The Mercury Prize: Everything You Need to Know About This Year’s Finalists

The Mercury Prize is awarded annually, honoring the best album of the year out of the United Kingdom and Ireland. While the winner won’t be revealed until September, the twelve finalists were announced on July 25.

First up is Barry Can’t Swim, a Scottish electronic music producer and DJ. He released his debut album, When Will We Land?, on October 20, 2023, to the delight of dance and house music fans everywhere. While “How It Feels” and “Sunsleeper” have rightfully become fan favorites, “Dance of the Crab” is also worth a listen. The track reimagines the well-loved Brazilian song Trio Ternura’s “A Gira.” The “Kimbara” performer also received a nomination for AIM’s independent breakthrough award.

Next is BERWYN, a Trinidad and Tobago-born rapper now based in London. WHO AM I, released on July 12, considers identity, racism, and the artist’s relationship with religion. “DEAR IMMIGRATION,” BERWYN’s poignant letter to the UK immigration authorities, stands out for its powerfully personal lyrics. The music video accompanying another standout, the eponymous “WHO AM I,” is as smooth as the performer’s flow.

Another London-based artist on the list is Ghetts, who released On Purpose With Purpose in February 2023. The “Double Standards” rapper has established a strong reputation in his home city’s grime EDM scene. Those connections are showcased in the album’s numerous collaborations, including the excellent “Mount Rushmore” featuring Kano and Wretch 32.

Beth Gibbons, formerly of Portishead, made the shortlist with her first solo album. Her meditative, melancholy Lives Outgrown leans cinematic, underpinned by soaring strings and low drums. Fans and critics alike expressed admiration for the stirring work.

Beth Gibbons’ (@realbethgibbons) ‘Lives Outgrown’ has received our first perfect album score in 16 years. Read the entire review ↓ https://t.co/PFV1nOeFKq

— Paste Magazine (@PasteMagazine) May 29, 2024

Another first solo studio album comes in the form of Cat Burns‘ early twenties. Since the explosive popularity of 2020’s “go,” Burns has been on a winning streak. The nominated album, released on July 12, includes “live more & love more,” hailed as an empowering pop anthem. The singer/songwriter’s confident yet relatable lyrics ensure she’s here to stay.

Charli xcx’s sixth studio album, BRAT, made the shortlist, shocking no one. It is a brat summer, after all. While bumping “360” and “Apple,” give “Mean girls” a try and find yourself in bratty, Y2K heaven. Considering how this album has shot to the top, it’s no surprise the release secured two VMA nominations, including a “best art direction” nod for the “360” video.

Also on the shortlist is Irish pop star CMAT’s Crazymad, For Me, “the greatest album in the history of the world about relationships, regrets and time travel,” as the artist cheekily claims on Spotify. After listening to the raw “Where Are Your Kids Tonight?” and the cathartic “Stay For Something,” we agree. The pop star released a single this year, and we hope she keeps them coming.

Black Rainbows is Corinne Bailey Rae’s fourth album, an unrestrained, potent experiment in grunge rock. While it initially seems to be a pretty far cry from the iconic “Put Your Records On,” traces of that melodic R&B sound appear on Black Rainbows. A song that particularly stands out is “New York Transit Queen,” which was inspired by a photograph of 50s pageant winner Audrey Schmaltz.

Bad With Names, from ambitious jazz composer corto.alto, is a ton of futuristic fun. Crafted over several years in the artist’s native Glasgow, the album uses brass instruments, guitars, and drums to contribute to a stylish corner of the jazz world. The swanky, almost romantic “Would You Mind?” resembles berlioz.

Leeds-based group English Teacher released This Could Be Texas in April. With lead singer Lily Fontaine, guitarist Lewis Whiting, drummer Douglas Frost, and Nicholas Eden on bass, the album feels perfectly synthesized. However much each song is made unique with a clever innovation or blend of instruments, the crystal clear voice of Fontaine unites them all. “Nearly Daffodils” has a coming-of-age feel with tremendous re-listen value.

Nia Archives is our penultimate finalist, with Silence is Loud. Infusing jungle EDM with creative sampling and her distinct vocals, Archives is a singular figure who eludes categorization. The equally enjoyable yet highly different “Forbidden Feelingz” and “Cards On The Table” begin to demonstrate the artist’s incredible range. She expressed gratitude for the nomination via social media.

MY DEBUT ALBUM ‘SILENCE IS LOUD’ HAS BEEN SHORTLISTED FOR A MERCURY OMG !!!!

THIS IS SUCH A PINCH ME MOMENT AND A DREAM COME TRU !!!! THA @MercuryPrize IS SUCH A PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AND 2 BE RECOGNISED FOR MY ALBUM MEANS THA ABSOLUTE WORLD I AM SO SO SOOOO GRATEFUL WOW !!!!!!!… pic.twitter.com/5Sk3P80nUk

— Nia Archives (@archives_nia) July 25, 2024

Stream Silence is Loud here.

The Last Dinner Party’s smash hit Prelude to Ecstasy received a nomination. The band consists of lead vocalist Abigail Morris, vocalist/guitarist Lizzie Mayland, lead guitarist Emily Roberts, bassist Georgia Davies, and Aurora Nishevci on the keys. Emerging alongside “Nothing Matters” and “Sinner” is the delightfully megalomaniacal “Caesar on a TV Screen.” Stream the album here.

We couldn’t be happier for these nominees and look forward to the winners’ announcement in September. It’s been a fantastic year for music. Enjoy the shortlist playlist here.