10. Lauryn Hill – The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
Now this was originally higher. But then I thought, “well, is it really her debut? Do you count her work with The Fugees? Plus, this seems to top every list in the last year or two.” But it had to make the top 10. Her sole solo album, it’s a true masterpiece. The constant theme of school and love, the beats, her flow. Honestly if Apple Music hadn’t rated this as the greatest album ever earlier this year, it would’ve easily made my top 3. We need some variety don’t we.
9. Gang of Four – Entertainment!
This gets thrown around alot, but Gang of Four were truly ahead of their time. One of the most influential bands you’ve maybe never heard of. REM, U2, INXS, St Vincent and (less impressively) Red Hot Chilli Peppers have all spoke of the importance Gang of Four had on them. Had they broken through in the early 90s they would’ve been just as big as Nirvana. ‘Damaged Goods’ is better than anything Kurt Cobain & co ever released, sorry.
8. The Notorious B.I.G. – Ready to Die
This list has been rife with hip-hop, and we’ve still got two to come after this. But Biggie Smalls debut is maybe the most iconic and well-received out of them all. The big hits, ‘Juicy’ and ‘Big Poppa’ are great, but some of the undercard of this album hits different. ‘One More Chance’ and ‘Who Shot Ya?’ Phwoar. I’m gonna go listen to it in full once I finish this.
7. Rage Against the Machine – Rage Against the Machine
A band who used their ‘Gang of Four’ influence to release an arguably better record. Once again, one of the most iconic albums and covers of all time. Funny how so many debut albums are so iconic. Obviously there’s ‘Killing In The Name’, but ‘Take The Power Back’, ‘Know Your Enemy’ and especially ‘Township Rebellion’ are even heavier and, I would say, better.
6. Beastie Boys – Licensed to Ill
I love the Beastie Boys so much. The attitude, comic effect, combination of voices. Who would’ve thought three white boys would be one of the greatest hip-hop acts ever. MCA’s iconic, gravelly voice is unlike any you’ll hear before or after. But to me, Ad-Rock is just the coolest man ever. You gotta fight… for your right… to partayyyy. Boy, we need a modern day Beastie Boys to emerge.
5. Patti Smith – Horses
A bit of a different vibe to the top 10 so far, Patti Smith’s debut is a true work of art. One of the most poetic artists of all time, this is an album where you have to dedicate 45 minutes of your time and attention, with no distractions. Just sit down, chill out, and witness greatness.
4. Portishead – Dummy
We’re right in the business end now. All you music nerds out there will definitely be angry this didn’t break into the top 3 once you see third. But we’ll get to that. I know Portishead aren’t necessarily shoegaze, but they’re often compared to the likes of Slowdive and Cocteau Twins, and for me this album trumps all them shoegaze/trip-hop bands. I’ve always wondered why Portishead hasn’t been given the task of writing a James Bond song. ‘Sour Times’ is right there.
3. Oasis – Definitely Maybe
So this will anger some of you. But let’s be real, Oasis doesn’t get the love they deserve from music critics and journalists. Rolling Stone would maybe, no… definitely, have ‘Definitely Maybe’ around 40th in this list? I don’t get it. I know I slagged them off earlier whilst talking about Gorillaz, but their first three albums (and The Masterplan) are unbelievable records. They really should’ve stopped then. If you’re not convinced they should be this high, please go back and listen to ‘Definitely Maybe’ in full. You may claim Oasis aren’t your thing, maybe they’re not avant garde enough for you, but you just can’t deny the beauty and rawness of their debut. Those more punky sounding tunes, ‘Bring it On Down’, ‘Columbia’, ‘Up In The Sky’ really should’ve been the blueprint for Oasis going forward. But who am I to tell the Gallaghers what to do.
2. The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses
Maybe the Gallagher brothers biggest influence, The Stone Roses debut is one of the greatest albums ever released by a British band. Taking that Manchester sound and fusing it with more psychedelic and trippy influences, you can see why it’s still one of the best sold vinyls every year in Britain, over 30 years after it’s release. Maybe the fact that their follow up didn’t live up to the hype helps it, they did what Oasis didn’t and called it a day before it got sour. But even if they released 10 shite albums after, their debut would still stand the test of time.
So two of the most iconic Manchester bands take the bronze and silver medals, are we going to stick with that theme for gold?
Nah, we’re jumping across the pond to Brooklyn baby…
1. Nas – Illmatic
Hip-hop has had a strong showing throughout this list, so of course we had to have the greatest hip-hop album ever released as number 1. This album is flawless. Zero fillers. From start to finish you’re gripped by the lyrical prowess of Nas. ‘N.Y. State of Mind’, ‘Life’s a Bitch’, ‘The World is Yours’, ‘One Love’, my personal favourite ‘Halftime’. I could literally sit here and name the full album, in fact I nearly have. When people look back at 90s hip-hop you hear Tupac and Biggie getting all the love. They’re great, but to me the likes of Nas, Lauryn Hill, and A Tribe Called Quest are just a level above. Credit to Nas as he’s still releasing great music to this day. Check out ‘Define My Name’, released earlier this year.
So there we have it. The undeniable 50 greatest debut albums ever released. I feel like i’ve done a pretty good job with this. A decent little variety, right? Get in touch over on Insta if you disagree though, and if I’ve missed any obvious ones, be sure to point it out to me.
We’ll be back with another list before the end of the year, looking at the best albums released in 2024. I’m sure it won’t be quite as impressive as this list, but who knows.
Cya next time. Peace.
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