If anything, this year has proved that many emerging artists are truly on the cusp of greatness – despite the endless knocks, financial cuts and setbacks that could have easily come in their way. No matter what the world continues to throw us at all, a slew of beautifully crafted and moving debut albums have shown that there are bountiful stories still yet to be told in music, and those behind them are still determined to make a name for themselves.
- READ MORE: The best albums of 2024… so far!
These newer names deserve to be celebrated. By powering through and reacting to this period of global hardship by speaking out and standing by what’s right – The Great Escape and SXSW boycotts being two fine examples of this collective activism – young, enthusiastic artists continue to thrill and evolve, while inspiring music fans the world over.
From emotional and hard-hitting drill to sprightly indie-pop and luminous amapiano, an array of musicians have stepped up their game with these thrilling debut albums.
English Teacher – ‘This Could Be Texas’
Who: Wittily penned art-rock that’s not afraid to deconstruct modern Britain
What NME said: “What you have in ‘This Could Be Texas’ is everything you want from a debut; a truly original effort from start to finish, an adventure in sound and words, and a landmark statement.”
Key track: ‘Nearly Daffodils’
K-Trap – ‘Smile?’
Who: Pioneering drill star looking to transform and uplift his scene
What NME said: “Now that K-Trap has evolved and now stands as a luminary in his scene, ‘Smile?’ inspires those like him – and others – to gently move on from their past and see the bright side of life.”
Key track: ‘Whistle’
Kneecap – ‘Fine Art’
Who: Firebrand rappers with humour, guts and headline-making power
What NME said: “Feeling voiceless, powerless, unseen, unheard and unwanted, the Belfast rap trio keep the Irish language alive with a hedonistic but brave debut.”
Key track: ‘Better Way To Live’ feat. Grian Chatten
Lip Critic – ‘Hex Dealer’
Who: Chaotic, genre-busting four-piece capable of transporting you to another world
What NME said: “Lip Critic are the band of the moment. A full-on, disruptive force emerging from their city’s underground scene – their music rides high on a bolt of infectious energy.”
Key track: ‘It’s The Magic’
NewDad – ‘Madra’
Who: Starry-eyed and emotive shoegaze-pop from the west of Ireland
What NME said: “‘Madra’ is the sound of a band who have reckoned with where they come from and used it to map out where they’re going. They’ll likely see you at the top.”
Key track: ‘Sickly Sweet’
Rachel Chinouriri – ‘What A Devastating Turn Of Events’
Who: Charming songwriter ready to take UK indie-pop to the next level
What NME said: “As a portrait of a life (and career) transformed, ‘What A Devastating Turn Of Events’ is consistently charming, while offering enough range in sound and scope to hint at Rachel Chinouriri’s future ambitions.”
Key track: ‘It Is What It Is’
Sprints – ‘Letter To Self’
Who: Electrifying rock that dares you to face your deepest emotions
What NME said: “This is a dynamic album that is reflective of the muddled world we find ourselves in – delivered with a fortifying sense of honesty from an essential emerging band.”
Key track: ‘Can’t Get Enough Of It’
Tyla – ‘Tyla’
Who: Amapiano sensation with bags of ambition and confidence
What NME said: “Through sheer tenacity, Tyla anoints herself as South Africa’s brightest new star, reinforcing that amapiano was never a ‘moment’ – and only ever a true movement.”
Key track: ‘Jump’
The Last Dinner Party – ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’
Who: The year’s biggest – and most theatrical – breakout band
What NME said: “Rendered in strings, groove-flecked guitar passages and twinkling keys, the album’s recurring themes ooze out of every verse: girlhood, regret, intimacy, unsatisfying relationships.”
Key track: ‘The Feminine Urge’
Whitelands – ‘Night-bound Eyes Are Blind To The Day’
Who: London quartet crafting vulnerable, deeply moving shoegaze gold
What NME said: “With an array of unexpected textures, there’s barely a misstep to be found on this romantic, sumptuous record… a dizzying mesh of sound.”
Key track: ‘Now Here’s The Weather’