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”.