The 30 Best Albums of 2018 (and more)
So 2018 is coming to a close and you’ve just realized you haven’t really been paying attention to the music that came out this year and you’ve only heard maybe 5–6 from 2018 when the radio plays them over-and-over?
Perhaps you’re just curious about what a random person on the internet has been listening to and what their favourite songs/albums have been?
Maybe you just like looking at other people’s year end lists to help reinforce that your own taste in music is far better?Whatever the reason, you’re here and I aim to give you a reason for being here.
To get myself prepared I attempted to listen to more new music this year than any other year previously and while there’s still a plethora of albums I missed out on (leave a comment if your favourite album is missing), I think I did about as good of a job as I could have and kept the genres more-or-less varied (at least for me).
Below you will see how this post is sectioned off and hopefully be able to find what you’re looking for easily. I tried to put a lot of work into this and I hope you’ll be able to get something out of this (like the discovery of new artists you end up falling in love with).
— — — — — — —Table of Contents — — — — — —
— — — — — —2018 Music Playlists — — — — — —
When looking for new music this year I made use of a number of different music websites, most notably Stereogum, Punknews.org, ConsequenceOfSound, DyingScene, Noisey, & BrooklynVegan. In addition to these sites, there’s also discovering artists on Spotify, Bandcamp, Youtube, live concerts or just recommendations from friends.
I should note that I come from a mostly ‘punk’ background when it comes to music, but over the years I’ve tried expanding that to incorporate a vast array of genres which I think will be visible on the included 2018 playlists.
When choosing songs for the playlists, the songs had to have been released in 2018 (if it’s an old song that was officially released in 2018 I still counted it), I didn’t include more than 1 song from any artist (unless the artist is featured on another song), and I also removed any song that came out this year, but is expected to be on an album coming out in 2019.
Here are the playlists, broken up into 3 different categories (totally more than 35+ hours of music):
NOTE: Open the playlists in Spotify to hear the entirety of the playlist
Light: Songs that are mostly low tempo — Folk, Acoustic, Soft Rock, Shoegaze, etc
Medium: Songs that are mostly mid to higher tempo — mostly Hip hop, RnB, Dance, Electro, Jazz, Ska, Reggae, etc
Heavy: Songs that are mostly fast tempo — Punk, Rock, Metal, Hardcore, etc
30. Now, Now — Saved
This is only Now, Now’s 3rd album, but it’s been 6 years since their sophomore release ‘Threads’ back in 2012 and in that time they’ve gone from a 3-piece back to two.
I was initially disappointed by this record when I first heard it, but luckily gave it another chance a couple months ago and although it wasn’t the record I was expecting, it does turn out to be a pretty solid indie pop album.
The most notable difference is that this time around they sound much more polished and rely even more heavily on electronic percussion and some tracks lack any guitar at all. Although the first singles of the record certainly stand out much more than the rest of the tracks, you’ll likely still find yourself still enjoying the album as a whole as long as you’re up for some soft pop /indie rock.
29. mewithoutYou — [Untitled]
mewithoutYou come back with another solid album full of their signature sound of indie-rock/post-hardcore.
Most of the record finds the band alternating between softer rock elements with Aaron Weiss’s spoken word vocals (always on the edge of screaming) to larger full frontal hardcore accompanied by a good dose of free-range instrumentals.
If you’re feeling nostalgic for some of the rock sound that made up a large amount of the early 2000s mewithoutYou serves up it on a platter perfectly.
Tracks to check out: 9:27a.m., 7/29, Flee, Thou Matadors!, and Wendy & Besty
28. Authority Zero — Persona Non Grata
With this album coming out in December there wasn’t much time to give it a fully fleshed out listening experience so I wouldn’t be surprised if this album moves around in the rankings as times goes by, but as of right now I feel okay giving it the 28th spot.
If you’re unfamiliar with Authority Zero, they’re a a no-nonsense punk band that sprinkles some ska elements in their songs now and then (less so in their later albums) and are pretty reliable in putting out enjoyable records.
The record unfortunately starts on a sour note with the first 3 tracks being, in my opinion, the weakest of the 12 and lacking any real energy or interesting melody, but if you get through the beginning you’ll be greeted by a collection of songs that will have you in search of the closest mosh pit.
