Mercury Prize 2013: Laura Mvula favourite despite cold critical reception
Mvula's Sing To The Moon is expected to win ahead of Disclosure's Settle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Laura Mvula's Sing To The Moon has emerged as the favourite to take the Barclaycard Mercury Prize tomorrow.
Bookmakers William Hill list the singer-songwriter from Birmingham as 11/10 favourite, ahead of Foals, David Bowie and Laura Marling.
A win for Mvula could prove controversial, as her album did not receive critical raves across the board. The Independent described it as a "disastrously over-egged pudding", saying the singer "nods to both Nina Simone and Brian Wilson, but lacks either's compelling character".
The NME gave the record five out of ten, saying: "She'll likely worm her way into plenty of dining rooms with this album, but not into anyone’s hearts."
Rolling Stone was more positive, praising Mvula for fusing "jazzy melodics, pop balladry, orchestral flourishes and pleading gospel to astonishing effect".
Electronic duo Disclosure are also highly favoured to take the Prize with their album, Settle. They have odds of 5/1 at Paddy Power.
However, despite being chart favourites, Arctic Monkeys are outsiders at 16/1. Jake Bugg, who has also received a knocking in the press, is at 40/1, with Rudimental at 50/1.
The judges can be unpredictable in their choices. London Grammar were early favourites for this year's prize, only to find they weren't on the shortlist.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments