The debut album is tricky. Many great artists have debut albums that show raw potential but not a lot of polish, or that don’t really represent what they would eventually become (Radiohead falls into this category).
Then, there are debut albums that are undeniable masterpieces, like the ones on this list. But without a track record, the albums on this list would likely not have gained much notice in the US without airplay on college radio. Long before mainstream radio was filled with songs from U2 and R.E.M., college radio introduced them to listeners across the country.
The Ramones – The Ramones (1976)
Elvis Costello – My Aim Is True (1977)
The Police – Outlandos d’Amour (1978)
Gang of Four – Entertainment! (1979)
Joy Division – Unknown Pleasures (1979)
U2 – Boy (1980)
X – Los Angeles (1980)
R.E.M. – Murmur (1983)
Violent Femmes – Violent Femmes (1983)
The Smiths – The Smiths (1984)
The Jesus & Mary Chain – Psychocandy (1985)
Nine Inch Nails – Pretty Hate Machine (1989)
The Stone Roses – The Stone Roses (1989)
De La Soul – Three Feet High and Rising (1989)
Pearl Jam – Ten (1991)
P.J. Harvey – Dry (1992)
Rage Against The Machine – Rage Against The Machine (1992)
Pavement – Slanted and Enchanted (1992)
Liz Phair – Exile in Guyville (1993)
Wilco – A.M. (1995)
The New Pornographers – Mass Romantic (2000)
The Hold Steady – Almost Killed Me (2004)
Arcade Fire – Funeral (2004)
Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend (2008)