Top 10 Albums of 2018
2018 was another great year for music. I discovered new artists who I really enjoy, and some of my favorites released new albums. Below is a list of my personal top 10 albums of 2018, in no particular order. All of these titles are available from our library system, so if you see something that catches your eye, be sure to place a hold on it!
Kacey’s fourth studio album is the first of hers that I’ve listened to. Kacey first appeared on my radar when she opened for Katy Perry’s Prismatic Tour. Since she was labeled as “country,” I never really thought I’d like her - but I’m glad I gave Golden Hour a chance. This native Texan is fresh off a well-deserved “Album of the Year” win at the Grammy Awards. The music, not unlike the album title, gives me the feeling of lying out in a grassy field on a warm summer evening. The album opens with “Slow Burn,” a nod to Kacey’s love for all things steady and smoldering. She has said that she prefers a slow burn like her marriage or her career to a quick burst and fade out. “Butterflies” is a love note to her husband Ruston. She describes being caught up in a web but being comfortable just staying there before she met him. I think we can all relate to coasting along until we find what or who we are truly meant to be. “Mother” is a short interlude dedicated to her mother. “Wish we didn’t live so far from each other, I’m just sitting here thinking about the time that’s slipping and missing my mother.” The album is about love, happiness, and enjoying the little things in life. Although the world seems like a scary place, Kacey is here to remind you that it’ll all be all right.
Troye Sivan breaks the “sophomore slump” curse with his second album Bloom. I was a huge fan of his previous effort Blue Neighborhood, so my expectations were high for the follow-up. I was not disappointed. Troye brings sweet songs about heartache and having a boyish crush to a wider audience. His first album was successful among the LGBTQ community, but I feel he reached a wider audience with Bloom’s more radio-friendly songs. He also brings up important issues that many artists shy away from. In “Seventeen” he talks about his experiences with much older men hitting on him when he was just 17-years old. This is a common issue in the gay community that is often glossed over. Troye takes some inspiration from the gay club anthems from the 80s and 90s; this album could just have easily been released in those decades and have fit right in. In “Plum” Troye sings about a love he has overgrown. “Even the sweetest plum has only got so long.” I believe Troye is in the forefront for alternative pop music and his music can only get better from here.
Lady Gaga has proven herself time and time again as the “chameleon” of pop music. Whether it’s synthpop, heavy metal, jazz, or even southern rock, Gaga can handle whatever is thrown at her. As if the movie wasn’t great enough, a wonderful soundtrack was released which includes songs included in the film and even some that weren’t. The most surprising aspect of this album is Bradley Cooper’s vocal ability. If you didn’t already know Bradley Cooper as the loveable goofball from the Hangover franchise, you’d never know Jackson Maine (the male lead of this film) was the same Cooper. He proves that he can hold his own against the iconic Lady Gaga and he does it so well. The album opens with a southern-inspired rock number “Black Eyes,” which, like most of Maine’s songs on the soundtrack, revolves around alcoholism and aging. The first duet of the film is “Shallow” (A song that is now on track to be the most awarded song ever), which showcases Bradley and Gaga’s connection. The album really shines towards the end. Gaga showboats her incredible vocals with “Always Remember Us This Way,” and channels Whitney Houston in the power ballad “I’ll Never Love Again.” If you’re planning on watching the film, make sure you check out the soundtrack as well. I guarantee there’s something for everyone on this album.
Muse once again creates a sonically pleasing visual album. This time they’re referencing 80s pop culture and science fiction. In fact, the cover art was created by Stranger Things’ artist Kyle Lambert. The music videos that have been released so far from this album pay homage to 80s classic films such as “Back to the Future” and “Teen Wolf” while also referencing modern day “simulation theory” - the theory that none of this (meaning us, the world, etc.) are real, that we are a computer simulation. That’s not something I necessarily believe, but it fits in well with the science fiction theme of the album. Simulation Theory is much more electronic than Muse’s previous albums, but I think that it blends well with the vibe of the work. Muse frontman Matt Bellamy says the song “Thought Contagion” is a nod to a book by Richard Dawkins. He quoted Dawkins by saying “thoughts are contagious [and that] they spread like disease.” Their last album Drones has a much darker outlook than Simulation Theory, and I think both work well together as if they were the same body of work.
