Mercury Prize Shortlist 2018
And September is upon us - as summer fades away slowly we get into the last quarter of the year with each of these albums to keep us company. I gave my opinions on last year's list and this year more than ever I'm split on the shortlist choices.
ARCTIC MONKEYS - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Now I was more disappointed than shocked that this was amongst the list of nominees. Arctic Monkey's sixth studio album sounded more to me like Alex Turner (and friends)'s debut album. At several points the album felt lethargic in delivery. Lyrically there are some shining moments, however - perhaps partially on account of my high expectations - this album wasn't able to wow me in the way that I'd hope a Mercury Prize nominee to.
EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - A Fever Dream
THIS ALBUM! I am so over the moon that this has made the shortlist because this is one of the best bodies of work that they have put out since Man Alive and it deserves to be recognised as such. Quite a few of my favourite instrumental performances of last year happened on this album. One thing I will say is that I'm unsure as to whether it will top the list, having only made it to number 15 on my AOTY list last year.
EVERYTHING IS RECORDED - Everything Is Recorded By Richard Russell
This was a name that I had expected to see in the line up as soon as it was released. The calibre of artists featured on this project makes it impossible not to be impressed. The project spans a number of genres, emotions and styles and still manages to mesh them together seamlessly. Richard Russell and co did very well with this and after listening to their latest single "Carry Me" I couldn't be more excited for what might be next. This album is a very strong contender for the top spot.
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE - High As Hope
It's no secret the love and adoration I have in my heart for Florence Welch. What a blessing. And so it comes as no surprise to me that she has made the Mercury Prize shortlist. Now, whilst I don't believe High As Hope to be their best work, there is something exceptionally special and more importantly different here. I was wary of FATM falling into a rut and following a blueprint but smething has switched up ever so slightly here. Another album that has a solid shot at the top spot.
JORJA SMITH - Lost & Found
This is probably my "I wouldn't be surprised but I'd be very disappointed if this album won" this year. I have a lot of strong opinions surrounding this album but the overarching one for me is that this was released far too early. It felt rushed and felt like it was rammed down the public's throats in order to keep interest levels piqued whilst she's still a cash cow. I feel like regardless of how good her voice is - and it really, really is - there were some gaping holes in this album and I felt like she sold herself a bit short here unfortunately.
KING KRULE - The OOZ
The first time I listened to this album it was in the perfect conditions - a long and cold commute in London - and upon first listen I really enjoyed it. However, since then I haven't been in the mood to listen to it all the way through again even once. I know that once winter comes back in full force, it'll be a welcomed soundtrack to those colder nights. Although, I don't think that this is quite enough to win it the Prize. However, his ability to stay original and authentic will always give King Krule major points in my book.
LILY ALLEN - No Shame
Lily Allen back doing what she does best - being witty, ironic and at the same time melodically refreshing. The feature artists were what caught my attention initially as they were unexpected collaborations but they definitely complimented each other well. After her unlikely collaboration with Common years ago, I should have known better. My favourite tracks at the moment are "Higher", "Family Man", and "Apples". This might just be a wild card for me on the list of contenders.
NADINE SHAH - Holiday Destination
It's been a long time since I heard Nadine Shah's name mentioned if I'm honest. When she first popped up on my radar it was as a unique, fresh, up-and-comer and shortly after I saw her featured on Ghostpoet's album Shedding Skin. Now after three years, she's back in my life and with a Mercury Prize nomination no less! Way to make an entrance. The album itself is perfect for right now - lyrically and sonically this is just what we need to hear. It's instrumentally unpredictable and interesting - Nadine does experimental very well.
NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - Who Built The Moon?
Another name I hadn't heard a lot from musically in a while until this year. Listening to this album made me miss Kasabian at first if I'm honest. I love that instrumentally Noel has taken quite a few risks throughout and has really expanded his use of sound. The intro "Fort Knox" in particular had my head nodding throughout - there are lots layers to unpack. As a whole it's a very solid piece of work - particularly now that a large amount of Indie Rock tends to fall into one generic pit of rhythmic guitars.
NOVELIST - Novelist Guy
I didn't know too much about Novelist before this shortlist came around. Of course I'd seen his name littering the mainstream charts, however I'd never taken the time to do a deep dive. Knowing that he is a Grime artist, I was surprised at how experimental and unique his songs are. The lyrics let him down a little bit and because of this I wouldn't put his hat in the ring to win but he deserves notice for attempting to do something different within Grime.
SONS OF KEMET - Your Queen Is A Reptile
A new discovery for me. I'd heard the name "Sons Of Kemet" before, but hadn't heard one note or word until this shortlist was released. After hearing the name, I was expecting more of a Metal group so the Jazz caught me off guard. A very welcomed surprise though. After reading the tracklist and realising its connection with the title I was already invested and so the intricate beats and standout percussion were just the icing on the whole cake. Really enjoyed this record. Only qualm is that this hasn't adequately represented each of the quality Jazz albums of this year.
WOLF ALICE - A Vision Of Life
If you'd have given me a crystal ball in 2015 after they released My Love Is Cool and I'd seen their name on this shortlist I would've sighed... heavily. However, seeing their name on the list now, I'm actually not too perturbed. I was super disappointed with their debut because I'd expected something significantly different. A Vision Of Life is much closer to what I'd previously envisioned from them and you can hear the improvement from each member - still not sure that it's a contender but I'm much more satisfied with their entry now.
