2018 was a great year for music. Here are some of my favorite albums of the year, but don’t take my word for it. 😉
I’ve been writing a “favorite albums” post in various forms for the last few years now. This of course with the exception of 2016 (no list) and 2017 (which was a Facebook post). I guess I was feeling a little lazy.
Not so this year. I am back with a list of my favorite albums of 2018, but with a twist. I’ll be listing them in “tiers.” Kinda like fantasy baseball/football rankings (if you are into that sort of thing).
At the end of the article, I’ll have a link to a Spotify playlist, for your listening enjoyment.
First Round Picks
My top picks of the 2018 music year. Must listens (IMHO).
Janelle Monáe – Dirty Computer
Dirty Computer was supposed to be her most commercial album, but I thought it still challenged me like her first two. Janelle Monáe is one of the most unique and talented voices of our time. “I Like That” is one of my favs but let’s be honest, they are all good.
Leon Bridges – Good Thing
Before listening to Good Thing, I had only heard Leon Bridges name in passing among friends. I definitely have been missing out on some excellent songwriting. I like the breeziness of “Forgive You” and the message is on point. Also, I’ve heard he brings it with his live performances.
The Internet – Hive Mind
“Roll (Burbank Funk)” has quite possibly one of the best bass lines of all time. I was introduced to The Internet on one of the NPR music programs that I listen to (although I don’t remember which one at this point). Hive Mind is still captivating after several run-thrus. This album has some serious range and you won’t be dissapointed.
Mitski – Be the Cowboy
And I don’t want your pity
I just want somebody near me
Guess I’m a coward
I just want to feel alright
“Nobody” was the first track I listened to off the Mitski’s Be The Cowboy. I heard it on a random Spotify playlist. It was one of those moments when you go back to see what is playing an then immediately replay the song. The album is devastatingly beautiful (it’s not a feel good album) but worth the “first round” pick.
Second Rounders
My second rounders are probably an acquired taste but still strong in my lineup of favorite albums for 2018.
Fantastic Negrito – Please Don’t Be Dead
Fantastic Negrito is not for everyone. But if he is for you, he is superb. Big props to my buddy “Tito” for sharing this artist with me after he saw him in Atlanta. Please Don’t Be Dead is a genre-busting gem. You have to listen to the whole album in order to experience the genius, one track won’t do it. “The Duffler” will get you started.
Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
Invasion of Privacy is not a groundbreaking choice but since I don’t typically choose “Top 40” music it is a little be out of the ordinary for me. In that vein, “I Like It” is just a fun song which is why I included it. I like to have fun from time to time.
Black Panther The Album Music From And Inspired By Kendrick Lamar & The Weeknd & SZA
Rap and Hip-Hop are typically not my favorite genres but after watching Black Panther earlier this year, I became enamored with the soundtrack. “All The Stars” is probably one of the more radio-friendly songs on the album but it still spoke to me.
This maybe the night that my dreams might let me know
All the stars are closer, all the stars are closer, all the stars are closer
Thrice – Palms
There’s a shadow that believes in fits and starts
And it’s the paradox that feeds the famished heart
I’m finally seeing how the spaces make the song
I’m finally seeing now that everything belongs
Yeah, everything belongs
Everything belongs
“Everything Belongs” is one of the most beautiful songs I have heard in a while. Palms is surprisingly nuanced and gets better after the first listen. If you have ever been a fan of Thrice, you will like Palms. It is probably their most complete album to date. I love to see bands that are still making music and getting better at it. Well done Thrice. Well done.
Death Cab for Cutie – Thank You for Today
Honestly, Thank You for Today is a breath of fresh air after a few too many unremarkable Death Cab releases. Sure, “Gold Rush” sounds a bit too “radio ready” but there are worse things than a song that scored Death Cab for Cutie’s fastest rising hit on the Adult Alternative charts. Kudos to Ben and the gang for making an enjoyable album that I don’t get tired of hearing. BTW, “Summer Years” is definitely my favorite track on the album.
Dawes – Passwords
I’ve said it before, somewhere. I wish I wrote, “Crack the Case.” It is so hard to write an exceptional song and I think Dawes hits it out of the park with this one and their album Passwords. See some of my favorite lyrics below.
It’s really hard to hate anyone, when you know what they’ve lived through
And once they’ve given you a taste
She said, “This is for you to overcome, but I will always love you”
In her perfect state of grace
Maybe that would crack the case
Sleeper Picks
You may never have heard of these artists but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fantastic. Don’t sleep on these picks for something new to listen to.
