Today, the shortlist was unveiled for the prestigious Mercury Prize Album of the Year 2022. The shortlist was chosen by an independent judging panel and includes 12 albums ranging from rap, to pop to folk-rock. The converted award will be given to one of the shortlisted albums on 8th September at London’s Eventim Apollo, Hammersmith.
When the shortlist was announced judges commented on the official website that “Getting down to 12 albums this year was not easy, simply because there were so many remarkable ones to choose from.” “We feel that these 12 amazing albums each have something to say artistically and socially, all in their own unique, enriching ways.”
Of the 12 nominees, Little Simz is shortlisted for the second time with her critically acclaimed Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. Under The Radar described the album as “The kind of project that cements her status as one of the most talented artists of her generation.” It won Best Album from NME, an Ivor Novello award and Best New Artist at the Brits.
Upon finding out she was nominated, Little Simz told Radio 6: “I am feeling grateful; very, very blessed, this is my second time round now.” “When you’re an artist, a creative making art, you just do it because it’s a release. I had some things to say and this was my way of expressing it and it’s a blessing people have resonated with it.”
Sometimes I Might Be Introvert has been shortlisted for the @MercuryPrize 22’ so grateful. Love to my brother Inflo for always backing it, and pouring love in abundance into the music. And to YOU, the people. Thank you for the continued support on this album pic.twitter.com/JjTwTvEyN5
— Little Simz (@LittleSimz) July 26, 2022
Joining Little Simz on the list is Newcastle rock singer Sam Fender. He has received his debut nomination for Seventeen Going Under, his second album which won two NME Awards. “Seventeen Going Under is a very personal and important record for me and the boys, and for it to be recognised is insane,” he told BBC Radio 6, “It is an absolute honour and I am chuffed. Fingers crossed and we’ll see what happens, but just to be nominated is an honour.”
The most commercially-successful album on the list comes from ex-One Direction bandmate Harry Styles. His third studio album Harry’s House has had 6 weeks at number one on the UK charts. The album had the best first-week sales in Styles’ career. It was the fastest-selling album of 2022 in the UK and debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and the US Billboard 200.
The majority of the list is made up of first-time nominees. Indie band Wet Leg are nominated for their debut album, their debut single “Chaise Longue” was a viral hit in 2021; and dance-metal duo Nova Twins are up for their second album, Supernova.
The full shortlist:
Forest Floor – Fergus McCreadie
Tresor – Gwenno
Harry’s House – Harry Styles
For All Our Days That Tear the Heart – Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler
Skin – Joy Crookes
Reason to Smile – Kojey Radical
Sometimes I Might be Introvert – Little Simz
Supernova – Nova Twins
Seventeen Going Under – Sam Fender
Prioritise Pleasure – Self Esteem
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
The Overload – Yard Act
Tickets will be available for the ceremony from www.eventimapollo.com.
