Destiny’s Child’s Self-Titled Debut Album Turns 25: Songs Ranked From Worst to Best

Destiny’s Child picked up two Grammys, earned four No. 1 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and launched the career of one of the biggest musical icons of the past quarter-century (who is now the most Grammy-winning artist in history). But the fiercely independent women didn’t exactly start their career firing on all cylinders.

Released 25 years ago (Feb. 17), the group’s 1998 debut album was initially greeted with a similar response to its only hit: “No, No, No.” Peaking at a lowly No. 67 on the Billboard 200, the self-titled affair suggested that Destiny’s Child would quickly fall by the wayside a la Zhané, Allure and nearly every other R&B girl band who had a solitary top 10 Hot 100 single to their name in the 1990s.

Of course, Beyoncé Knowles, Kelly Rowland and (for a brief moment) LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett ended up challenging for TLC’s crown with their 1999 sophomore album, The Writing’s on the Wall. And as a result, its largely ignored predecessor enjoyed something of a second wind, with many fans who came on board thanks to “Bills, Bills, Bills” and “Say My Name” hoping to discover just as many previously hidden gems. Its domestic sales have now passed the 847,000 mark, according to Luminate.

But Destiny’s Child is no doubt still regarded as the least essential part of the group’s discography. And ultimately Beyoncé’s and Kelly Rowland’s catalogs, too. So, is this reputation deserved? Here’s a ranking of its 13 offerings from worst to best.