3 Debut Albums That Shot These Rookies Straight to the Top

Achieving notable success in any industry is incredibly difficult. Though achieving notable success in the music industry is beyond impossible, as it seems that everyone and their brother wants to become a musician. Trying to make a name for oneself in the music industry is a tale as old as time. One tries and tries, and fails nearly every time. However, it arguably only takes one successful attempt to get somewhere. And the typical way to go about doing that is by releasing an album.

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Debut albums are often not the albums musicians and bands are remembered by. Primarily, they are merely a form of introductory art. But on several occasions, debut albums have been the very thing to launch the careers of some acclaimed music acts. That being said, here are three debut albums that shot these rookies straight to the top.

‘Please Please Me’ by The Beatles

The Beatles, The Beatles, The Beatles. How many times do The Beatles come up in conversation when talking about the greatest bands of all time? A lot, but for a good reason. The group took over the world, and they started their musical rule with their debut album, Please Please Me.

Released in March 1963, The Beatles not only introduced themselves to the world but also dominated it, as their debut body of work peaked at No. 1 in the United Kingdom. It was the album that started the ever-so-notable movement, “Beatlemania.”

‘Licensed to Ill’ by The Beastie Boys

The Beastie Boys achieved two enormous feats with their 1987 debut album, Licensed to Ill. Primarily, the album is known for launching the careers of both The Beastie Boys and the infamous record producer, Rick Rubin. In addition, folks also remember the album well, given that it was the first No. 1 rap album to ever grace the Billboard 200.

Following the release of the album, Licensed to Ill peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Well, after that, The Beastie Boys went on to become one of the biggest bands of the late 80s and early 90s. The album paved the way for the rap genre, and if not for it, the genre might not be the delightful monster that it is today.

‘Straight Outta Compton’ by N.W.A

N.W.A released Straight Outta Compton in 1988. Subsequently, the music industry and the masses took on a far greater appreciation for rap, and particularly gangster rap. N.W.A didn’t just make a name for themselves with their debut album, but they also redirected the social lens of the music industry.

When Straight Outta Compton was released in 1988, it only peaked at No. 37 on the Billboard 200. Although, more importantly, it changed the scope of lyrical exploration, as these guys were pulling back the curtain on topics that didn’t necessarily contribute to booming album sales. But in this case, it did.

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