BEST DEBUT ALBUMS #20-11. 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. 

 

20

THE MISEDUCATION OF LAURYN HILL

Lauryn Hill

1998

After recording with The Fugees, Lauryn Hill launched her solo career. This was kick-started with a stunning debut album. Packed with an exciting clever mix of styles and themes, among its highlights are the tracks “ex-Factor”, “To Zion”, “Doo Wop (That Thing)”, “Nothing Even Matters” and “Everything Is Everything”. It would have ranked higher had Hill managed to better this release; a feat she has yet to achieve.

 

19

DIRE STRAITS

Dire Straits

1978

Long before the lengthy introductions, Dire Straits had short(er) tracks, as demonstrated on its self-titled debut album. The sharp musicianship was already in place. Mark Knopfler penned all of the tracks on ‘Dire Straits’. Standouts include the brilliant debut single “Sultans Of Swing”, “Water Of Love” and “Down To The Waterline”. With this solid base, the band went on to greater heights.

 

18

ACOUSTIC SOUL

India.Arie

2001

Motown was still a presence on the charts thanks to its new breed of musicians, including the talented India.Arie. She explores an array of themes, including self-identity on tracks such as “Video” and “Brown Skin”. Her voice shines on ballads such as “Ready For Love”. This is an under-rated recording.

 

17

NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS, HERE’S THE SEX PISTOLS

Sex Pistols

1977

Few releases smash their way into pop culture the way The Sex Pistols did in the 1970s. The group almost singlehandedly exposed the globe to punk rock. The tracks on ‘Never Mind The Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols’ challenged social norms and sacred cows such as the monarchy. Suddenly, musicianship did not matter. Image and message ruled. Rock music would never be the same in its wake.  

 

16

SONGS IN A MINOR

Alicia Keys

2001

Some debut albums give a listener certainty that this new artist is special and possesses durability. Such was the case with Alicia Keys’ first album release. Just one listen to “Fallin’” and one is convinced that here is an artist with a gift.  Fortunately, there are other treats on offer throughout the album; including “Caged Bird”, “Why Do I Feel So Sad” and her cover of Prince’s “How Come You Don’t Call Me”. A breathtaking listen and the arrival of a new talented musician.

 

15

THE VELVET UNDERGROUND & NICO

The Velvet Underground & Nico

1967

This LP may not have sold multiple copies at the time, but it is often said that it had a profound impact on those that did make the purchase. Countless musicians cite this album as a major influence on their sound. Remembered for the Andy Warhol illustration of a banana on its cover, The Velvet Underground featured Lou Reed and John Cale who composed the tracks on this extraordinary LP. Among its unique contents are: “Waiting For The Man”, “Venus In Furs” and “Heroin”. Enough said.

 

14

THE DOORS

The Doors

1967

There were many sides to Jim Morrison. He could be both alluring and menacing. Hints of this are already there in the tracks on the American group’s solid eponymously-titled debut album. The best moments include “The Crystal Ship”, “Light My Fire”, “Break On Through (To The Other Side)” and “The End”.

 

13

FOREIGNER

Foreigner

1977

Packed with radio staples “Feels Like The First Time”, “Cold As Ice” and “Long, Long Way From Home”, Foreigner’s self-titled debut album served as a well grounded introduction to its rock sound. This would evolve on subsequent releases, but it all started here with a competent and confident premiere.

 

12

EAGLES

Eagles

1972

From the onset, American rock group Eagles proved its mettle. Its eponymous debut album spawned the radio hits “Take It Easy”, “Witchy Woman” and “Peaceful Easy Feeling”. The LP proved to be a solid base from which the group’s sound would develop on future releases.

 

11

THE BARBRA STREISAND ALBUM

Barbra Streisand

1963

Expectations were high when Broadway’s new sensation Barbra Streisand unleashed her debut album. Her undeniable talent burst from its grooves. That unique voice wrapped itself around standards (“Cry Me A River”; “Happy Days Are Here Again”) and ballads (“I’ll Tell The Man In The Street”; “Just Once”). There’s also that zany delivery that injects humour where it’s required on tracks such as “Come To The Supermarket (In Old Peking)” and “Who’s Afraid Of The Big Bad Wolf”. The LP was greeted with 5 Grammy nominations. It won Album of the Year and Best Female Vocal Performance.