Ranking the top 50 (fifty!) greatest debut albums of all time

Ranking albums is always pretty pointless and trivial isn’t it. But shoot me down as I am guilty, they are pretty f-ing fun. I love going through Rolling Stone’s insane lists and complaining about just how wrong they are.

So move over Rolling Stone, there’s a new wrong list in town…

Don’t be scared to voice your opinions over on our insta page, @jacks.jukebox. I’d love to hear just how wrong you all are.


50. Elvis Presley – Elvis Presley

Kicking things off with the oldest album on this list. 1956, Elvis began his meteoric rise to levels of stardom unseen before him. Opening up with the classic “Blue Suede Shoes”, it was a precursor for the future of this young man from Memphis. The album cover needs a shout-out aswell. Is it more iconic than ‘London Calling’? That’s a conversation for another day.


49. Daft Punk – Homework

I’m sure some of you would have this higher, maybe it is a better album than some to come. But the two helmeted Frenchmen released so many (in my opinion) better albums after their debut. Still a great album, with ‘Around The World’ being a top 5 Daft Punk tune.


48. Sex Pistols – Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s the Sex Pistols

The first on this list where I’m gonna say it’s slightly overrated. Another which may be much higher on your list. Obviously it’s a good album, it’s made my top 50, however I think it’s become more of a materialistic album over the years. There’s many better from the same era which don’t get the same acclaim as Jonny Rotten & co’s debut.


47. Minnie Riperton – Come to My Garden

Possibly one of the least well-known EP’s on this list. The introduction of one of souls most unique voices. A career that only lasted 9 years before her tragic death in 1979, this album opens up with ‘Les Fleurs’, a truly beautiful, engaging song to kick off her career. Her best album came with 1975’s “Adventures in Paradise”, one of the greatest albums ever in my opinion. But ‘Come to My Garden’ isn’t too far behind.


46. Kneecap – Fine Art

The most recent entry to this list, this mad, energetic, unapologetically Irish trio shook the music world this year. Their shows have been attended by a list of who’s who. Ranging from Noel Gallagher and Paul Weller, to Ed Sheeran… everyone wants a piece of Kneecap. Including Amazon Prime with the release of their feature-length film. The sky’s the limit for Kneecap.


45. Bruno Mars – Doo-Wops & Hooligans

The first 2 albums I bought with my own money at 11 years old were Bruno Mars and Tinie Tempah, so obviously they both had to make the list. Doo-Wops & Hooligans is truly a massively under-appreciated album in my opinion. Obviously there were the mega hits, ‘Grenade’ etc., but you have got to check out ‘The Other Side’ ft. B.O.B and Cee Lo Green. Banger !

Right, I’m well aware no one wants to read a summary of all 50 albums, so let’s skip forward a few shall we. Join me over on page 2 for 40-31.


44. Tinie Tempah – Disc-Overy


43. LCD Soundsystem – LCD Soundsystem


42. The Last Dinner Party – Prelude to Ecstasy


41. Cyndi Lauper – She’s So Unusual

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2 responses to “Ranking the top 50 (fifty!) greatest debut albums of all time”

  1. Massive Attack – Blue Lines?

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know I know… when I was reading it back the day after posting that jumped out as my biggest omission. Honestly should be top 20

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