Listen to all the Mercury Prize nominated albums right here
Ed Sheeran's getting some much-needed exposure
It's that time again guys: take a look at the shortlist for the Hyundai Mercury Prize, complain that you've never heard of half of them, realise that that's kind of the point, and then start investigating some fascinating albums that you might have missed over the past 12 months.
Last year saw Skepta deservedly take home the prize for his Konnichiwa record – and memorably celebrate with his mum on stage – but who will get the nod this year?
The judges have been announced: Phil Alexander - editor-in-chief, Mojo and Q, Clara Amfo - Radio 1 DJ, Jamie Cullum - jazz musician and Radio 2 broadcaster, Ella Eyre - musician and songwriter, Harriet Gibsone - music news editor, The Guardian, Lianne La Havas - musician and songwriter, Will Hodgkinson - chief rock and pop critic, The Times, MistaJam - 1Xtra DJ, Marcus Mumford, Jeff Smith - head of music, 6 Music and Radio 2, Jessie Ware - musician and songwriter, Mike Walsh - head of music, Radio X and Tony Wadsworth - former EMI Records boss.
Take a listen to all of the initial shortlist below - which features a broad range of stuff, and some much-needed exposure for little-know artist Ed Sheeran.
Stormzy – Gang Signs and Prayer
Blossoms – Blossoms
J Hus – Common Sense
Dinosaur – Together, As One
The xx – I See You
Loyle Carner – Yesterday’s Gone
The Big Moon – Love in the 4th Dimension
Kate Tempest – Let Them Eat Chaos
Ed Sheeran – Divide
Glass Animals – How To Be a Human Being
alt-J – Relaxer
Sampha – Process
