Every so often, a pop star emerges with an iconic debut album. This is not an easy feat to accomplish; however, when it does happen, it transforms these up-and-coming artists into global superstars. Whether pop, rap, or rock, a great debut album can be life-changing for an artist, laying the groundwork for an iconic career and providing them a chance to compete with industry elites.
In the past, many artists have said Michael Jackson set the standard for pop music stardom. This is similar to groups that have tried to live up to the Blink-182. Even for the newer artists emerging in the 2000s, expectations were set by those before them. The best way for them to stand out is by making a name for themselves right away, ensuring fans would never forget what they had just experienced.
1 Cyndi Lauper
Album: She's So Unusual (1983)
Helping the pop genre remain sought-after in the early 1980s, at a time when rock and roll was dominating, Cyndi Lauper burst onto the scene, making an immediate impact. Thanks to platforms such as MTV, Lauper's song "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" became a sensation. The music video is one of the most recognizable from that time. She even dabbled in working with the World Wrestling Federation to further promote her rising career.
The album produced another world-renowned track, "Time After Time." It became Lauper's first number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. After a few more songs from the album ended up charting, it was confirmed that Lauper didn't just have a great album; it was a true masterpiece. It even helped her earn two Grammy Awards, one of which was for Best New Artist, further cementing her place within the genre.
2 Olivia Rodrigo
Album: SOUR (2021)
In order for any genre to continue, new artists must emerge and cement their places among the best. Of course, by the time 2021 arrived, the music history that had unfolded in previous decades set a high standard for any new Disney Channel (she's an ex-act), Rodrigo was prepared to prove she could thrive as a solo artist.
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To her credit, Rodrigo was so talented that she took what was originally meant to be an EP and turned it into a full-length album. This was thanks to how huge her debut single "drivers license" became. Arriving in May 2021, SOUR produced two number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100. Additionally, it broke the record for the biggest opening week on Spotify for a female artist. With multiple chart-topping achievements, the world couldn't deny that Olivia Rodrigo had arrived.
3 Lady Gaga
Album: The Fame (2008)
The pop genre has always been a place for artists' self-expression. Lady Gaga has taken that to heart over the course of her career, becoming one of the most unique musicians the world has ever seen. From her intricate outfits to her set designs on tours, to some tongue-in-cheek tunes, she has managed to set herself apart from others. For Lady Gaga, this all started with her first album, The Fame, which featured two of her most popular songs of all time, "Just Dance" and "Poker Face."
She has been able to record with legends such as Tony Bennett, star in movies alongside big-name actors, and tour all over the globe.
Not only did The Fame place Lady Gaga on the weekly Billboard charts, but also on the year-end, decade, and all-time charts. The notoriety she gained from this record launched her career to heights that fans never knew were possible. She has been able to record with legends such as Tony Bennett, star in movies alongside big-name actors, and tour all over the globe. Lady Gaga has also ensured that whenever she shows up, fans can expect a vocal performance they'll never forget.
4 Bruno Mars
Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans (2010)
Bruno Mars spent his early years dreaming and doing everything he could to position himself for the career he desired. It took him many years, but in 2010, he finally released his debut studio album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Before even getting to commercial success, the record already had music pundits comparing Mars to Jason Mraz and the "King of Pop" himself, Michael Jackson. Meaning, Mars was being held to a high standard.
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The comparisons weren't far off, as songs like "Grenade" and "Just the Way You Are" made it feel as though Mars had been in the music game for years. Not only did the album reach the third spot on the Billboard 200, but it also topped the charts in many other countries. Since then, Mars has only put out a few more albums, but his work has made him very desirable. His 24K Magic World Tour between 2017 and 2018 was the 10th highest-grossing tour of the 2010s, cementing Mars as an international superstar.
5 Christina Aguilera
Album: Christina Aguilera (1999)
Beginning her career as a "Mouseketeer" on the Disney Channel, Christina Aguilera has seized each opportunity she has been given and made the most of it. Ironically, it was Disney that provided Aguilera the chance she needed to bring her debut studio album to life. She was chosen to sing the theme song "Reflection" for the 1998 Disney film Mulan. Due to her outstanding performance, RCA Records was ready to assist her in creating her first album.
