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Staff List: The 10 Best U.K. & Ireland Debut Albums of 2024
Lola Young, Kneecap, English Teacher and more all made an instant impact with memorable debut full-length projects.
This sprawling collection was zoned in on Berwyn’s lifetime of struggle (immigration issues, a disruptive upbringing) and how he hoped his pain might dissipate, the sound of his voice rich and powerful over bassy arrangements – music that rewards close attention in a time where that is increasingly rare. The Midlands duo isn’t the first on these shores to tackle the abject apathy of our political situation and detail the brutal impact on the working classes, but Big Special’s debut taps into new ideas and sounds. While its 2018 debut project 3CAG largely remains a cult concern, gleefully unfiltered follow-up Fine Art saw the group storm into mainstream consciousness, cartwheeling and cavorting its way to critical acclaim.
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