BEST DEBUT ALBUMS #30-21. More: tomorrow.
A Caffè Lattè spotlight on:
THE TOP 50
BEST DEBUT ALBUMS
Some recording
acts evolve with each album. Others make a splash from their first release.
Caffè Lattè looks back on 50 debut albums that were worthy of praise and proved
to be an effective introduction to the performers.
30
MADONNA
Madonna
1983
Although she was dismissed as a bimbo by some critics in
her early career, Mafdonna persevered and went on to become one of the most
successful female music acts of all time. She laid the groundwork with her debut
album. ‘Madonna’ included the hits “Lucky Star”, “Burning Up”, “Holiday” and
the gorgeous “Borderline”. From here on, the only way was up for the thrilling
new star.
29
ICEHOUSE
The Flowers
1980
Australian group The Flowers later changed its name to
Icehouse. Its debut album served up strong tracks: “We Can Get Together”, “Can’t
Help Myself”, “Walls”, “Icehouse” and “Sister”. Led by Iva Davies, the band
would enjoy major overseas success years later.
28
PRETENDERS
Pretenders
1980
With Chrissie Hynde out front, Pretenders burst onto the
scene with the impressive “Brass In Pocket”. A self-titled debut album
followed, packed with the singles “Kid”, “Stop Your Sobbing” and “Precious”.
Further success ensued.
27
SHOTGUN
Junior Walker & The All Stars
1965
Motown was ruling the airwaves with R&B/ pop classics,
but some of its releases explored a grittier, funkier musical direction. ‘Shotgun’
was the debut album by Junior Walker & The All Stars, an act that is often
overlooked because of the abundance of superstars on the Detroit label. The LP
boasts the title track, “(I’m A) Road Runner”, “Shake And Fingerpop”, “Tune Up”
and “Monkey Jump”.
26
SHE’S SO UNUSUAL
Cyndi Lauper
1983
The world was introduced to Cyndi Lauper through her debut
album ‘She’s So Unusual’. The tracks were diverse. Her annoying voice was
harnessed where it needed to be. The LP was filled with hit singles: “Girls
Just Want To Have Fun”, “Time After Time”, “Shebop” and “All Through The Night”.
Lauper kicks the album off with a Prince cover (“When You Were Mine”). Lauper failed
to deliver another album of this quality.
25
OUTLANDOS D’AMOUR
The Police
1978
Hard to believe that “Roxanne” did not immediately catch
on. When it finally did, it made a hit out of parent album ‘Outlandos D’Amour’.
As well as containing that Police signature tune, the LP offers “Can’t Stand
Losing You” and “So Lonely”. The album showcases Sting’s songwriting ability as
well as the precise musicianship of Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers.
24
CAN’T BUY A THRILL
Steely Dan
1972
Loaded up with FM radio staples “Do It Again” and “Reelin’
In The Years”, ‘Can’t Buy A Thrill’ is a worthy introduction to the studio
mastery of pivotal members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. There’s also “Dirty
Work” which was later covered by The Pointer Sisters. Music was rarely ever as
professional-sounding as on this LP.
23
MARCIA SHINES
Marcia Hines
1975
At the time of its release, Marcia Hines was making the
transition from musical theatre cast member (“Hair” and “Jesus Christ Superstar”)
to soloist. The girl from Boston made Australia her new home. On her debut
album she covered songs from a diverse range of sources: James Taylor, Jimmy Webb,
Brian Holland/ Lamont Dozier/ Eddie Holland and Mick Jagger/ Keith Richards. Among
its best tracks are: “From The Inside”, “Fire And Rain”, “Don’t Let The Grass
Grow” and “Trilogy”. It soon became the best selling album by a female act in
Australia.
22
AGE OF CONSENT
Bronski Beat
1984
Like a gay Joshua, Jimmy Somerville stormed the walls of
discrimination and homophobia with his trio Bronski Beat. ‘Age of Consent’ was
a political protest about the way homosexuals were victims of prejudice and
violence. Somerville is brazen on tracks such as “Why?”. He pleads his case with
emotion on “Smalltown Boy”. There’s also a nod to gay culture with a cover of Donna
Summer’s “I Feel Love:”. This LP changed the pop landscape.
21
TEN
Pearl Jam
1991
Pearl Jam entrenched itself into the heavy rock genre
immediately with the powerful ‘Ten’. This debut album saw them rival Nirvana in
the grunge arena, but soon proved to be so much more versatile than the constraints
of that genre. Among its essential tracks are: “Even Flow”, “Alive”, “Jeremy”
and the sublime “Oceans”.
