The Mercury Prize 2017 shortlist has been announced today. The UK prize honours the albums deemed by the judges (after a submission fee) which are considered the year’s best.
The winner is awarded £25,000 at a ceremony on September 14th in London. There were no Irish albums on the list. Skepta won last year for his album Konnichiwa, so would you bet against Stormzy this year? Or could Ed Sheeran’s massive numbers and popularity sway things? For my money, the best albums on the list are from Sampha, Kate Tempest, Loyle Carner and The xx.
Skepta took home the prize money last year for his fourth album Konnichiwa.
Mercury prize 2017 shortlist
Alt-J – Relaxer
The Big Moon – Love in the 4th Dimension
Blossoms – Blossoms
Loyle Carner – Yesterday’s Gone
Dinosaur – Together, As One
Glass Animals – How to Be a Human Being
J Hus – Common Sense
Sampha – Process
Ed Sheeran – ÷
Stormzy – Gang Signs & Prayer
Kate Tempest – Let Them Eat Chaos
The xx – I See You
The judges include Jessie Ware, MistaJam, Clara Amfo and music journalists.
Niall Byrne is the founder of the most-influential Irish music site Nialler9, where he has been writing about music since 2005. He is the co-host of the Nialler9 Podcast and has written for the Irish Times, Irish Independent, Sunday Times, Totally Dublin, Cara Magazine, Red Bull and more. Niall is a DJ, co-founder of Lumo Club, event curator, Indie Sleaze club promoter, and producer of gigs and monthly listening parties & events in Dublin.
