He won’t win, if that’s any consolation to his former bandmates. But it doesn’t really matter, in this instance. Styles’ record breaking first week sales probably dwarf the rest of the Mercury Prize list combined. He is pretty much nailed on for a Brit award next year and will almost certainly be flying the flag for UK music at the American Grammys along side Adele and Ed Sheeran.
But Styles will have his Mercury Prize statuette in the bag (because everyone on the Mercury gets an award) and will be buoyed by the sense that he is considered an artist, and not just a product. Simply being included on this shortlist is a victory for a mainstream star in terms of reframing their narrative.
As for the rest, this impressive shortlist is indicative of the underlying creative (if not necessarily commercial) healthiness of post pandemic British music. It is probably the strongest Mercury shortlist in years. Alongside Styles, there are five artists whose nominated albums have made a significant cultural impact over the last 12 months, helping shape Britain’ musical conversation.
Adventurous and powerful rapper Little Simz should be the favourite, although she may already be too acclaimed, having won Best Album last year from NME and Ivor Novello and Best New Artist at the Brits. Passionate guitar slinging singer-songwriter Sam Fender has carved out a distinct space as a young Geordie Springsteen. Wacky rock duo Wet Leg have been the most fun success story of the year, although they cross musical territory with a fantastic witty debut from Yard Act. By rights the winner should come from one of those, although the sensous, intelligent rap blend of Kojey Radical might be in with a shout, despite occupying similar space to Little Simz.