El Ten Eleven – Banker’s Hill
El Ten Eleven has made an exceptional instrumental album. Like I mentioned previously in this post, a great song is hard to write. An instrumental song is even harder. “Reverie” is a fantastic example of how El Ten Eleven keep the listener engaged with the songs on Banker’s Hill. I’ve heard their live show is exceptional. Do yourself a favor and don’t sleep on this album.
Dirty Projectors – Lamp Lit Prose
I am so happy that “Break-Thru” has a video, if only to see David Longstreth play the song’s guitar lick on his lefty Stratocaster. Y’all, I love me some Dirty Projectors. They are quirky as all get out, but their albums are melody rich. Not to mention the subtle beats that permeate Lamp Lit Prose. Another sleeper album for you to check out.
Courtney Barnett – Tell Me How You Really Feel
Is that Courtney Barnett playing her jam “Hopefulessness” at Piedmont Park in the ATL? Yes. Yes it is. I loved her debut Sometimes I Sit and Think, and Sometimes I Just Sit and Tell Me How You Really Feel is a outstanding follow-up record. You’ll perhaps needs another pass through her lyrics to appreciate her artistry. See example below.
Y’know what they say
No one’s born to hate
We learn it somewhere along the way.
Take your broken heart
Turn it into art
Can’t take it with you, can’t take it with you
Metric – Art of Doubt
Metric is one of those bands that seems to just keep getting better. A Canadian band from Toronto, Art of Doubt tallies their seventh studio album since 2003. It has been the most memorable collection of songs for me, as I have only listened to singles and whatever creeps in my Spotify playlists. This is a great album and “Now or Never Now”, while a slow burner, is a great song.
Spiritualized – And Nothing Hurt
Spiritualized is another band that has been around for awhile. Their iconic album Ladies and Gentlemen We’re Floating in Space (1997) still holds up to repeated listens and I was excited about And Nothing Hurt. To simply say this album is layered doesn’t do it justice, maybe elaborately arranged in the best possible way. The video link I’ve embedded gives a visual of a band with 25 or more people on stage to play one of my favorite tracks, “A Perfect Miracle.” When you hear the song on the album you’ll know why there are so many people, but somehow J. Spaceman makes it work without it being superfluous. It would be easy to let this one slip away.
Late Round Fliers
Take a chance on one of these albums. You’ll likely love them or hate them. But the risk is half the fun of it.
Arms and Sleepers – Find the Right Place
For fans of ambient trip-hop, Arms and Sleepers has created quite a collection of songs. Find the Right Place is another genre-bending album that is worth a spin (as if anyone still spins records these days). “Be This Way” is a good one to try.
lovelytheband – finding it hard to smile
lovelytheband has quite a infectious earworm with “broken.” It was originally released in 2017 but their full-length album finding it hard to smile came out in 2018. I’ve warned you. You might be singing it in the shower tomorrow morning.
Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
“Rainbow” is a great song. I mean a really wonderful song. The melody, the lyrics, and Kasey consistently nails the live version. I am extremely skeptical of any country artist (showing my bias) but I have to say that Golden Hour, while not my favorite for album of the year, just might get it. The songs are well written and well produced and it is hard to find something to complain about.
Low – Double Negative
“Dancing and Fire” might be Low’s most accessible song on their album Double Negative. If you have ever heard of them, take a listen. If not, it might not be for you. I really like Quorum, the first track on the album but it is not something I would put on a playlist.
Gorillaz – The Now Now
Jack Black frolicking around Venice Beach playing George Benson guitar licks while 2-D roller skates around him is a sentence that I just typed. The Now Now is a nice diversion, but don’t think too hard about it.
Fox Grin – King of Spades
Fox Grin might be one of the bands I am most excited about. Originally from Atlanta but now residing in Nashville, it is probably only a matter of time before I get to see them live. “Memoria” is my favorite track on King of Spades. Their use of synthesizers shows a real depth to their music. I am looking forward to hearing more from them.
Ruston Kelly – Dying Star
Another country artist that I was not sure about. Ruston Kelly is the real deal folks. This is a great album. There is not a bad song on it. “Anchors”, which is my favorite track, is reminiscent of a Manchester Orchestra song (I just don’t know which one). Regardless, there is some complexity here that might be lost if you are not looking for it. Make sure you check out Dying Star.
Spotify Playlist
Thanks for taking the time to read my selections for favorite albums of 2018. If you like the post, share it with your closest music snobs. Here is to another great year of music in 2019.
