4 Albums You Should Have Heard in 2018
Let’s be honest, there is a lot of music out there. It’s very easy for anyone to get their creations out into the world, whether it be music or some other form, like this one. Music has become so much more accessible with platforms like Soundcloud and Spotify that you can find just about anything to suit your flavor. If your flavor is pushing you towards Black artists, or if you’re just curious about what else might be out there here are four albums that were made last year that you should check out. I have talked to all of these artists before but my opinion is unbiased, except in their blackness of course. These four albums are all worth a listen…some of them are fairly short like Nature Boy others are a bit longer but so soulful throughout that you can’t stop listening. The intro to The War and Treaty’s Healing Tide is so close to Gospel that it brings tears to my eyes. Parables is a new look at R&B, rooted in the gospel completely. Then there’s Rhythm and Blues by Sheggog, if you grew up in the nineties, this will feel familiar but sound different.
There are no numbers because these are in no particular order. My hope is that you’ll listen to at least one of these albums after reading this. These can all be found on Apple Music and Spotify
Rhythm and Blues by Sheggog
This soulful album brings us back to those 90s days, when, if you are a 90s baby like me, you were just starting to discover music. Shegogg presents a love letter of an album that takes you through the emotions of a significant relationship. How two souls might just become one through the power of love. His references to classic R&B makes the title at the more clearer. Bringing you smooth beats and smoother vocals you won’t be able to help but run this one over and over again.
Healing Tide by The War and Treaty
I was introduced to The War and Treaty through a Fayetteville Roots collaboration. The Roots festival focuses on folk and bluegrass groups and this couple brings a new flavor to what a love song can be. Boasting elements of Gospel, folk, country, and soul, you can’t help but be moved, and get to moving, with the powerful lyrics and strong voices that accompany them. Do yourself a favor and take a listen!
Nature Boy by Rampage Wood
Rampage Wood debuts his first solo project after working under the name of Hollywood with his partner in crime, Skywalker, together they made up HiDefinition, straight out of Conway, AR. Wood’s short but jampacked EP shows his finesse and prowess as a lyricist. Holding nothing back, except when he decides to fade out “Deep Rest” we get a raw encounter with the Gold Buck himself. This is real rap and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you miss this.
Parables by Wavy J
Wavy J has been making music for years now, if not 10 then close to 10. This EP here he describes as a prayer. “Parables” recounts stories of significance and brings us into a very personal space with the artist. It is a clear change happening with the narrator throughout the album and he takes us on the journey with him, in hopes that we too might be enlightened.
