Hyundai Mercury Prize 2019: These Are the Ones to Watch Out For

Anna Calvi. Photo by Valerio Berdini/REX/Shutterstock (5824298y)

Ahead of the Hyundai Mercury Prize ceremony, the judges shared a shortlist of the albums that will be competing to win the prestigious award. The Mercury Prize was created to celebrate “the striking diversity” of British and Irish music.

These are our top picks for the Hyundai Mercury Prize album of the year.

Hunter, Anna Calvi

“Hunter” is a fierce record which celebrates masculinity, feminity, and everything outside and in between. It’s a record which exudes strength and is strikingly unafraid to admit weakness.

Psychodrama, Dave

Psychodrama is political and personal. Dave leaves no stone unturned in this layered and daring rap album. It is one of the most critically-acclaimed British albums of the year and received five-star reviews from many platforms, including NME.

Nothing Great About Britain, Slowthai

Slowthai’s grime-punk debut is confrontational and energetic. It is an admirable grime record with punk revival at its core. Off-beat and relentless, Nothing Great About Britain will keep you on your toes.

Grey Area, Little Simz

Little Simz’ fiery new album is bold and unapologetic. It’s heavy on the bass and overflowing with witty lyrics and cynism. Our personal favorite is “I’m Jay Z on my bad day, Shakespeare in my worst day” from the confrontational track “Offence.”

You can view the full shortlist here:

Anna Calvi  ‘Hunter’

Black Midi ‘Schlagenheim’

Cate Le Bon ‘Reward’

Dave ‘Psychodrama’

Foals ‘Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost – Part 1’

Fontaines D.C. ‘Dogrel’

IDLES ‘Joy as an Act of Resistance’

Little Simz ‘Grey Area’

NAO ‘Saturn’

SEED Ensemble ‘Driftglass’

slowthai ‘Nothing Great About Britain’

The 1975 ‘A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships’