Pick a Day

Music History Events: Debut Albums

September 26, 2000 Good Charlotte release their self-titled debut album.

July 10, 2000 Coldplay release their debut album, Parachutes, in their native UK (it isn't issued in America until November 7). Featuring the singles "Yellow" and "Trouble," it becomes a global smash.

June 27, 2000 Nelly releases his debut album, Country Grammar, with the hit "Ride Wit Me." It's one of the few rap albums to go Diamond, selling over 10 million copies in America.

June 6, 2000 Rascal Flatts release their self-titled debut album on the new Disney imprint, Lyric Street Records. It sells over 2 million copies in America, the first of five consecutive multi-Platinum albums for the band.

July 19, 1999 Lou Bega releases his debut album, A Little Bit of Mambo.

June 1, 1999 Brad Paisley releases his debut album, Who Needs Pictures, which features his first pair of #1 country hits: "He Didn't Have To Be" and "We Danced."More

June 1, 1999 Ja Rule releases his debut album, Venni Vetti Vecci, featuring the hit single "Holla Holla."More

June 1, 1999 Dido releases her debut album, No Angel, in America. It takes off at the end of 2000 after Eminem samples her song "Thank You" on his hit "Stan."

June 30, 1998 System Of A Down release their frantic self-titled debut album. The singles "Sugar" and "Spiders" earn airplay on rock radio and MTV, and as the band builds a following through touring, it goes on to sell over a million copies in America.

May 19, 1998 After signing with DreamWorks Records thanks to the demo tape his dad, Loudon Wainwright III, passed on to the label, Rufus Wainwright releases his self-titled debut album. A standout track is "Baby," which showcases his opera influence.

May 19, 1998 DMX releases his debut album, It's Dark And Hell Is Hot, featuring "Ruff Ryders' Anthem," produced by the up-and-coming Swizz Beatz. It debuts at #1 in America.

February 28, 1998 Columbia Records releases Train's self-titled debut album, which the band issued independently in 1996 after the label passed on it. It includes their first hit, "Meet Virginia."

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 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."