Musicians only get to make one first album, a collection of songs which epitomise their formative years- and that they in turn have the entirety of those formative years to write. The reason it is so common to hear people refer to an artist’s first full-length as their best to date, is that it usually is.
10. The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses (1989)
Considered to be the centric LP of the whole ‘Madchester’ movement that pretty much resurrected British guitar music in the 1980’s after it suffered at the hands of commercial pop and disco for the majority of the decade- Manchester’s The Stone Roses self-titled debut not only secured the bands place in music history but inspired the 1990’s ‘Britpop’ movement which spawned the likes of Oasis and Blur. Despite forming 6 years earlier, the band did not achieve much commercial success until the release of this album, which to me would signify those were six years well spent
9. The Who – My Generation (1965)
In an era dominated by smartly attired song-smiths performing their jangly love odes in London clubs, The Who smashed their way onto the scene with a fresh brand of overdriven sonic rock assault. Despite going on to historically great things over the next few decades, the band’s debut captured every one of their early essences- essentially creating a new way of doing things. Featuring the rock and roll milestone that lends its name to the entire album as well as the likes of ‘The Kids Are Alright’ and ‘I’m A Man’, the LP established the band as a serious fixture within the ever expanding 1960’s British rock movement.
8. The Beatles – Please Please Me (1963)
Announcing to the world a group of young men who went on to change the face of popular music forever, Please Please Me is an extremely solid debut. Crafting the songs featured during their early years in the famous Cavern Club as well as during their time as a resident band in Hamburg, Germany- the fab four’s first release was a testament to the hard labour they had put in whilst a bunch of unknowns. Little did they know that was all about to change however, with the album going on to establish The Beatles as a worldwide phenomenon. Standout tracks include ‘I Saw Her Standing There’, ‘Love Me Do’ and ‘Twist and Shout’- all of which are still very, very celebrated pieces of music.
7. The White Stripes – The White Stripes (1999)
I know they have now ceased to exist and that Jack White has currently got his musical fingers in all kinds of (overindulgent?) pies, however does anyone remember how monumentally HUGE this band were 10 or so years ago? Well, it all started with this- their self-titled debut. Despite having to churn out another few albums before reaching aforementioned popularity level- the duos first effort is full of signs that they were headed in the right direction. Showcasing their solid neo-blues crossovers in the form of such romps as ‘The Big Three Killed My Baby’ and ‘St. James Infirmary Blues’, the album was the, then couples, first step on a glorious rise to rock superstardom.
6. Eminem – The Slim Shady EP (1997)
Eminem’s debut, named in homage to his lyrical alter-ego, is a fascinating affair. Documenting the rappers formative years- more specifically the struggles he endured before his eventual success in the late 1990’s, the 10 track release was originally available in cassette, vinyl and CD formats. This is Eminem before his famed professional relationship with mentor Dr Dre, if you’re like me and are drawn to him for his rawness and brutality- then you should probably know that this is as raw as it gets.
5. The Smiths – The Smiths (1984)
In 1984 this Manchester based indie rock four-piece released their debut album, 3 years later they split up. Despite this sad, sad fact however, The Smiths maintain their rightful place in the upper echelons of rock and roll importance to this day. This album has a lot to do with that, featuring the likes of ‘Reel Around The Fountain’, ‘Hand In Glove’ and ‘What Difference Does It Make’; this was a release which marked the beginning of the group’s cult status. Showcasing a song-writing partnership described by the press at the time as the best since Lennon/McCartney- The Smiths remain a British institution.
5. Arctic Monkeys – Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not (2006)
I’ll admit that the inclusion of this album took much deliberation on my part, mostly due to the fact that it’s from a band who are still surfing a wave of commercial success. I decided to include it finally on several grounds. Firstly, the songs are simply fantastic- well-crafted upbeat indie raucous which documents with much detail exactly what growing up in the north of England in the 2000’s was like, and secondly because of the tender age of the band during the production of this album. When this album was released (to huge acclaim both sides of the Atlantic) the bands lead singer Alex Turner had only just turned 20, meaning that he wrote these songs throughout his teens- an astonishing feat by anyone’s standards.
3. Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures (1979)
This seminal groups first offering arrived during a time when loud and angry took preference over all. By maintaining the same anti-establishment morals of punk rock but simultaneously adding their own dark and subdued edge- Joy Division created an unmistakable sound. Though their success as a functioning band was eventually short lived (I’m sure we all know the story), the Manchester group has kept an unthreatened place amongst the great bands of the 20th century, all as a result of that sound, which may I add has been imitated countless times since- yet never matched.
2. Guns N’ Roses – Appetite For Destruction (1987)
Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard in the 1980’s was a cut throat place, with thousands of wannabe rockstars swarming all over the place trying to draw attention to their, usually make-up adorned, bands. Despite being an un-steady time for sleazy old classic rock n’ roll; several acts did emerge from this time and place that proved it was all worthwhile. One of these bands was Guns N’ Roses, whose debut caused major waves amongst rock fans worldwide upon its highly anticipated release. Although carrying all of the characteristics of a glam band, GNR had something else- predominantly good tunes. In the years leading up to the album’s release, the band had been carving out their own place amongst the other Hollywood bands- leading the way with their dirty and aggressive yet extremely credible snarl.
1. Led Zeppelin – Led Zeppelin (1969)
Despite only having met a few month’s previous to this albums release in early 1969, Led Zeppelins debut carries the confident bluesy swagger of a band in their 10th year. Incredibly, the album was recorded in around 36 hours over numerous sessions- with the track list including several of the group’s interpretations of arrangements by the likes of Willie Dixon and Anne Bredon. It was to be the first of many, with Zeppelin going on to pretty much dominate rock music throughout the 1970’s. Despite being famously dismissed by critics (much of the bands work was) the LP was still a success, announcing them to a world of fans eager to move on from the now over-saturated 60’s sounds. Many would attribute this album as being the first of a genre which would go on to become heavy metal, that however is a discussion for another day.
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