Deafheaven are known for their operatic, lengthy metal tracks, but with their new album Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, the band ventures slightly outside of their comfort zone. The album title was inspired by Graham Greene’s 1951 novel “The End of the Affair” which examines obsession, jealousy, and discernment between three central characters. Deafheaven taps into their softer and more experimental side. It’s hard to put them in a box because just when you think you’ve figured them out, they completely change up their sound. The album has only seven tracks, but is a little over an hour long. Deafheaven are one of the most exciting bands to come out of the metal underground in a long time. In a genre with so many copycats, it’s a breath of fresh air to find a band that completely turns the genre upside down.
Florence Welch and Co. have done it again. Florence + The Machine’s fourth studio album High as Hope shows off a softer sound to the band than their previous album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Having a softer sound doesn’t mean the material is softer. Florence tackles issues like eating disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse, and overall mental health issues in the 39 minutes of High as Hope. In “Hunger,” Florence sings about starving herself at 17, in a literal and metaphorical sense. She was starving herself physically to fit in with the other girls, and starving herself of love. High as Hope is a poetic self-reflection and study of truth. Florence is best known by her ethereal vocal ability and high-energy productions, and I think that shines through in this album.
Not only is KOD one of the best albums of 2018, it’s also one of the best rap albums. Jermaine Cole is not a radio rapper and he makes it apparent on this record. He mocks modern day rappers who only do it for the money and have no real artistic excellence. He brings up “mumble rappers” who are topping the charts rapping about drug use and violence. J. Cole tackles addiction, gang violence, police brutality, and many other issues facing the black community. In “ATM” he talks about our culture’s “addiction” to money and greed, how we’re all so focused on capitalistic greed. On “Kevin’s Heart” he tackles the mindset behind a man being unfaithful in his relationships, fighting off urges to cheat. I’m glad that J. Cole is focusing on relating to real people than making club bangers and top-10 hit songs. It’s not to say that a top-10 song can’t have substance, but currently many of them do not. J. Cole is here to pave the way for a new generation of poetic rappers instead of face-tattoos and auto-tune.
The last few years have been really tough for Ariana Grande. She has been completely open about her anxiety since the Manchester Bombing at her concert in 2017. Ariana has said that she titled this album Sweetener because writing a lot of these songs helped her through the struggles she faces in the public eye. It’s the “sweet” to her “bitter” and I think that message shines through. Ariana is no newcomer to making headlines, which is exactly what she did upon the release of her second single “God Is a Woman” which is very obviously a song about female empowerment and strength. On “Everytime,” she talks about a relationship she keeps being drawn back to despite it never working out. "Breathin’” is about her struggles with anxiety disorders, especially after the terrorist attack at her concert. I could feel the healing energy in each song and I’m happy she could find her sweetener amongst all the bitterness.
This was the first time I gave a 5 Seconds of Summer album a shot, and I’m so glad that I did. Is anything on this album particularly shocking or new? Not really. But I will say that it’s a blast to listen to from start to finish, which I think is desperately needed in pop music these days. They know not to take themselves too seriously and it shows in each song. The lyrics are cute - just like any teeny-bopper band - but what really got me were the choruses and hooks throughout the album. “Youngblood” was the main single off this album and was the song that prompted me to checkout the rest. I really enjoyed listening to this album despite its lack of deep and thoughtful content. The 80s aesthetic adds to the fun-loving vibe of the album. If you’re looking for catchy music that will turn into an ear worm, I highly suggest giving Youngblood a thorough listen.
