My Favorite Albums of 2018

It’s that time of year! Nothing like the time of now for music. Hope everyone has had a good holiday. Take some time to listen to some good tunes. My favorites of 2018 are as follows:

10 | JPEGMAFIA — Veteran

Gritty, glitchy, and ruthless, this was a sleeper hit for me, as I couldn’t even stop listening to Baby I’m Bleeding. I am glad I eventually came around to finishing up the album because the production on this is extremely well-done and unique, with JPEG adding his flare to make it a rounded off experience.

Favorite Tracks: Baby I’m Bleeding, Thug Tears, Macaulay Culkin

9 | KIDS SEE GHOSTS — KIDS SEE GHOSTS

I’m sure that what there is to be said about this album has already been said, but I will say I was surprised not only at Kanye’s ability to create 3 nuanced and fantastic albums back-to-back-to-back, but Cudi to come out of his slump to add amazing sounds, lyrics, and singing to this record.

Favorite Tracks: Reborn, Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2), Fire

8 | Car Seat Headrest — Twin Fantasy

After falling off of Teens of Denial pretty hard, I was surprised at how much this album pulled me in with a poppy production, cool vocals from Will, and captivating lyrics.

Favorite Tracks: Nervous Young Inhumans, Bodys, Sober to Death

7 | boygenius — boygenius ep

A powerhouse group produced a powerhouse EP. To be expected and understandably great with a nice country-infused indie rock sound.

Favorite Tracks: Souvenir, Bite the Hand, Me & My Dog

6 | Snail Mail — Lush

A beautiful voice from a surprising newcomer. I love the melodies and lyrics on this record and it also provided my favorite song of the year (pristine). Hoping to see more from her in the coming year.

Favorite Tracks: Pristine, Heat Wave, Golden Dream

5 | Pusha T — Daytona

This is the sort of album that slaps you in the face with its raw sound, unrelenting vocals, and incredible production. Pusha T and Kanye come out to create what is probably my favorite album from Push.

Favorite Tracks: What Would Meek Do?, If You Know You Know, Come Back Baby

4 | Mac Miller — Swimming

Rest in peace Mac, you are remembered. He definitely produced such a wonderful album this year and I’m glad to see it got the recognition it deserves. After continued listening, I think this is my favorite album of his. After taking some time to truly think about the sound and meaning he wanted to ascribe to a new record, the effort paid off to create something fresh that stands out in his discography.

Favorite Tracks: Dunno, Jet Fuel, Self Care

3 | Foxing — Nearer My God

Emo with the presence and engrossment of arena rock with such enchanting sounds, melodies, lyrics, and cool little touches (see bagpipes in Bastardizer) that made this an album to relisten to.

Favorite Tracks: Lich Prince, Bastardizer, Grand Paradise

2 | Kacey Musgraves — Golden Hour

Here we are in this year of our Lord 2018 with a country album in my top 3, but what a wonderfully beautiful album of love. Her lyrics are punchy and poignant with the melodies to give this album staying power in my usual rotation.

Favorite Tracks: Oh What a World, Butterflies, Velvet Elvis

1 | Pinegrove — Skylight

Even after all of the drama, articles written, feelings hurt, and confusion, Pinegrove came out of it with a thoughtfulness that in my humble opinion was commendable and respectable. I hope they can continue with their progression in sound and continue to create songs with the gut-punching lyrics and distinctive sound I’ve come to know them for.

Favorite Tracks: Rings, Patterson & Leo, Darkness