BEST DEBUT ALBUMS #40-31. 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.  

 

40

THE MONKEES

The Monkees

1966

After premiering on US television, the series “The Monkees” catapulted the group into pop culture. For a time, they rivalled The Beatles. The self-titled debut album topped the charts in North America and Britain. “Last Train To Clarksville” and the show’s theme were included on the disc.

39

ELVIS PRESLEY

Elvis Presley

1956

Sam Phillips, owner of Sun Records, recognized a golden goose when he signed the young Elvis Presley to his label. There’s potential within the grooves of the eponymously-titled first album, where the rising star is finding his own style and sound.

 

38

IF YOU CAN BELIEVE YOUR EYES & EARS

The Mamas & The Papas

1966

The irresistible harmonies of The Mamas & The Papas were put to great effect on the group’s debut album. Among its tracks are the Top 5 hits “Monday, Monday” and “California Dreamin’”. Curiously, the LP cover has the group’s name stated with the grammatically incorrect name of The Mama’s & The Papa’s.

 

37

DIANA ROSS PRESENTS THE JACKSON 5

The Jackson 5

1969

With Diana Ross departing The Supremes, Motown was pinning a lot of hope in its new group. The Jackson siblings were given a sure-fire hit in “I Want You Back” which raced to #1. Motown decided it would help to market the LP if label star Diana Ross was credited with discovering the group. This was not the reality, but it opened doors for The Jackson 5. The disc is noteworthy for the aforementioned smash hit as well as young Michael displaying maturity beyond his years on “Who’s Lovin’ You”. In time, he would overshadow his older brothers. 

 

36

KYLIE

Kylie Minogue

1988

British audiences were introduced to Kylie Minogue through her role in TV soap “Neighbours”. The Australian series spawned other recording acts, but none came close to the popularity and enduring appeal of the girl from Melbourne. Minogue was teamed up with super-producer/ songwriters Stock/ Aitken/ Waterman. The trio’s formula guaranteed chart success, especially in the UK where the album reached the top. Among its tracks are major hits “The Loco-Motion”, “I Should Be So Lucky”, “Got To Be Certain”, “I Still Love You (Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi)” and “It’s No Secret”.

35

TUBULAR BELLS

Mike Oldfield

1973

Aged just 19, Mike Oldfield played almost every instrument featured on his concept album ‘Tubular Bells’. It bridged prog rock with new-age music. The album made #1 in Britain, Canada and Australia. In America, the LP peaked at #3. Following its use in the horror film ‘The Exorcist’, more record enthusiasts became aware of the unique recording.  

34

LITTLE RIVER BAND

Little River Band

1975

LRB was one of the first consistent hit-making groups from Australia while still based in the country. The group’s success in America ushered in a prosperous period for Aussie rock. Debut album ‘Little River Band’ sonically has penetrating the US market as its priority, but this is achieved without compromising the fresh and proficient musicianship between its grooves. Among its standout tracks are: “It’s A Long Way There”, “Curiosity Killed The Cat” and “Emma”. LRB would go on to score a string of hits on both the Australian and American charts well into the 1980s.

 

33

APPETITE FOR DESTRUCTION

Guns N’ Roses

1987

Guns N’ Roses made a mighty splash when the group dropped its debut studio album. Kick-started by opening track “Welcome To The Jungle”, ‘Appetite For Destruction’ keeps the energy level at its extreme throughout. Other standouts include “Paradise City” and “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, The latter blasts off with one of rock’s most unforgettable guitar riffs. Its indelible intro alone would have earned the LP a place among this Top 50.

 

32

THE FAME

Lady Gaga

2008

With echoes of Cher, Madonna and Kylie Minogue, Lady Gaga arrived armed with a debut album packed with hits. These included the global #1s “Just Dance” and “Poker Face”, as well as “Paparazzi”, “Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say)” and “LoveGame”. The album topped the British, European and Canadian charts. This was so effective an introduction to Lady Gaga, that subsequent releases are greeted with enthusiasm to this day.

 

31

PLEASE

Pet Shop Boys

1986

The first LP from Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe as The Pet Shop Boys was ‘Please’. Since then, the duo has dropped a further 14 albums.  At the outset, ‘Please’ served up the hit singles “West End Girls”, “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots Of Money)”, “Suburbia” and “Love Comes Quickly”. Synth-pop would never be the same.