Tracks to check out: Atom Bomb, Back from the Dead, and Damage Control
27. Pennywise — Never Gonna Die
If you told me I would be putting Pennywise on a ‘best of the year list’ at the beginning of the year I wouldn’t have believed you, but here we are.
This is a band I often joke that you can buy one of their records and essentially have all of their discography as every record sounds pretty much the same as the last, but I guess sometimes is familiarity is exactly what the doctor ordered.
For a band celebrating their 30th anniversary, it’s inspiring to hear them still going full throttle on their own blend of punk, a blend which helped shape the skatepunk genre of the early 1990s.
If you’re looking for a classic punk record that never slows down from start to finish and is manned by a group of veteran musicians than look no further than this one.
Tracks to check out: Live While You Can, A Little Hope, and Won’t Give Up The Fight
26. Jeff Rosenstock — POST-
In perfect Jeff Rosenstock fashion, this album was released (for free) on January 1st with zero marketing beforehand, just some social media posts letting his fans know on the day of release.
Although this release is bookended by 2 of Jeff’s longest songs, the album itself never seemed to set itself apart from previous ones that offered more originality. The record is still excellent from beginning to end, but unlike previous efforts I never found myself really applauding any particular song and I often tended to even forgot the album came out this year.
Don’t let this keep you from giving the record a listen though, as the worst Rosenstock record is still better than most music that comes out.
Ranking Jeff Rosenstock’s 12 Releases (BTMI! & ASOB)
Tracks to check out: 9/10, USA, and Powerlessness
25. Hop Along — Bark Your Head Off, Dog
Frances Quinlan once again proves she’s the best female singer in the biz. She has such control over her voice that it sometimes begins to seem the exact opposite, like a child still figuring out how to produce different sounds.
Her voice carries the album through its ups and downs where you’re never really sure where a song will end up as many of the songs have an almost impromptu nature that seem to serve the lyrical storytelling best.
This album finds the return of more instrumentation, mostly strings, which I believe fits the band more, but there were times when I found myself wondering when a solid melody would return to help frame the song.
Tracks to check out: Somewhere a Judge, How Simple, and Not Abel
24. Cursive — Vitriola
The return of the cello (or so I’m told). Cursive is a band that I sort of missed out on, even though they were a huge part of the emo rock/post-hardcore scene of the mid-90s to early 2000s. They’re also one of the bands that helped establish the Ohio sound which could be found on Saddle Creek records (which this record was surprisingly not released on).
Since I’m less familiar with their previous records, I can’t really say if this album is a step up or down, but I can say it’s a great ride throughout. It’s somewhat surprising just how much the addition of a cello can add to the overall feel, but it takes moments that would sound like more carbon copy alternative rock and spices it up with something a little more original. If you liked the mewithoutYou album from above, you’ll probably dig this one too.
Tracks to check out: Ouroboros, Pick up the Pieces, and Life Savings
23. Cosmo Sheldrake — The Much Much How How And I
After Sheldrake’s 2015 EP I’ve been excitedly waiting for the multi-instrumentalist to release his debut album and I’m happy to say that it’s full of the same imagery and fantasy that filled the EP, albeit a bit bloated at times.
What sets this album apart is its heavy usage of sound effects (non instrumental) that create a very specific type of atmosphere that often makes you feel like you’re watching a trippy version of Fantasia (or more trippy version).
Cosmo has been known to provide music for some film and theatre and it clearly shows on this release that is heavy with instrumental tracks. If you’re looking for something to put you in a dream-inspired mood, this might just be the ticket.
Tracks to check out: Come Along, Wriggle, and Pliocene
22. Larry and His Flask — This Remedy
The boys from Oregon are back with another folk-americana-punk hybrid album, this one paid for directly by their fans (gofundme).
If you’ve had a chance to hear them (or see them) you already have an idea of what you’ll get with this record, a lot of mostly upbeat songs that make liberal use of a banjo and shuffle in brass instrument solos to really tie everything together.
The band occasionally finds themselves more settled down with thoughtful ballads, but it’s when they turn the tempo up that you really get to experience Larry and His Flask in top performance.
21. The Joy Formidable — Aaarth
I’m not sure why, but this album didn’t seem like it had much exposure when it was released. Maybe it was bad marketing or just a bad release date, but don’t worry, I didn’t forget about these Welsh rockers.
