Mercury Prize 2012

And the winner of the 2012 Barclaycard Mercury Prize is…

… An Awesome Wave by Alt-J ! The Leeds-formed four-piece saw off stiff competition from the likes of Plan B and Richard Hawley to take home the 20th Mercury Prize and a cheque for £20,000.

Below you can preview and download all the Albums of the Year, check out music from the nearly-made its and previous winners, and watch our exclusive behind the scenes video, featuring Jessie Ware, Django Django, Richard Hawley and many more.

Meet the Mercury Prize nominees...

Warning: contains flash photography

More from the nominees

Alt-J:
We stole ten minutes with publicity-shy four-piece alt-J, to find out more about the history of the band and the experimental indie on their hugely-acclaimed debut, An Awesome Wave... Read more »

Django Django:
Like some wonderful, danceable hybrid of The Beta Band and Franz Ferdinand, Django Django’s debut is an early contender for our Best of 2012. We caught up with lead singer Vinny Neff to find out the story behind the album... Read more »

Field Music:
Field Music’s David Brewis had a chat with us about the inspirations behind Plumb, their plans for 2012 and, er, the ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ soundtrack... Read more »

Lianne La Havas:
We spoke to Lianne La Havas about writing with Willy Mason, hanging out with Prince and the inspirations behind her debut album... Read more »

The Maccabees:
After a two year absence, The Maccabees have returned to woo the nation with their third studio effort. It shouldn't prove difficult; Given To The Wild is an absolute gem. We persuaded guitarist Felix White to tell us all about it... Read more »

Albums of the Year

Preview An Awesome Wave

An Awesome Wave (2012) by alt-J

“Alt-J make music that tantalises and delights. Unexpected shards of sound, mesmerising layers of rhythm – irresistible!”

Preview ill Manors

ill Manors (2012) by Plan B

“A brilliantly visceral soundtrack to an angry, troubling and harsh picture of life on the underside of London in 2012.”

Preview Devotion

Devotion (2012) by Jessie Ware

“An album of sensuous and emotive pop deeply imbued with the spirit of British club culture.”

Preview Plumb

Plumb (2012) by Field Music

“Playful harmonies, quirky rhythms, the stop start sounds of everyday life, love and daydreams in today’s British city – gripping and affecting.”

Preview Roller Trio

Roller Trio (2012) by Roller Trio

“Raucous funk-infused jazz from a dynamic young trio. Bursting with melodic riffs, rhythmic jams and sonic urgency.”

Richard Hawley - Standing At the Sky's Edge

Preview Standing At the Sky's Edge

Standing At the Sky's Edge (2012) by Richard Hawley

“Big sky, big sound, big star!”

Preview Django Django

Django Django (2012) by Django Django

“Kaleidoscopic pop superbly reprogrammed for the contemporary dance floor. Vivid, pounding and joyous.”

Preview Home Again

Home Again (2012) by Michael Kiwanuka

“A debut album of rare authority. Soulful songs and a sublime voice. Utterly convincing.”

Lianne La Havas - Is Your Love Big Enough?

Preview Is Your Love Big Enough?

Is Your Love Big Enough? (2012) by Lianne La Havas

“Heartfelt songs beautifully written, brilliantly sung and inventively arranged. Lianne La Havas brings a subtle and powerful new voice to British soul music.”

Preview Ground Of Its Own

Ground Of Its Own (2012) by Sam Lee

“Folk singer Sam Lee brings magical new life to the dignity and mystery of old songs. Unadorned singing, adventurous instrumentation – an album of singular charm and beauty.”