Not only did the album include the theme song that made its creation possible, but it also featured two of her biggest hits: "What a Girl Wants" and "Genie in a Bottle." After its release, it became the number one album on the Billboard Hot 200 and helped her stand out amidst a sea of stiff competition at the time. The iration for the record has only grown through the years, and now it has become 9x platinum-certified in the United States.
6 Mariah Carey
Album: Mariah Carey (1990)
It's no exaggeration to say Mariah Carey has one of the greatest voices ever in music. There aren't many who can sing like she does, which has helped set her apart since her self-titled debut album. When the world got to experience her first studio album in 1990, it did not disappoint. Not only did the album sit atop the Billboard 200 for 11 consecutive weeks, but four singles also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Not only did the album sit atop the Billboard 200 for 11 consecutive weeks, but four singles also reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100.
Through hard work, Mariah Carey proved she was ready to be a superstar from the very beginning. This 9x platinum-certified record set her up for a lifetime of success. Not only has she released 15 studio albums, but she is also regarded as one of the voices of Christmas, making her one of the most sought-after artists each year. For as spectacular as her career has become, it all started with that first record where fans fell for a true once-in-a-generation voice.
7 George Michael
Album: Faith (1987)
To succeed in the music industry sometimes involves taking huge risks. This is exactly what George Michael did when he left his budding pop duo, Wham!. For Michael, going solo was his opportunity to write more honest and mature songs. Fans could tell he was ready for this new venture, as it took him less than two years to release his debut solo album, indicating this was something he had thoroughly planned out.
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One of the most impressive parts of his album is the fact that, except for one song that he co-wrote, "Look at Your Hands," Michael wrote and produced every other song on his own. He proved to be a true musical genius as all this work landed him the number-one spot on two US Billboard charts. Additionally, it was diamond-certified, placing it in a category not just with some of the biggest debuts, but also albums of all time.
8 ‘NSYNC
Album: NSYNC (1997)
During the latter part of the 1990s, the boy band craze was arguably hotter than it had ever been. Of course, groups like "New Kids on the Block" and "Boyz II Men," were leading the charge, but up-and-coming groups like the Backstreet Boys were ready to take over. In the mix was 'NSYNC who, with a rising star in Justin Timberlake at the helm, were equally ready to show the world what they were capable of.
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Their first studio album was full of hits, but two that stood out were "I Want You Back" and "Tearin' up My Heart." Quickly, they became heartthrobs with the record placing number two on the Billboard Hot 200. Although their initial time together lasted less than a decade, the band has still managed to sell over 70 million records worldwide. A big part of their continued presence in pop culture was this massive diamond-certified debut album.
9 Britney Spears
Album: ...Baby One More Time (1999)
Among the rising stars of the late '90s was Britney Spears. Like some of her peers, she got a big break in her career as a part of the Mickey Mouse Club. Spears took the opportunity and looked to level up her career. In 1997, she was able to sign a multi-year record deal with Jive Records. By 1999, the world finally got to experience Britney Spears, and the young star didn't disappoint as the record reached number one on the Billboard 200.
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One of the biggest parts of the album's success was the song "...Baby One More Time." Not only did it reach number one in many countries, but it also became one of the best-selling singles of all time. Not only that, but it was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest debut single ever. With over one billion streams on Spotify, it still remains one of her biggest songs. Additionally, the album has now become 14x platinum-certified in the United States, placing Britney's debut among the most legendary.
10 Whitney Houston
Album: Whitney Houston (1985)
When music pundits consider the greatest voices of all time, Whitney Houston is always in that conversation. Not many musicians have ever been able to compare to her intonation, control, and transitions. The world would quickly find out how good Houston was, as three of her singles from her debut album reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. This made it the first debut album to ever achieve this feat.
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With over 25 million copies sold worldwide, this record was not only one of the best-selling debuts ever, but also one of the best-selling albums in general. It has now been 14x platinum-certified and has cemented Houston as one of the greatest of all time. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020, her career will forever be ired as she set a standard that artists are still trying to meet.