The Postal Service Discography and Chart History
From independent beginnings to major label success, the musical journey of the artist is marked by a diverse collection of studio recordings, live captures, and compilations. Their evolution is reflected not only in their changing sound but also in their commercial trajectory across global music markets.
Key Facts
- Begin to Hope is the most commercially successful studio album, achieving RIAA Platinum status in the US.
- The artist has released a total of eight studio albums, spanning from 2001 to 2022.
- Chart success has been most prominent in the US, UK, Australia, and Sweden.
- Early releases like 11:11 and Songs were self-released before the artist transitioned to labels such as Sire and WEA.
Studio Album Evolution
The studio discography began with self-released projects in the early 2000s. The first two releases, 11:11 (July 9, 2001) and Songs (February 25, 2002), established the foundation of their work on CD format.
By 2004, the artist moved toward wider distribution with Soviet Kitsch, released via Sire, Shoplifter, and WEA. This era saw the first significant sales figures, with 156,210 copies sold in the US.
The mid-2000s marked a commercial peak with Begin to Hope (June 13, 2006). This album achieved significant chart presence, peaking at number 10 in Sweden and number 18 in Ireland. It remains a standout success with 709,264 US sales and certifications including RIAA Platinum and ARIA Gold.
Subsequent releases continued to find chart success. Far (2009) reached number 3 in the US and number 8 in Sweden, while What We Saw from the Cheap Seats (2012) also peaked at number 3 in the US. Later works include Remember Us to Life (2016) and the most recent studio effort, Home, Before and After (June 24, 2022).
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Live and Compilation Releases
Beyond studio work, the artist has captured their performance energy through live albums. Live in London, released on November 22, 2010, recorded 18,846 sales in the US, followed by Live on Soundstage in 2017.
Additionally, the compilation album Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories was released on January 16, 2006, through Transgressive, reaching number 185 on the UK charts.
Discography Summary
| Album Title | Release Date | US Peak | US Sales | Key Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:11 | July 9, 2001 | — | — | — |
| Songs | Feb 25, 2002 | — | — | — |
| Soviet Kitsch | Aug 17, 2004 | — | 156,210 | — |
| Begin to Hope | June 13, 2006 | 20 | 709,264 | RIAA Platinum, ARIA Gold, BPI Gold |
| Far | June 23, 2009 | 3 | 262,502 | RIAA Gold, ARIA Gold, BPI Silver |
| What We Saw from the Cheap Seats | May 29, 2012 | 3 | 174,000 | — |
| Remember Us to Life | Sept 30, 2016 | 23 | — | — |
| Home, Before and After | June 24, 2022 | — | — | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which album had the highest sales in the United States?
Begin to Hope had the highest US sales with 709,264 copies sold.
What are the certifications for the album 'Far'?
The album Far is certified Gold by the RIAA (US) and ARIA (Australia), and Silver by the BPI (UK).
How many live albums have been released?
There are two live albums: Live in London (2010) and Live on Soundstage (2017).
Which labels have released the artist's work?
The artist has worked with several labels, including self-releasing early work, and later partnering with Sire, Shoplifter, WEA, and Transgressive.
Did the compilation album chart in the UK?
Yes, Mary Ann Meets the Gravediggers and Other Short Stories reached number 185 on the UK charts.