Best Debut Albums
Words and Picks by: Haley Black
When a new artist appears on everyone’s radar with a phenomenal debut album, it is exciting to get ahold of fresh new music. There aren’t a lot of expectations that the artist has to live up to, but ultimately the first album is what launches their careers and defines who they are. However, sometimes debut albums can be so utterly amazing that it may seem like there is no possible way that the band could possibly create anything better; otherwise known as the sophomore slump. Of course there are hundreds, probably thousands of great debuts, but here are just a handful of albums that set the bar high for any future releases.
Torches – Foster The People
After “Pumped Up Kicks” became an instant radio hit, Foster The People were blowing up after releasing their debut album, Torches, in 2011. Almost half of the songs on the album had been featured on the radio, television, commercials, and movies, which is more than any band could dream of after only releasing a single album. They kind of fell off the map a couple of years later, but are finally back with their 2014 release, Supermodel, but I personally do not think it quite lives up to their previous album.
+ – Ed Sheeran
It only took Ed Sheeran releasing one album in 2011 to become a worldwide sensation, catering to swooning hopeless romantics everywhere with hits such as “Kiss Me,” “The A-Team,” and “Lego House.” I have high hopes for his sophomore album, One, which fans have already caught a glimpse of with his ever-so-catchy single, “Sing.” Hopefully this is not one of those cases where the singles are better than the album in its entirety, but this is doubtful, because, well, it’s Ed Sheeran.
The 1975 – The 1975
Like the previous artists on the list, The 1975 blew up the same year as their self-titled debut was released. Although the album is cluttered with an overwhelming 16 tracks, songs such as “Chocolate,” “Sex,” “Girls,” “The City,” and “Heart Out” instantly stick out. There will be a lot of pressure for the band to deliver when it comes time to put out another album.
Sigh No More – Mumford and Sons
The H-word is something that music fans cringe at. Mumford and Sons released two unforgettable albums before taking a break, making a heavy impact on audiences everywhere. The 2009 release, Sigh No More, was a debut album that people will always remember. “Little Lion Man,” “The Cave,” “White Blank Page,” and “Awake My Soul” will always remain favorites. Fortunately, their 2012 release, Babel, definitely lived up to the hype and passed the sophomore slump test. Hopefully these two albums are not actually the end of Mumford and Sons’ reign.
Fixed At Zero – VersaEmerge
This band has had more line-up changes than most bands do on average, and unfortunately, Fixed At Zero was VersaEmerge’s only full length album to be released under that name. However, since they had released three EP’s prior, there was a certain expectation from fans about how their full-length should play out. It was the perfect dose of ambient rock and had a solid alternative-rock feel. The band, now known simply as Versa, has taken a more synth-pop route for current and future releases. Their debut album will always be my favorite of all of their creations.
