlooked but later hailed as her finest work for its soulful depth.
- Controversial Cover: Prisoner (1979) sparked feminist criticism for its chained imagery, symbolizing Cher’s media struggles.
- Self-Written Album: Not Commercial (2000) was sold online after label rejection, showcasing Cher’s bold songwriting.
- Record-Breaking Sales: Dancing Queen (2018) had the biggest sales week for a female pop album that year.
Conclusion:
Cher’s discography, spanning 1965’s All I Really Want to Do to 2023’s Christmas, showcases her unparalleled versatility and reinvention. From folk-pop to dance anthems, her albums reflect a career that defies trends while setting them. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to her music, this Cher albums in order guide invites you to explore her iconic sound. What’s your favorite Cher album? Share in the comments, and check out our guide to Cher’s Top Hits for more!
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