2024’s best albums were experimental, authentic and hard to pigeonhole. Amidst new offerings from some of the greats – Billie, Charli, Beyoncé – came fully-realised bodies of work from relative newbies: artists marking a major chapter in their musical journey with a statement of intent: debut albums that were inventive and distinctive. As we look forward to seeing just what these young bucks will do next, please enjoy the top 10 debut albums of 2024, as voted by The Forty-Five’s collective of music critics.
1English Teacher – ‘This Could Be Texas’
On their Mercury-Prize-winning debut, English Teacher created a record that could only have been made in the British North. Full of hope and grit and bravery and belief, it demonstrated a commitment to the idea you can make guitar music that is odd and intimate but still packs a commercial punch. For a band that built an audience the old-fashioned way, through playing gigs and getting radio play, it gave many faith that the algorithm doesn’t rule it all. Charlotte Gunn
2The Last Dinner Party – ‘Prelude To Ecstasy’
Coming good on the hype and then some, ‘Prelude to Ecstasy’ was an entirely fully-formed statement of a debut. Fusing radio-baiting choruses with literary smarts and audacious, theatrical bombast, it placed The Last Dinner Party in a league – and world – of their own. Lisa Wright
3Doechii – ‘Alligator Bites Never Heal’
Technically a mixtape but too good not to mention, Doechii‘s first full-length project cemented her longevity in hip-hop. From the braggadocious, perfect flow on ‘Nissan Altima’ (“I’m the new hip-hop Madonna / I’m the trap Grace Jones“) to more vulnerable moments where she tackles intrusive thoughts and losing friends, Doechii’s chameleonic style has us gassed for her album proper. Charlotte Gunn
4Nia Archives – ‘Silence Is Loud’
With her debut studio album, Nia Archives succeeded in cementing her position as one of the most exciting voices in British dance music. On ‘Silence is Loud’, Nia Archives gave a nod to genres including indie, pop and R&B, but at its heart is introspective jungle and drum & bass, tied together by cathartic beats and understated production. Arusa Qureshi
5Sprints – ‘Letter To Self’
Channelling the spirit of ‘Rid Of Me’, ‘Surfer Rosa’ and ‘Live Through This’, Sprints delivered one of the most visceral debuts of 2024 in ‘Letter To Self’. Think: searing garage-punk, anchored by the cathartic power of Karla Chubb’s serrated howl. Gemma Samways
6Rachel Chinouriri – ‘What A Devastating Turn Of Events’
After much anticipation, Rachel Chinouriri’s debut album solidified her as an indie girl through and through. ‘All I Wanted’, ‘Never Need Me’ and ‘Dumb Bitch Juice’ (complete with a cameo from Clara Amfo), went out to anyone struggling in the romantic trenches, whilst The Hills became a nuanced anthem for all non-white Brits. Jenessa Williams
7Katie Gavin – ‘What A Relief’
On ‘What A Relief’ the MUNA-frontwoman showed a different side to her songwriting. Calling the record, ‘Lilith Fair Core’ it drew inspiration from the likes of Ani DiFranco and Sarah McLachlan. The highlight was a heartbreakingly-perfect duet with Mitski. Charlotte Gunn
8Tyla – ‘Tyla’
Tyla’s never been quiet about her mission to become Africa’s first global popstar and her debut album doubled down on that intent, proving that ‘Water”s success was far from a one-off. Charlotte Gunn
9Wallice – ‘The Jester’
On Wallice’s debut album, the classically trained musician wrestles with the ups and downs of being a musician in the modern age, expected to perform, not just on stage, but near constantly, across multiple platforms. Written following a slot supporting The 1975 on tour, the LA artist created 14 songs of indie pop magic that keeps listeners on their toes with inventive instrumentation. Charlotte Gunn
10Dora Jar – ‘No Way To Relax When You’re On Fire’
Dora Jar took her time with her debut album and it was worth the wait. Inventive production, killer riffs and a wrestling with the existential – on a record influenced by Mary Poppins and David Lynch in equal measure – made for a unique and wonderful trip into the world of a wonderfully-weird up-and-comer. Charlotte Gunn