ARCTIC MONKEYS - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
Now I was more disappointed than shocked that this was amongst the list of nominees. Arctic Monkey's sixth studio album sounded more to me like Alex Turner (and friends)'s debut album. At several points the album felt lethargic in delivery. Lyrically there are some shining moments, however - perhaps partially on account of my high expectations - this album wasn't able to wow me in the way that I'd hope a Mercury Prize nominee to.
EVERYTHING EVERYTHING - A Fever Dream
THIS ALBUM! I am so over the moon that this has made the shortlist because this is one of the best bodies of work that they have put out since Man Alive and it deserves to be recognised as such. Quite a few of my favourite instrumental performances of last year happened on this album. One thing I will say is that I'm unsure as to whether it will top the list, having only made it to number 15 on my AOTY list last year.
EVERYTHING IS RECORDED - Everything Is Recorded By Richard Russell
This was a name that I had expected to see in the line up as soon as it was released. The calibre of artists featured on this project makes it impossible not to be impressed. The project spans a number of genres, emotions and styles and still manages to mesh them together seamlessly. Richard Russell and co did very well with this and after listening to their latest single "Carry Me" I couldn't be more excited for what might be next. This album is a very strong contender for the top spot.
FLORENCE + THE MACHINE - High As Hope
It's no secret the love and adoration I have in my heart for Florence Welch. What a blessing. And so it comes as no surprise to me that she has made the Mercury Prize shortlist. Now, whilst I don't believe High As Hope to be their best work, there is something exceptionally special and more importantly different here. I was wary of FATM falling into a rut and following a blueprint but smething has switched up ever so slightly here. Another album that has a solid shot at the top spot.
JORJA SMITH - Lost & Found
This is probably my "I wouldn't be surprised but I'd be very disappointed if this album won" this year. I have a lot of strong opinions surrounding this album but the overarching one for me is that this was released far too early. It felt rushed and felt like it was rammed down the public's throats in order to keep interest levels piqued whilst she's still a cash cow. I feel like regardless of how good her voice is - and it really, really is - there were some gaping holes in this album and I felt like she sold herself a bit short here unfortunately.
KING KRULE - The OOZ
The first time I listened to this album it was in the perfect conditions - a long and cold commute in London - and upon first listen I really enjoyed it. However, since then I haven't been in the mood to listen to it all the way through again even once. I know that once winter comes back in full force, it'll be a welcomed soundtrack to those colder nights. Although, I don't think that this is quite enough to win it the Prize. However, his ability to stay original and authentic will always give King Krule major points in my book.
LILY ALLEN - No Shame
Lily Allen back doing what she does best - being witty, ironic and at the same time melodically refreshing. The feature artists were what caught my attention initially as they were unexpected collaborations but they definitely complimented each other well. After her unlikely collaboration with Common years ago, I should have known better. My favourite tracks at the moment are "Higher", "Family Man", and "Apples". This might just be a wild card for me on the list of contenders.
NADINE SHAH - Holiday Destination
It's been a long time since I heard Nadine Shah's name mentioned if I'm honest. When she first popped up on my radar it was as a unique, fresh, up-and-comer and shortly after I saw her featured on Ghostpoet's album Shedding Skin. Now after three years, she's back in my life and with a Mercury Prize nomination no less! Way to make an entrance. The album itself is perfect for right now - lyrically and sonically this is just what we need to hear. It's instrumentally unpredictable and interesting - Nadine does experimental very well.
NOEL GALLAGHER'S HIGH FLYING BIRDS - Who Built The Moon?
Another name I hadn't heard a lot from musically in a while until this year. Listening to this album made me miss Kasabian at first if I'm honest. I love that instrumentally Noel has taken quite a few risks throughout and has really expanded his use of sound. The intro "Fort Knox" in particular had my head nodding throughout - there are lots layers to unpack. As a whole it's a very solid piece of work - particularly now that a large amount of Indie Rock tends to fall into one generic pit of rhythmic guitars.
NOVELIST - Novelist Guy
I didn't know too much about Novelist before this shortlist came around. Of course I'd seen his name littering the mainstream charts, however I'd never taken the time to do a deep dive. Knowing that he is a Grime artist, I was surprised at how experimental and unique his songs are. The lyrics let him down a little bit and because of this I wouldn't put his hat in the ring to win but he deserves notice for attempting to do something different within Grime.
SONS OF KEMET - Your Queen Is A Reptile
A new discovery for me. I'd heard the name "Sons Of Kemet" before, but hadn't heard one note or word until this shortlist was released. After hearing the name, I was expecting more of a Metal group so the Jazz caught me off guard. A very welcomed surprise though. After reading the tracklist and realising its connection with the title I was already invested and so the intricate beats and standout percussion were just the icing on the whole cake. Really enjoyed this record. Only qualm is that this hasn't adequately represented each of the quality Jazz albums of this year.
WOLF ALICE - A Vision Of Life
If you'd have given me a crystal ball in 2015 after they released My Love Is Cool and I'd seen their name on this shortlist I would've sighed... heavily. However, seeing their name on the list now, I'm actually not too perturbed. I was super disappointed with their debut because I'd expected something significantly different. A Vision Of Life is much closer to what I'd previously envisioned from them and you can hear the improvement from each member - still not sure that it's a contender but I'm much more satisfied with their entry now.