Mercury Prize 2024: a rundown of the nominees, from Charli xcx to The Last Dinner Party
There is an argument to be made that the 2024 Mercury Prize nominee list is the most eclectic yet. Equally, this perhaps makes it the most prescient and progressive list too. In a strange way, eclecticism has become a defining trait of modern music development. Our listening habits are broad, the zeitgeist is scattered and musical tribalism is waining; this is reflected in the albums picked out by the jury.
The list is a fitting array of, effectively, 12 different genres. In a world where culture is a constant water spigot blasting us with viral pop songs on TikTok, pranks exposing Taylor Swift fans to the avant-post-punk of Cabaret Voltaire, gentle jazz playlists soundtracking the silence of working from home, and apps like GarageBand meaning the next star can emerge overnight without leaving their bedroom — perhaps it’s only natural that music is moving in strange ways and the days of a dominant scene are as alien as everyone drinking £2 pints and having only five TV channels to choose from.
As Mercury’s noble nods suggest, this fragmentation, in every sense, is something to celebrate. It also perhaps hints at why some of the brilliant but more conventional releases – such as Bill Ryder-Jones’ masterpiece, Iechyd Da – have been omitted in favour of a list that we will surely look back on in time to come and celebrate as, at the very least, accurate for the time. Even if some of the records will no doubt prove forgettable or cheaper than their current market price implies.
So, to give you the rundown on the runners and riders of the Mercury Prize 2024, we’ve delved into the selected albums and highlighted what they mean in these trying times. Ezra Collective were worthy winners of the Mercury Prize last time out, and it remains to be seen who will take home the big award this time out in a tightly contested field. A large swathe of fans will no doubt be rooting for Abigail Morris and The Last Dinner Party to seal the award at Abbey Road, but such is the scattered zeitgeist, lesser-known names like BERWYN will also have a host of hopefuls backing them.
Who should win the Mercury Prize 2024?
When Will We Land? by Barry Can’t Swim
What does it sound like? When electronic artist Joshua Mannie, AKA Barry Can’t Swim, was asked about his influences, he said they stemmed from far and wide, citing the likes of The Beatles and Fela Kuti as big inspirations. He stays true to this variety on When Will We Land? As this record is one of the most varied to come out of the last year in music. Arpeggiating keys, warm synth sounds and electronic symphonies make up an album that varies broadly in style but has energy and danceability at its centre.
What does it mean in 2024? Generally speaking, when you look at music as a whole, we seem to be entering a new era of fun. Pop and more indie acts are leaning into humour, giving us upbeat sounds that are easy to dance to and enjoy ourselves to. Straddling the line between making fun music that is also high in quality can be difficult, and with When Will We Land? We get a masterclass in how to gloriously occupy that grey area. It is musical excellence and incredibly fun, all in one. [Words by Dale Maplethorpe]
For fans of: People who like to move, and be moved… while wearing ‘fresh thrift store finds’.
Who Am I by BERWYN
What does it sound like? BERWYN was born in Trinidad and the London artist carries some of that Caribbean tradition into his record. Their is a laidback vibe to the rolling beats on display. But despite the relaxed self-produced soundscape and his own mellowed timbre, the contents of the record is fierce and barbed as the youngster looks at the plight of British politics in a bloody melee of words that are ineffably important. The sparsity of the album and minimalist musicology amplifies the impact of what he’s saying, and what he is saying is stark.
What does it mean in 2024? In an age where race riots have just blighted the nation, and a ‘shareable’ toothless woman took the heat off the real villains who stirred this all from positions of power over the last few years, BERWYN uses his position to deliver a bludgeon of reality. He offers up a tale of life in England when you’re not permitted to live. It’s a record that watches roaches climb the wall and has no place for false pretences. It’s a perilous album in a perilous age. [Words by Tom Taylor]
For fans of: Tony Benn’s speeches and Gil Scott-Heron’s blunt lectures.
Lives Outgrow by Beth Gibbons
What does it sound like? Beth Gibbons, who established herself back in the ‘90s when she emerged as the lead singer of Portishead, finally released her debut solo album, Lives Outgrown, earlier this year – and it is gorgeous. It’s a dark and brooding record, full of folk influence that really suits Gibbons’ powerful voice. She masters moments of mystery and tenderness while also expressing her more urgent vocal desires, allowing her voice to project loudly across cinematic strings and drums. Moving effortlessly between grandiose and subdued moments, Gibbons has crafted something truly wonderful here.
What does it mean in 2024? Lives Outgrown is near flawless, with Gibbons singing about themes like female ageing and menopause. It is rare for these topics to be explored in popular media, and Gibbons does so beautifully, giving weight to issues that are so often sidelined. The album’s sheer beauty, with each song seamlessly complimenting the next, is evidence of Gibbons’ sublime talent, which deserves to be celebrated and discovered by more listeners. Within the current oversaturated musical landscape, Gibbons’ album feels timeless and necessary, asking listeners to soak up a vast sonic world that is all-encompassing, invoking the experience of walking across the moors or pretending you’re in a moody black-and-white film. [Words by Aimee Ferrier]
For fans of: Intense self-reflection and a good string section.
early twenties by Cat Burns
What does it sound like? Like your early twenties themselves, Cat Burns’ album is never afraid to flit between Romanesque melodrama and subdued domesticity. “I’ve never even been on date”, she sings showcasing the record’s bravery to embrace youthful truths. Meanwhile, the music similarly goes from 808s to Burns’ gently plucked guitar from one song to the next, all delivered with deftly delivered choruses. And that’s its main crux: lingering under everything is simply perfect pop songwriting.