Speaking of Welsh, the intro track to this album is actually all in Welsh (I think) and does a respectable job of mixing stadium style rock with tribal-esque percussion and Jack White(ish) guitar riffs.
If you’re already a fan of this band, you may not like the more polished sound of the mix, but I personally think it works great with the band aesthetic by keeping the hooks at the forefront.
Tracks to check out: Y Bluen Eira, The Better Me, and The Wrong Side
20. Saves The Day — 9
Saves The Day has been around since 1994, but I never really listened to them besides their 1999 album ‘Through Being Cool’. If this album is any indication of the rest of their sound, perhaps it’s time I dive into the rest of their catalog.
As one of the veterans of the emo/pop punk scene these guys know what they’re doing, but you’d be incorrect if you’re expecting depressing music. This record is all about celebrating being a band (and life) for as long as they have and enjoying every second of it.
The songs themselves contain quite a few literal lines regarding the formation of the band and the constant theme of the album does eventually find the listener wondering if they’ve already heard the same song earlier, especially with the impressive 21:30min long closing track that serves as a sort of bricolage of the rest of the album.
Tracks to check out: Side By Side, Kerouac and Cassady, and It’s Such a Beautiful World
19. NVDES — Vibe City Utah
What can I say about this album? It’s a blast and an instant dance-maker. This type of music wouldn’t necessarily be my cup of tea, but maybe it’s the similarities to Fatboy Slim (that I’m familiar with) or the weird homage to the Beastie Boys on ‘Running’, but something about this album just hit all the right dance nerves with me.
I can’t say that it will blast you away with originality, but who needs that always anyway? Sometimes you just want to throw on a record that will guarantee to get you grooving down the sidewalk, careless if anyone is watching. To me, that is this record, even if the second half takes a slight dip in quality.
Tracks to check out: On My Magic, Ou La La La (All Eyes on Us), and Running
18. Direct Hit! — Crown of Nothing
Another year, another Direct Hit! concept album, and I mean that in the best way possible. If you’ve heard DT!’s brand of pop-punk before than this album won’t really surprise you, but it shouldn’t disappoint either.
Returning are the mid-tempo pop jams that are sandwiched between full-on hardcore punk as well as melodic skatepunk.
While DT!’s production may turn off many of punk purists, for them it seems part of their signature since before they were on any “known” label, they were still well known for turning the gain to max and adding in a synth wherever the sonic peaks might give your ears a bit of rest. I can never determine which DT! album is the best (maybe it’s this one) as they always aim to please. So, in the immortal words of DT!, “Fuck you! Get Pumped!”
Tracks to check out: Perfect Black, Something We Won’t Talk About, and Losing Faith
17. Mad Caddies — Punk Rocksteady
Mad Caddies (and maybe Mustard Plug) is the only ska band that I really get excited for when I hear they’re releasing something new which is why, even when ranked at #17, this album was a bit of a disappointment.
For the Caddies 7th album they’ve chosen to do a record of covers; covers of popular mostly-90s melodic punk bands that are converted to reggae slow jams.
While the Mad Caddies did do an excellent job effortlessly covering these songs and really making you forget how they originally sounded, I feel like with the talent this band possesses, they did their listeners a slight disservice by not attempting to throw more genre flavours into the bowl. Why not add some dixieland or ragtime that the band has come to be known for all of these years? Still, it’s the best reggae album of the year.
Tracks to check out: She, She’s Gone, and Sleep Long
16. Turnstile — Time & Space
Turnstile could have just put out a quality hardcore punk record for their sophomore release — their ability to channel the angsty sound of the 80s hardcore scene is uncanny, but they decided to add little gems of creativity throughout each song, really making Turnstile standout from so many other great, but forgetable hardcore acts.
If you like vocals screamed at you as you bang your head infectiously along then hurry up and listen to this record because it seems like Turnstile has taken it into their own hands to save the hardcore punk genre while simultaneously making you wonder what direction they will go with each song (not an easy task for most hardcore artists).
Tracks to check out: High Pressure, I Don’t Wanna Be Blind, and Right To Be
15. Joyce Manor — Million Dollars To Kill Me
10 songs? Check.
Barely over 20 min? Check.
Random photo album cover? Check.
