These artists made an immediate impact with memorable full-length debuts.
From left: Kneecap, Rachel Chinouriri, Lola Young and English Teacher.
Illustration: Lyanne Natividad
What does it take to deliver humanity, admiration and passion in an age when music is moving faster and louder than ever before? For emerging artists, many of whom are still finding their voice and their way in the world, it's a question that can become a heavy burden, a reminder that navigating the industry itself can often feel like a minefield.
But despite it all, these acts continue to shine in the face of adversity – and 2024's musical output is dazzling proof of that. In the UK and Ireland, it felt right that three-quarters of the nominees for the prestigious Mercury Prize were for debut albums. It was a year where, more than ever, music felt like a space where younger talent could share the spotlight with their heroes, if not give them a run for their money when it came to breaking trends.
Memorable statements were made. Lyrical declarations of hope for the future were supported by multidimensional pop arrangements. Painful reflections on modern life served as a means of purification. visions of modern pop soared to new heights. The likes of English Teacher, Griff, Berwyn and Rachel Chinouriri made sure bids to win the hearts of the new audience.
These progressive, experimental-sounding names challenged listeners to stop the world around them and embrace the feeling of finding a new record to enjoy and return to. In their fearless ambition, a series of groundbreaking LPs set the tone for where British and Irish music could go.
Here are the 10 best UK and Irish debut albums of 2024, listed alphabetically by artist.
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Berwyn, who i am
Occasionally, listening who i am it felt like hearing a loud alarm with a signal that you couldn't escape. This sprawling collection delved into Berwyn's lifetime of struggle (issues of immigration, disruptive upbringing) and how he hoped his pain could go away, his voice sounding rich and powerful in bass-heavy arrangements – music that pays close attention in an age where this is increasingly rare. – SOPHIE WILLIAMS
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Great Special, Post-Industrial Hometown Blues
The Midlands duo aren't the first on these shores to tackle the abject apathy of our political situation and detail the brutal impact on the working classes, but Big Special's debut uses new ideas and sounds. There are touches of blues and soul in these anthems of frustration and depression, most notably “Desperate Breakfast”. – THOMAS SMITH
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English teacher, This could be Texas
In September, the Leeds group did a rare feat by winning the prestigious Mercury Prize. An indie band hadn't won the award since Wolf Alice won the award in 2018, but there were similarities: Both played hard gigs and built meaningful communities in the early stages of their journeys. This could be TexasEnglish Teacher's debut LP, is one of the best the scene has produced in years, featuring imaginative, soulful lyrics from singer Lily Fontaine. Start with the sharp 'The World's Biggest Paving Slab' and drill further from there. – TS
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Griffin, Vertigo
Conformity is boring and Griff wants no part of it. The release for her debut album Vertigo saw the Hertfordshire-born pop artist release the record as a series of EPs in the build-up to the full LP, reflecting her need to release and frame the records as she saw fit. Vertigo examined her professional rise amidst personal growth and is best captured on 'I Miss Me Too', the album's dizzying highlight. – TS
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Kneecap, of Fine Arts
This Irish rap trio toiled for years to become an almost overnight sensation. While his debut project in 2018 3CAG it remains largely a cult concern, unfiltered continuity Fine arts saw the band break into the mainstream consciousness, wheelbarrow their way to critical acclaim. Both the sound and subject matter of this exciting LP had the ability to leave any fan, new or old, feeling ready to take on the world. – SW
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New Dad, Paddock
The feeling of release – of clenching your fists and singing along to a soaring chorus – is a timeless pleasure, rarely bettered this year than NewDad. The quiet power of this young Irish band's ethereal, distinctly shoegaze sound has only deepened with age and maturity, enhanced by Paddock and his embrace of enthusiastic guitars. – SW
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Rachel Chinouriri, What a disastrous turn of events
With a shimmering pop sensibility and a confident, playful '00s aesthetic, Croydon's Rachel Chinouriri has grown up before our eyes. This glorious debut saw the singer-songwriter expand her sound in the service of her ever-growing ambition, incorporating bright melodies in place of cool, muted electronica. Grounding the album in some hard-earned emotional truths made it accessible and direct. – SW
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Nias Archives, Silence is powerful
In recent years, Nia Archives has been banging the drum – very loudly – for the UK jungle scene, with the Bradford-born, Leeds-raised DJ and producer championing inclusion and reflection of underground culture. Her debut LP may seem like a risk Silence is powerful it comes across as heavily influenced by pop and rock songwriting structures, but it's something that has paid off. “Cards On The Table”, “Out Of Options” and “Unfinished Business” suggest that a happy medium can be achieved, giving the LP wide appeal and credibility in the scene it loves so much. – TS
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sprint, Letter to self
Sprints has made its name with a live show that is both wild and joyful. the Dublin band put in the work early on to hone their craft and bring their game to every show. Letter to self it's a rare debut that retains its energy in recorded form, led in large part by Karla Chubb's honesty as a songwriter and singer. “Cathedral,” for example, tackles the complexities of figuring out a queer identity with a Catholic upbringing, and Chubb delivers each line with heart and compassion for the listener and its subject. – TS
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Whitelands, Night eyes are blind by day
On the glorious debut from London shoegazers Whitelands, surprises could be found around every corner – from moments of throbbing, hard noise to dreampop flourishes. The record came as a cap to a recent resurgence for the genre and deftly demonstrated that so much life and color can still be drawn from any complex pedal setup. – SW