What does it mean in 2024? This 25-track record is vast in scope and daring in its execution. In a very post-modern manner, it describes youth with an utter truthfulness that never once attempts to appease or compromise in favour of something more traditional. Every young artist is faced with the lauded mountain of art that has come before them, but on her debut album – the culmination of seven years making music – she doesn’t pander to that. Instead, she makes something decidedly contemporary and youthful, but never once flashy or fad-led. [Words by Tom Taylor]
For fans of: Watching Skins but truthfully being more of an Inbetweener, pretending to like beats in public, but almost exclusively listening to Joni Mitchell’s Blue.
BRAT by Charli xcx
What does it sound like? The ups and downs of a night out, and the floundering facade of an it girl. Pumping club tunes give way to emotional ruminations on motherhood and generational trauma which, in turn, give way to self-indulgent tracks about mean girls and “bumpin’ that.” There are pop party hits like ‘Talk Talk’, literal club classics, and songs just about soft enough to soundtrack the afters. At times, it’s the bratty, neon green club record it was marketed as. At others, it’s an intimate look at Charli’s behind-the-sleaze struggles with grief and the confusion of girlhood.
What does it mean in 2024? It’s difficult to think of another record released this year that has incited as much of a cultural phenomenon as Brat. The ingeniously simple neon green cover art has been recreated by everyone from plant-based bratwurst brands to The Green Party, and the ‘Apple’ dance has completely taken over Tiktok. With Charli xcx still teasing her final remix for the record, Brat summer seems set to turn into Brat autumn. This isn’t just the most notable album rollout of 2024, it’s one of the most memorable campaigns in recent music history. [Words by Elle Palmer]
For fans of: Appletinis (easy on the tini), A.G. Cook, and a strappy white top with no bra.
Crazymad, for Me by CMAT
What does it sound like? The easiest way to describe the sound of this album would be country pop. Catchy choruses, upbeat melody, overall, it’s something incredibly fun to listen to. But look under the hood a little, and Crazymad, For Me goes so much deeper than that. The way that CMAT can talk about intricate themes such as love, loss, and mental health in a way that is equal parts moving, fun, and easy to connect with is truly one-of-a-kind. This album is your best friend in times of crisis and a soundtrack for when you’re feeling yourself. A sonic safety blanket, no matter your mood.
What does it mean in 2024? It’s a lot of fun to listen to, which is the most obvious reason why this album is important, but CMAT’s lyricism also represents the fact that modern themes can be written about in a way that is relatable and poetic. She manages to incorporate references to Instagram, the internet and pop culture in a way that still feels authentic and not cheesy, which is a testament to her ability as a writer. We are in the presence of one of the best lyricists in modern music, and it’s a privilege to watch her blossom into a worthy Mercury winner. [Words by Dale Maplethorpe]
For fans of: People who want a consoling best friend and hype woman all in one (can’t afford a conventional therapist).
Black Rainbows by Corinne Bailey Rae
What does it sound like? Everybody thinks they know what Corinne Bailey Rae sounds like – thanks largely to the success of 2006’s ‘Put Your Records On’. With Black Rainbows, however, the Leeds native entered an unexpected renaissance. Awash with fuzzy distortion, uncompromising politically-charged lyricism, and plenty of electronic influences, the album is incredibly rebellious, perhaps more so than any so-called punk record to be released in the past year. Fear not, the soul and jazz influences that gave the songwriter her name are still present, but songs like ‘Erasure’ are more akin to garage or even noise rock. Black Rainbows is the sound of an artist breaking free from the shackles of expectation and pursuing a truly original artistic vision.
What does it mean in 2024? Far too many musicians become rooted in whatever sound first made them popular. In contrast, Corinne Bailey Rae has successfully reinvented herself and perceptions of her musical output without that material dropping in quality. Black Rainbows is not a self-indulgent passion project, or a rehashed version of her previous albums; it offers an entirely new take on her songwriting, speaking to the infallible artistry of the Yorkshire musician. Whatsmore, the anger, frustration, and sorrow encapsulated within the tracklisting are incredibly representative of the wider United Kingdom over the past year, giving listeners both a sense of hope and an outlet to express themselves freely. [Words by Ben Forrest]
For fans of: The spirit and passion of punk, without any of the performative politics or silly haircuts.
Bad With Names by corto.alto
What does it sound like? A masterclass in all things rhythm. Multi-instrumentalist Liam Shortall manages to make an album that blends styles and genres, showing how grey the area between genres is as they mesh into a perfect multicultural mosaic. Jazz, hip-hop, breakbeats, dub, electronica and punk, all of them are present on Bad With Names, and the 40-minute bundle of musical excellence would be a formidable winner of the Mercury.