Looks like we got another Joyce Manor album and just like their prior records, it’s full of short punk songs with heartfelt lyrics.
Joyce Manor is a confusing band, on paper there’s nothing that really makes them stand out, but perhaps that’s what makes them so great, they never seem to ‘try’ to be a certain sound, they always just feel like a band full of young guys who love making songs and writing lyrics about subjects that are sometimes mundane, but all too familiar. Maybe their sound will never change and maybe I never want it to change.
Tracks to check out: Big Lie, Friends We Met Online, and Think I’m Still In Love With You
14. Antarctigo Vespucci — Love in the Time of E-Mail
Remember Jeff Rosenstock from #26? Well, he actually put out two records this year and while he doesn’t sing lead vocals on this album (that would be Chris Farren), the style and production is unmistakably Rosenstock.
Antarctigo Vespucci originally started as a little side project between Farren & Rosenstock, one that I didn’t think would really last, but instead was just them screwing around, but here we are with their second full length album already and they’re really showing that they’re capable of putting out some of the best music you can find.
To those uninitiated with the band, they pour out their feelings unedited and unfiltered into their lyrics which the raw sound of their music (backed with random keyboards and various other percussions) seems to balance to perfection.
Tracks to check out: White Noise, Another Good Thing, and Breathless on DVD
13. The Interrupters — Fight The Good Fight
Do you like Rancid’s ska songs, but wish they were song by a woman? Whether you do or not, the Interrupters are here to provide you with just that. That might sound like a slight against them, but it most certainly isn’t.
This is the band’s 3rd album and continues their trend of writing absolutely stellar ska punks records. Honestly, I can’t really think of any other ska punk albums I listened to this year because nobody is able to do it well anymore, save for this band.
It may even just be the excellent tutelage of Tim Armstrong, but the Interrupters just keep making all the write moves. They’re even able to sound badass while still playing ska. How many bands can still say that?
Tracks to check out: She’s Kerosene, Not Personal, and Be Gone
12. Drug Church — Cheer
What would you get if you crossed The Hold Steady with the band Raised Fist? I don’t know, but it would almost definitely have to sound something like this.
This album helps prove that there is still plenty left to experiment with in the hardcore punk genre and as you get pelted with a wall of sound, try to pay attention to the excellent lyrics as they wash over you.
Equally indignant and adjusted, the lyrics serve to tell a story of youthful outrage while still feeling exhausted from experience that are really summed up by the lyrics in ‘Weed Pin’ — “Fuck you at $12.50 an hour-I should’ve started a chemical fire-
I should’ve burned this fucking place to the ground”.
Tracks to check out: Weed Pin, Unlicensed Hall Monitor, and Foam Pit
11. Alkaline Trio — Is This Thing Cursed?
Alkaline Trio is back after a 5 year absence and I’m happy to say that the time away was absolutely for the best. Alkaline Trio is back to the sound that made me fall in love with them in the first place.
If you’re familiar with them, this release sounds like it would have fit perfectly between ‘From Here to Infirmary’ and ‘Good Mourning’.
This album shows that some bands really suffer when too much time is spent polishing an album. This one sounds like they went into the studio to have some fun again. To write a record not only for their fans, but also for themselves. If you heard the singles that were originally released, try not to judge the album off of them as they were strangely enough the worst tracks on the record. Also, bassist Dan Andriano’s songs are the best on the album — the first time I can remember that happening. If you loved the older sound of Alkaline Trio and were waiting for the return, this record will hopefully appease your appetite.
Tracks to check out: Little Help?, Pale Blue Ribbon, and Throw Me To The Lions
10. Flasher — Constant Image
Although this album may sound like it came straight from the 80s or early 90s, this is in fact Flasher’s 2018 debut album. What I love about this album is that although its driving bass tone and light sprinkles of synth drive up images of a couple decades ago, it still is able to make itself sound completely fresh at the same time.
It is garage rock? Is it punk? Is it new wave? It’s all of the above and none of the above. Just like the vocals, shared equally between all three members, you’ll never be able to fully put your finger on what exactly makes this band so special and why you immediately want to replay the record once it has ended — you just do.
Tracks to check out: Pressure, Harsh Light, and Skim Milk
9. The Dirty Nil — Master Volume
On The Dirty Nil’s second album they bring more of what made them stand out on their debut, which is straight-up, unfiltered, rock-and-roll.
