Listen to a Song by Every 2017 Mercury Prize Nominee
Sampha, the xx, Ed Sheeran, alt-j and eight more vying for British album of the year.
This year’s nominees for the Hyundai Mercury Award, which honors the best British album of the year, were announced on Thursday. The list comprises a medley of bold-print stars (Ed Sheeran, the xx) and innovative newcomers like Sampha (pictured) and Stormzy, as well as artists in non-pop-centric genres like jazz (Dinosaur) and dancehall (J Hus).
Last year’s winner, Skepta, took the prize for his cutting grime album Konnichiwa over superstars such as David Bowie and Radiohead. Previous winners include The xx, alt-J and Benjamin Clementine.
The Mercury Prize was established in 1992 by the British Phonographic Industry and British Association of Record Dealers. The 12 shortlisted albums are selected from a mix of British music-industry figures and working artists. This year’s judging panel includes Marcus Mumford, Lianne La Havas and Jessie Ware.
Take a look at the full shortlist below, and whet your curiosity by listening to a track from each of the nominated albums.
Artist: alt-j
Album: Relaxer
Song: “3WW”
Artist: Blossoms
Album: Blossoms
Song: “Charlemagne”
Artist: Dinosaur
Album: Together, As One
Song: “Living, Breathing”
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Album: ÷ (Divide)
Song: “Shape of You”