What does it mean in 2024? This is an album that you can get well and truly lost in. It feels as though whatever point you join in at, you are experiencing something special, not just something that sounds good but a well-thought-out and calculated piece of music that pays homage to its origins while also embracing a huge leap forward into the future. Jazz still has a massive place in modern, mainstream music, and Shortall is the perfect representation of that. [Words by Dale Maplethorpe]
For fans of: Dessert before dinner, jogging to the pizza shop and embracing the whole world at large.
This Could be Texas by English Teacher
What does it sound like? A prog-rock band helming from outer space, via the north of England. Six years in the making, English Teacher’s debut album, This Could Be Texas arrived this spring with a self-assured sound filled with flickering guitars and nods to sci-fi classics. Rambling, repetition and referentiality dominate Lily Fontaine’s surreal yet sentimental lyrical style, while the soundscapes around her flit between Jockstrap-esque electronica, Twin Peaks-worthy ambience, grand strings, and autotuned, alien vocals. Sonically, it’s one of the most interesting releases to come from the UK indie scene in a long time and, fortunately, English Teacher are just getting started.
What does it mean in 2024? This Could Be Texas isn’t just one of the most interesting debut albums of the year, it’s one of the most intriguing and truly beautiful contributions to British guitar music in the last decade. Fontaine’s lyrics push into modernity with humour and intellect, while her bandmates concoct a sound to keep monotonous post-punk at bay for a little while. It’s also refreshing to see a band from up north receiving so much well-earned praise, resisting the pull of the capital despite all its music industry promise. [Words by Elle Palmer]
For fans of: Art rock, albatrosses and Alex Turner.
On Purpose, With Purpose by Ghetts
What does it sound like? Veteran grime MC Ghetts has been building to On Purpose, With Purpose through over a decade on the scene. He welcomes many of the friends he’s met along the way – from Wretch 32 and Sampha to Dexta Daps and Pip Millett – to join him as he explores the vast array of sounds that have inspired him. With jazz-inflections, sultry classic R&B moments and odd all-out hip hop crescendo, Ghetts delivers a luciously textured record as he takes you on an autobiographical journey.
What does it mean in 2024? Vitally, Ghetts has never really secured a crossover radio hit in his career. So, the fact he has reached this stage without that ‘hit’ badge in age where increasingly niche genres, particularly ones spearheaded by Black artists, have to first be commercialised and co-opted before they are accepted is a refreshing triumph. The record itself is equally refreshing—Ghetts’ blend is footloose without ever losing its way, as he keeps things earnest and impassioned, skewering ills, to the sound of an ever-stylish beat. [Words by Tom Taylor]
For fans of: Slowly driving around the streets where you grew up like a returning village elder.
Silence is Loud by Nia Archives
What does it sound like? To succinctly sum out the sound of Nia Archives is a near-impossible task. Across Silence Is Loud, the Bradford-born DJ and songwriter darts sporadically from one style to another, rarely giving the audience a chance to catch their breath. Nia Archives often describes herself as an ‘emotional junglist’, and Silence Is Loud is a perfect reflection of this. While the roots of the record certainly lay within jungle, breakbeat, and even drum and bass, the producer has an uncanny ability to give these styles mainstream pop appeal without diluting their inherent quality or emotion.
What does it mean in 2024? Silence Is Loud represents the promising future of dance music in the United Kingdom. Breathing new life into the previously underground sounds of dance styles like jungle, the songwriting of the producer is utterly captivating. It is truly difficult to recall another debut album from recent years which has such a broad, virtually universal appeal without descending into generic, middle-of-the-road sounds. The story of Nia Archives is the story of a musician remaining uncompromisingly true to themselves, using the past to build something new for the future, and having a ridiculous amount of fun in the process. [Words by Ben Forrest]
For fans of: Obsessively collecting obscure jungle records from 20 years ago while unapologetically harbouring a love of Charli XCX and hyperpop.
Prelude to Ecstasy by The Last Dinner Party
What does it sound like? “Theatrical” is a word thrown about a lot but in the case of The Last Dinner Party, it’s truly accurate. From their very first gigs, the band have emerged in their Victorian dress and delivered melodramatic maximalist hit after hit. Prelude To Ecstasy is a debut with a power level that hasn’t been seen for a while, bringing to fruition the hype they’ve harboured. Opening with an orchestral overture, the 12 tracks are a tour of all the music, literary and dramatic references the band hold dear from Russian classics to queen riffs. Singer Abigail Morris has a voice that could be written into the history books and their guitarist, Emily Roberts, is the band’s true power.
What does it mean in 2024? It’s tough to think of a band in recent years that have had the impact that The Last Dinner Party have had. However, their story is less about their ever-growing success and more about how it grew. From the very beginning, they’ve been a word-of-mouth sensation where their reputation spread simply through amazed and newly converted fans eager to talk about them. Their music is elevated and artistic, banishing the dull post-punk cloud that’s been lingering too long. They’re endlessly cool and feel primed to inspire a brand new class of girls to pick up instruments. [Words by Lucy Harbron]
For fans of: English degrees, elaborately costumed soirées and day-to-day melodrama.