There’s something eerily filthy about the confidence in which singer/guitarist Luke Bentham is able to belt out each word. Something that makes you feel guilty about enjoying it so much.
Although the band is mostly familiar to those in the punk scene, it’s hard to label them as a punk band, maybe on a few tracks, but otherwise they are essentially the definition of a rock band. Everything about them screams loud-obnoxious-no-shits-given-piss-your-neighbours-off rock.
Tracks to check out: Pain of Infinity, Bathed In Light, and Smoking Is Magic
8. Miya Folick — Premonitions
If anyone on this list has a chance of becoming a household name, it’s probably Miya Folick.
I first discovered her from the intoxicatingly beautiful EP she released last year and I’m happy to say that her debut album has not disappointed. It’s a perfect mix of quiet, mostly a-cappella moments (like the intro song that starts calmly and has your heart beating rapidly by the end) alongside some pure pop-infused jams like ‘Stop Talking’ & ‘Leave The Party’, all the while showcasing Miya’s powerful voice and the convictions her words carry.
Miya Folick is one of the few artists I’ve heard in a long time where I immediately fell in love with her style. She takes what could be just a simple song structure and turns it into pieces of her heart and soul.
Tracks to check out: Stop Talking, Leave The Party, and Stock Image
7. Culture Abuse — Bay Dream
I think this band managed to surprise most with their sophomore album — while not a complete departure from their debut, it also wasn’t the direction I think most were expecting.
I also think they made the right decision as this record is a joy to listen to.
‘Bay Dream’ is a perfect title for it as the whole thing has a sort of summer flanged-out dream feel to it, like they wanted to write some fast hardcore punk songs, but it was a really sunny day and they just smoked some weed so they wrote these songs instead. This also makes for a very positive album, not only sonically, but the lyrics themselves offer a lot of heartfelt joy. If you’re wondering what 50s rock n’ roll would’ve sounded like if it came out today… maybe something like this?
Tracks to check out: Calm E, Dave’s Not Here (I Got The Stuff Man), and Dip
6. Swingin’ Utters — Peace and Love
You wouldn’t think that a band would put out there best work after 21 years together and 8 other fantastic albums, but here we are in 2018 and it seems like the Swingin’ Utters have done just that.
After getting a brand new rhythm section (via 2 ex-Cobra Skulls members) it sounds like the Utters are as tight as they’ve ever been. Hell, they might have even released the best song of the year with ‘Human Potential’ a song soaked in melodic perfection with lyrics doused in political critique.
This is likely the Utters most political album to date as well, but they still have time for songs like ‘H.L.S.’, a beautiful song sung by Jack Dalyrmple about a previous bandmate — a perfect closer to a pretty much perfect album. The Swingin’ Utters may have helped establish the San Francisco punk scene, but they never stopped growing. I don’t know if they’ll ever top this, but I’m excited to hear them try.
Tracks to check out: Human Potential, Undertaker, Undertake, and H.L.S.
5. Steady Holiday — Nobody’s Watching
It took a few listens to figure out why this band sounds so familiar, but it finally sunk in— they are a slower/softer version The Cardigans.
This is probably the softest album to make the list, but it was so hard to avoid. The most difficult part was likely choosing which songs were the best as the whole album flows together so seamlessly.
This release serves a dual purpose of providing a soft background for escapism whilst also being engaging if you need it. There is a true art form to be found through the intricacies of indie-pop that Babinksi has provided during the course of this record.
Tracks to check out: Who’s Gonna Stop Us, Nobody’s Watching, and Love and Pressure
4. Saintseneca — Pillar of Na
If I had to sum up this album in one word it would ‘forlorn’, or maybe ‘melancholy’. There’s a deep sense of longing and sadness that seems to seep into every line of Zac Little’s words which aligns just right with the indie folk musical accompaniment.
As opposed to many of the albums on this list, this one definitely requires the right mood and setting to be played, but if your frame of mine is particularly crestfallen at the time of listening it will be like your own thoughts are creating the music, structuring it to fit every thought in your head. The way these ideas are strung together with a dreamy type atmosphere is what really sets Saintseneca apart and is the key to their brilliance.
