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Mercury Prize 2016 shortlist

Now in its 25th year, the prestigious Mercury Prize returns for 2016. The shortlist of 12 albums was revealed exclusively on on Thursday 4 August. Find out more about the shortlist for Album of the Year below.

The Mercury Prize is judged by a music industry panel based on what they deem to be the best UK or Irish Album of the Year. Albums by British and Irish artists with a UK digital release date between Saturday 26 September 2015 and Friday 29 July 2016 (inclusive) are eligible for the competition. Albums need to be available to buy as a digital download throughout the UK. This year, for the first time ever, the public will also be able to for their pick of the shortlist. The winner of the fan vote will be put through to the final six finalists.

The 2016 Mercury Prize will culminate with live performances and the announcement of the overall winner on 15 September live from the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith, London.

You'll be able to follow all the action on and .

  • This is Anohni's second Mercury Prize nomination. She previously won in 2005 under her previous moniker, Antony and the Johnsons for I Am a Bird Now.

  • Bat for Lashes' latest concept album gets Natasha Khan a third nomination for the prestigious award.

  • David Bowie's posthumous album earns its place on the shortlist.

  • A return to making music earns Jamie a first nomination for his sophomore album.

  • Kano's most successful album to date earns the British rapper a place on the shortlist.

  • This second studio album from Mvula earns her a second Mercury Prize nomination following recognition for her debut Sing to the Moon in 2013.

  • Another sophomore album to join the shortlist, Love & Hate is also the second nomination for Kiwanuka who appeared on the shortlist in 2012 for his debut 成人快手 Again.

  • Chalking up the most nominations for an artist in the 25 year history of the Prize, Radiohead join the list with their fifth nomination.

  • Another second album, another nomination. Savages follow up their 2013 nomination for their debut Silence Yourself, with another shot at the Prize.

  • Skepta redresses the balance with a nod for grime as well as his critically acclaimed fourth album. This is his first Mercury Prize nomination.

  • A mouthful of a title, The 1975's second album sees them earn the respect of the judges for their innovative pop turn.

  • Three piece outfit The Comet Is Coming have combined the forces of jazz, funk, and electronica and earned their first Mercury Prize nomination.