Pick a Day

Music History Events: Debut Albums

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.

May 14, 1991 Primus' major label debut (and eventual commercial breakthrough), Sailing the Seas of Cheese, is released. The album spawns the alt-rock classics "Jerry Was a Race Car Driver," "Tommy the Cat," and "Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers."

April 1, 1991 School of Fish release their eponymous debut album, featuring their lone hit "3 Strange Days."

November 13, 1990 At the Off Ramp in Seattle, Temple of the Dog play their only show. Comprised of members of Soundgarden and what would become Pearl Jam, the group was formed as a tribute to Mother Love Bone singer Andrew Wood, who died of a heroin overdose.

June 26, 1990 Nelson release their debut album After the Rain, which sells over 2 million copies thanks to the #1 single "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection." Nelson is the duo of Gunnar and Matthew, the twin sons of Rick Nelson.More

April 10, 1990 A Tribe Called Quest release their debut album, People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm, drawing comparisons to the mellow grooves of De La Soul. It doesn't do much damage on the charts but ages well, with the songs "Can I Kick It?" and "Bonita Applebum" earning a place as hip-hop classics.

February 7, 1990 Primus release their first studio album, Frizzle Fry. Their mashup of progressive, punk and alternative is a winner, earning them an ardent fanbase that takes to affectionately screaming "Primus Sucks!" at concerts.

January 1, 1990 Ween release their debut full-length album, GodWeenSatan: The Oneness, on Twin/Tone records. The album contains 26 songs, some of which had appeared on the six cassette tapes the band had self-released in the late '80s.

June 15, 1989 The Offspring's self-titled debut album is released only on vinyl. A CD and cassette reissue are eventually released in 1995.

January 24, 1989 Skid Row release their self-titled debut album. Two days later, they join Bon Jovi on the New Jersey Syndicate tour. The album, which includes "18 And Life" and "Youth Gone Wild," goes on to sell over 5 million copies in America.

October 11, 1988 Sarah McLachlan releases her debut album, Touch, through Nettwerk Records. The album would be re-mixed and re-released the following year.

September 13, 1988 N.W.A founder Eazy-E releases his debut solo album, Eazy-Duz-It.

August 30, 1988 Danzig, fronted by former Misfits lead singer Glenn Danzig, release their self-titled debut album, produced by Rick Rubin. The song "Mother" becomes a minor hit when it is re-released five years later.

August 9, 1988 Edie Brickell & New Bohemians release their debut album, Shooting Rubberbands At The Stars, the title a reference to their longshot chances of making it big. The first single is the easygoing, introspective "What I Am," which stands out from the dance music and hair metal on the charts and becomes a surprise hit.

August 1, 1988 Mudhoney's first-ever single is released: "Touch Me I'm Sick" b/w "Sweet Young Thing Ain't Sweet No More," via Sub Pop Records.

July 4, 1988 Kylie Minogue releases her debut album, Kylie, featuring her hit cover of "The Loco-Motion." The album marks a rebirth of disco, a genre Minogue proudly embraces.

May 2, 1988 Living Colour's debut album, Vivid, is released. It takes almost a year to catch on, as the band slowly builds a following through tours, radio play and MTV.

December 4, 1987 16-year-old Alison Krauss releases her debut album, Too Late To Cry, backed by her band Union Station.

June 2, 1986 Randy Travis releases his debut album, Storms Of Life. Thanks to the #1 Country hits "On The Other Hand" and "Diggin' Up Bones," it goes on to sell over 3 million copies, establishing Travis as a star.

June 1, 1985 A-ha release their debut album, Hunting High and Low, including their breakthrough hit, "Take On Me."More

April 29, 1985 Freddie Mercury releases his solo album Mr. Bad Guy. Although it sells okay in the UK, in the US it doesn't make even the top 150.

April 25, 1985 Exodus release their first studio album, Bonded By Blood.