Tracks to check out: Ladder to the Sun, Moon Barks at the Dog, and Frostbiter
3. Four Fists — 6666
Yikes! It’s the only hiphop album to make my year end list and it is (obviously) without a doubt the best hiphop record of 2018.
Four Fists is a collaboration between P.O.S. and Astronautalis (who have been known to collaborate several times already on their own records). The two work off each similarly to how Killer Mike and El-P do in Run The Jewels where each of the rapper’s best aspects get highlighted on each track. P.O.S. handles more of the verses while Astonautalis mostly takes the Choruses.
The end result is something familiar to those who have been following the careers of the two rappers, but something unmistakably unique to those who are first hearing the artists. Whether it’s the original beats or the creative lyrics that take center stage can be argued, but what can’t be argued is that Four Fist’s debut album DOES NOT DISAPPOINT.
Tracks to check out: Annihilation, Dork Court, and Nobody’s Biz
2. Former Member — Old Youth
I feel slightly bad ranking this album at #2 of 2018 as it was absolutely the album I was most excited to hear this year and also the most surprising of the year.
I’m extremely biased on this album as it’s a project by my favourite singer, Jason Shevchuk, who hasn’t released an album since 2010.
This record came out in June with no notice at all. I was on vacation in Kiev when I got a notice about it. I immediately bought it off Bandcamp, wrote a long thank-you message, and proceeded to drink Ukrainian vodka and listen to the record from start to finish about 7–8 times.
So what is so special about this album or the singer? It’s everything. It’s the raspy vocals and the range of styles he tries out while singing. It’s the tiny intricacies in each song that make the melodies stand out. Shevchuk, to me, is the absolute epitome of a genius songwriter. I don’t think there’s a single song that this guy could write that I wouldn’t desperately want to give money for.
This album may end up not being your cup of tea, but in many ways, the surprise release of the record was my favourite part of 2018.
Tracks to check out: Double Scoop of Trouble (Looking For a Cone), Root Notes, and Peanut Gallery
1. Screaming Females — All At Once
In 2015, Screaming Females released ‘Rose Mountain’, my favourite album of that year and in 2018 they did it again. They were able to take everything that made that 2015 album so amazing and somehow improve upon it.
I didn’t even know I wanted this album to sound like this until they showed to me that I did. In fact, I was initially disappointed that the record wasn’t as heavy on the ‘rock’ elements as the previous one, but the variations on this record are what really sets it apart from almost anything you can hear these days. Everything about this band is just so refreshing. The merciless guitar work that would make you swear they have at least 3 guitarists (it’s only Marissa Paternoster who does all the guitar work AND vocals). The vocals that are at one time hitting beautifully classic notes and then immediately diving into something raw, something untamed and even guttural.
This album is an instant classic and I have no idea how they will top this record, but knowing this band, they likely will. Oh, and to make this even more impressive, singer Marissa also released a full length solo album under the name ‘Noun’ this year as well.
Tracks to check out: I’ll Make You Sorry, Soft Domination, and Chamber for Sleep (Part One)
— — — — — What to look forward to in 2019 — — —
There’s several releases that have been officially announced for 2019 and several others that have been hinted or speculated at.
Here are the ones I’m most excited for:
- Radar State — Strays (Release Date: January 11th)
- Malibu Ken — Malibu Ken (Release Date: January 18th)
- Toro Y Moi — Outer Peace (Release Date: January 18th)
- FIDLAR — Almost Free (Release Date: January 25th)
- The Dandy Warhols — Why You So Crazy (Release Date: January 25th)
- Le Butcherettes — bi/MENTAL (Release Date: February 1st)
- Cherry Glazerr — Stuffed & Ready (Release Date: February 1st)
- Millencolin — SOS (Release Date: February 15th)
- Weezer — Black Album (Release Date: March 1st)
- The Faint — Egowork (Release Date: March 15th)
- Dead To Me
- Run The Jewels
- The Suicide Machines
- PUP
- Off With Their Heads
- Bedouin Soundclash
- Modest Mouse
- BigWig
- Bad Religion
- Against Me!
- Vampire Weekend
- The Aquabats
- Classics of Love
- NOFX
- Teenage Bottlerocket
- Chris Wollard & The Ship Thieves
- The Raconteurs
- RVIVR
- The Aggrolites
- The Offspring
- Banner Pilot
