The shortlist for the 2022 Mercury Prize—recognized the year’s best British album—has been revealed. The latest solo album by Harry Styles, Harry’s House, picked up a nomination, as did records by Little Simz, Wet Leg, Sam Fender, Gwenno, Yard Act, and Kojey Radical. Other nominees include Fergus McCreadie, Jessie Buckley and Bernard Butler, Joy Crookes, Nova Twins, and Self Esteem. Check out the full list below. The ceremony takes place on September 8 at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.
The 2022 eligibility period ran from July 2021 to July 2022. A panel of British music critics, artists, and industry professionals will judge the records, including musicians Anna Calvi, Hazel Wilde, Jamie Cullum, and Loyle Carner. “We feel that these 12 amazing albums each have something to say artistically and socially, all in their own unique, enriching ways,” the judges said in a statement.
Last year’s Mercury Prize winner was Arlo Parks, who beat nominees including Floating Points and Pharoah Sanders, Mogwai, and Black Country, New Road. The previous year, Michael Kiwanuka won the top prize over Charli XCX, Dua Lipa, and Laura Marling. Additional previous recipients of the award include Dave, Sampha, James Blake, PJ Harvey, Pulp, and Portishead.
Mercury Prize with Free Now 2022 Shortlist:
Fergus McCreadie – Forest Floor
Gwenno – Tresor
Harry Styles – Harry’s House
Jessie Buckley & Bernard Butler – For All Our Days That Tear the Heart
Joy Crookes – Skin
Kojey Radical – Reason to Smile
Little Simz – Sometimes I Might Be Introvert
Nova Twins – Supernova
Sam Fender – Seventeen Going Under
Self Esteem – Prioritise Pleasure
Wet Leg – Wet Leg
Yard Act – The Overload
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