Pick a Day

Music History Events: Debut Albums

February 17, 1998 After a failed run on Elektra Records, Destiny's Child release their self-titled debut album on Columbia. The first single, "No, No, No," is a hit and introduces their crisp, punctuated vocal style.

June 17, 1997 Switchfoot's debut album, The Legend of Chin, is released under the independent label Re:think Records.

January 20, 1997 French electronic duo Daft Punk release their debut album, Homework in the UK (it is released in America on March 25). The record is a big hit in Europe but only reaches #150 in the USA. Both members, Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo and Thomas Bangalter, are music producers who use recording technology to combine house music with synthpop.

October 1, 1996 Fountains of Wayne release their self-titled debut album, which took just five days to record.

September 17, 1996 Robert Bradley's Blackwater Surprise release their debut album, Blackwater Surprise, featuring the song "Once Upon a Time."

July 23, 1996 Fiona Apple, 18, releases her debut album, Tidal, featuring "Shadowboxer" and "Criminal." It sells over 3 million copies in America.More

July 9, 1996 Thirteen-year-old LeAnn Rimes releases her debut album, Blue, and wows critics with the hits "Blue" and "One Way Ticket (Because I Can)."More

May 6, 1996 Backstreet Boys release their self-titled debut album to international markets, aiming to tap into Europe's fascination with boy bands. A US release comes the following year.

July 14, 1995 At what was previously a forsaken patch of land to the north of Hartford, Connecticut, Michael Bolton plays the grand opening concert at the Meadows Music Theater. Bolton, who grew up in New Haven, is good friends with the venue's promoter Jim Koplik. 90 degree heat stifles the ceremony a bit, as soon-to-be disgraced governor John Rowland has to take off his tuxedo coat when greeting Bolton onstage.

July 9, 1995 Hootie & the Blowfish play the first-ever concert at the Meadows Music Theater in Hartford, Connecticut, drawing a crowd of 17,000.

March 28, 1995 Wu-Tang Clan rapper Ol' Dirty Bastard releases his first solo album, Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version. His food stamp ID card is on the cover.

March 28, 1995 Wilco release their debut album, A.M. It is the first and last album to feature Brian Henneman on lead guitar.

September 27, 1994 The Dave Matthews Band release their first album, Under The Table and Dreaming. The band is road-tested, with a huge fanbase in the Virginia area, where they have been playing live since 1991. They earn a legion of new fans when the tracks "What Would You Say" and "Ants Marching" get airplay across America, helping the album sell over 6 million copies.

September 13, 1994 The Notorious B.I.G. releases his debut solo album, Ready to Die. It's the first album issued on Sean Combs' Bad Boy label.

September 7, 1994 Fifteen-year-old Brandy releases her self-titled debut album, which goes on to sell over 4 million copies and establish her as an R&B star. Hits from the album include "I Wanna Be Down" and "Baby."

May 10, 1994 Philadelphia rhymers G. Love & Special Sauce release their self-titled debut album, featuring "Cold Beverage" and "Baby's Got Sauce."

November 23, 1993 Snoop Doggy Dogg releases his highly anticipated debut album, Doggystyle, on Death Row records. Produced by his label boss, Dr. Dre, it goes straight to #1 in the US.

November 9, 1993 R. Kelly releases his debut album, 12 Play. It peaks at #2 in America and holds the top spot on the R&B albums chart for nine weeks.

October 12, 1993 Faith Hill releases her debut album, Take Me As I Am, featuring the #1 singles "Piece Of My Heart" and "Wild One."

August 28, 1993 At a charity concert held at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island, Natalie Merchant plays her first gig after leaving 10,000 Maniacs.

August 6, 1993 31-year-old Sheryl Crow releases her first album, Tuesday Night Music Club. It takes about a year to catch on, but eventually sells over 7 million copies.

May 8, 1993 The newly formed Backstreet Boys give their very first public performance, at SeaWorld Orlando.

April 20, 1993 Shania Twain's self-titled debut album is released. It's an impressive debut, establishing her in the world of country music. Her next three releases, produced by her husband Mutt Lange, make her a pop superstar.

February 22, 1993 Radiohead release their debut album, Pablo Honey. Thanks to the lead single "Creep," it gradually earns them a substantial following, especially in the US where they tour in the summer and fall.

September 29, 1992 Stone Temple Pilots release their debut album Core, featuring the radio hit "Plush." It sells over 8 million copies in America.

April 4, 1992 Beastie Boys make their first concert appearance playing instruments at a show at The Palladium in Los Angeles.

March 30, 1992 PJ Harvey, a British alt rock trio consisting of vocalist Polly Jean Harvey, drummer Rob Ellis, and bassist Steve Vaughan, releases its debut album, Dry, a jagged collection of blues-infused punk-rock songs, including the sexually charged "Sheela-Na-Gig."

March 24, 1992 Arrested Development release their debut album, 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of... It sells four million copies thanks to the hits "Tennessee," "People Everyday" and "Mr. Wendal."

August 20, 1991 Spin Doctors release their debut album, Pocket Full of Kryptonite. It sells over 5 million copies thanks to the hits "Little Miss Can't Be Wrong" and "Two Princes."More

June 24, 1991 14-year-old Shakira releases her debut album, Magia. Though sales are dismal, the collection of Spanish-language pop tunes boosts her visibility in her native Colombia. Two years later, she releases its followup, Peligro.