Mercury Prize 2018: Former shortlisted artists and industry experts pick albums they'd like to see on this year's list

Official shortlist will be revealed at around 11am on 26 July

Last year's Mercury Prize winner Sampha performs at the 2017 event (PA)

The Hyundai Mercury Prize is set to reveal its shortlist for 2018 via BBC 6 Music, tomorrow at around 11am.

Ahead of the official announcement, we asked industry experts, radio presenters and former shortlisted artists to pick their favourite albums - not necessarily their 'predicitons" - more albums they'd just like to see recognised.

From former nominees Loyle Carner, Editors and Wolf Alice to radio presenters like the BBC's Abbie McCarthy and Jamz Supernova, plus experts including Joseph 'JP' Patterson and Mark Sutherland, here are some of the biggest hopefuls for this year's prize.

Jordan Rakei - Wall Flower

A few people have sent me their albums thinking I’m on the panel, bit loose. If I was though, I’d definitely be rooting for J Raks new album, he’s such a brilliant writer, with such a beautiful voice and on top of it all, he’s a really lovely bloke.

Loyle Carner (Shortlisted for ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ - Mercury Prize 2017)

Sneakbo - Brixton

Remember the days of a pre-gentrified Brixton? The days before trendy eateries took over old Caribbean hangout spots? It’s hard to, I know. However, Sneakbo’s 2018 album, Brixton, managed to encapsulate all that makes his hometown great in 19 tracks of road rap reflections and Afrobashment club spinners.

The “Jetski Wave” MC, who paved the way for the likes of J Hus and Not3s who possess similar stylings, created a future classic here with Brixton—easily one of the most cohesive lyrical offerings from the world of UK rap, it’s fully deserving of the Best Album gongs that are on their way.

Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson (Editor, Trench Magazine and Complex UK)

Lily Allen - No Shame

Lily Allen performs at The Dome (Getty)

I would love to see Lily Allen - No Shame in the shortlist for the Mercury Prize as it's a brilliant record and a real return to form for Lily - mega exciting, creative & with no holds barred. Her honest lyricism shimmers against the fantastic production present, tackling big topics, such as marriage, the media spotlight & the struggles of motherhood. The LP has a modern feel but also still truly sounds like Lily, and in fact, it's her at her very best.

Abbie McCarthy (BBC Music Introducing presenter)

Boy Azooga - 1,2 Kung Fu!

Boy Azooga live a world where lush, woozy lullabies hold hands with crunchy, dagger riffed pop songs; if Felt had a fetish for Big Muff pedals, Beck’s rhythm section and at least one Chemical Brother on the mixing desk.

Fellow countrymen Super Furry Animals might be a lazy comparison, but should they ever choose to pass on their wonderful skewed and inventive baton, Boy Azooga would prove worthy heirs.

Wolf Alice (Shortlisted for ‘My Love Is Cool’ - Mercury Prize 2015)

Mastersystem - Dance Music

I remember Justin sending me some of the early demos and i thought it was great. It reminded me of alternative American bands I would listen to growing up. Its scuzzy and has a proper sense of abandon. Lyrically i think it has some of Scott’s most carefree and uplifting moments.

Retrospective and regretful there always remains a sense of hope. I don’t want to talk about swansongs or the like as the passing of Scott still feels very fresh. The work stands up for itself and in my mind its a glorious celebration of four guys getting a kick out of what made them start making music in the first place.

Elliot Williams (Editors, shortlisted for the 'The Back Room' - Mercury Prize 2006)

Marmozets – Knowing What You Know Now

It's all too rare for the Mercury Prize to shortlist a proper rock album, which is a shame because the scene is one of the most vibrant areas of UK guitar music.

Marmozets' second album is a case in point. A huge leap forward from the dizzying math-metal of their debut, it may catapult the band into more traditional song structures but retains all of their edge and excitement, while adding irresistible tunes to an already thrilling mix. Exactly the sort of record the Mercury Prize should embrace, then, even if history suggests the odds are against it.

Mark Sutherland (Editor, Music Week)

Kamaal Williams – The Return

I would love to see Kamaal Williams nominated for the Mercury Prize. Also known as Henry Wu & previously one half of Yussef Kamaal: this year saw him drop The Return, an amazing album which has been celebrated by many industry insiders & acts as the perfect bridge between “urban” culture & Jazz.

The UK jazz scene is one of the most exciting exports for us right now, it would be amazing to get a nod from the Mercury’s & who better to a front runner then Kamaal Williams?

Jamz Supernova (DJ, presenter on BBC Radio 1Xtra)

Shame frontman Charlie Steen (Anna Lerheim Ask)

In summer last year I saw Shame live for the first time at a festival in Norway and they blew my mind. Their debut album, Songs Of Praise, was consequently one of the albums I most looked forward to this year, and they didn't disappoint.

All the rage of youth is there in the thrashing guitars and menacing drum beats, balanced with frontman Charlie Steen's drawling, ironic vocal delivery and whip-smart lyrics. Undoubtedly one of the most exciting and astute releases of the year - plus it would be something of a treat to see a thriving young rock band make it onto the shortlist.

Roisin O’Connor (Music Correspondent, The Independent)

Novelist - Novelist Guy

I've been greedy and given myself a double pick - Nov's debut album was another of my favourites of 2018. This meticulously-produced release was created in the 21-year-old's bedroom, a fact he revealed to this writer in an interview earlier this year.

Novelist Guy is impressive for its self-assurance alone: he finds a balance between explicit pleas to "stop killing the mandem", to more obscure and playful lyrics. Remaining fiercely independent from outside influences or pressures from any label, he drew instead on the music he grew up on, inspired by the themes from cop TV shows of the 70s, video games, and even a little bit of disco.

It's an album that refuses to be pigeonholed to a single genre, despite the way his sharp, direct flow recalls that of his mentor - 2016 Mercury Prize winner Skepta - and instead shines a light on Nov's talent for melding sounds from all over to create a modern, dynamic record that stands out from its peers.

Roisin O'Connor (Music Correspondent, The Independent)

Arctic Monkeys, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

The Mercury Prize are on the hunt for Best British Album so might I make a case for Arctic Monkeys' sixth record Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.

Their AM follow-up - four years in the making - saw the Sheffield quartet reassert themselves as the most enticing act around capable of achieving what so few can: genre-shifting without hampering quality. Tranquility Base proved they'll still be considered one of the greats in decades to come.

Jacob Stolworthy (Culture writer, The Independent)

Former winners/nominees with a second chance

Gorillaz - The Now Now
Florence & The Machine - High As Hope
Jon Hopkins - Singularity
Young Fathers - Cocoa Sugar
Wolf Alice - Visions of a Life

The official Mercury Prize shortlist will be revealed at 11am on Thursday 26 July