Janelle continues to be one of the most interesting artists of her time. She draws inspiration from Michael Jackson, Prince, and even a little David Bowie. She’s wonderfully freaky and a truly one-of-a-kind. I found Dirty Computer to be one of the most interesting albums of the year. The album is a visual one as a 45-minute film was released alongside the album. The film is about a character named “Jane 57821” who wishes to breakout of the confines of a totalitarian society that makes Jane comply with its homophobic beliefs. Janelle is an outspoken LGBTQ activist and considers herself apart of that community as well. I love the concept of the album. She is being confined by this society that does not want her to be herself, but when she finally does, look out! Janelle’s love for sci-fi and cultural shifts to a more inclusive society were obviously inspiration for many of the songs on this album. In “Django Jane,” Janelle expresses her fears of threats towards her rights as a woman, especially a black queer woman. If you had told me “Make Me Feel” was a long-lost Prince track, I’d probably believe you. She certainly channels the artist formally known as Prince. This is a continuation of a story that Janelle has been telling since 2007, and I hope to one day listen to the finale.
1. Golden Hour by Kacey Musgraves [Country Pop]
Kacey’s fourth studio album is the first of hers that I’ve listened to. Kacey first appeared on my radar when she opened for Katy Perry’s Prismatic Tour. Since she was labeled as “country,” I never really thought I’d like her - but I’m glad I gave Golden Hour a chance. This native Texan is fresh off a well-deserved “Album of the Year” win at the Grammy Awards. The music, not unlike the album title, gives me the feeling of lying out in a grassy field on a warm summer evening. The album opens with “Slow Burn,” a nod to Kacey’s love for all things steady and smoldering. She has said that she prefers a slow burn like her marriage or her career to a quick burst and fade out. “Butterflies” is a love note to her husband Ruston. She describes being caught up in a web but being comfortable just staying there before she met him. I think we can all relate to coasting along until we find what or who we are truly meant to be. “Mother” is a short interlude dedicated to her mother. “Wish we didn’t live so far from each other, I’m just sitting here thinking about the time that’s slipping and missing my mother.” The album is about love, happiness, and enjoying the little things in life. Although the world seems like a scary place, Kacey is here to remind you that it’ll all be all right.
Notable Tracks:
“Slow Burn,” “Butterflies,” “Space Cowboy,” “Wonder Woman,” “High Horse,” and “Rainbow”
2. Bloom by Troye Sivan [Pop, Dance Pop]
Troye Sivan breaks the “sophomore slump” curse with his second album Bloom. I was a huge fan of his previous effort Blue Neighborhood, so my expectations were high for the follow-up. I was not disappointed. Troye brings sweet songs about heartache and having a boyish crush to a wider audience. His first album was successful among the LGBTQ community, but I feel he reached a wider audience with Bloom’s more radio-friendly songs. He also brings up important issues that many artists shy away from. In “Seventeen” he talks about his experiences with much older men hitting on him when he was just 17-years old. This is a common issue in the gay community that is often glossed over. Troye takes some inspiration from the gay club anthems from the 80s and 90s; this album could just have easily been released in those decades and have fit right in. In “Plum” Troye sings about a love he has overgrown. “Even the sweetest plum has only got so long.” I believe Troye is in the forefront for alternative pop music and his music can only get better from here.
Notable Tracks:
“Seventeen,” “My My My!,” “Dance to This (feat. Ariana Grande),” “Plum,” “Lucky Strike,” and “Animal”
3. A Star Is Born by Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper [Country/Folk Pop, Pop Rock, Piano Ballad]
Lady Gaga has proven herself time and time again as the “chameleon” of pop music. Whether it’s synthpop, heavy metal, jazz, or even southern rock, Gaga can handle whatever is thrown at her. As if the movie wasn’t great enough, a wonderful soundtrack was released which includes songs included in the film and even some that weren’t. The most surprising aspect of this album is Bradley Cooper’s vocal ability. If you didn’t already know Bradley Cooper as the loveable goofball from the Hangover franchise, you’d never know Jackson Maine (the male lead of this film) was the same Cooper. He proves that he can hold his own against the iconic Lady Gaga and he does it so well. The album opens with a southern-inspired rock number “Black Eyes,” which, like most of Maine’s songs on the soundtrack, revolves around alcoholism and aging. The first duet of the film is “Shallow” (A song that is now on track to be the most awarded song ever), which showcases Bradley and Gaga’s connection. The album really shines towards the end. Gaga showboats her incredible vocals with “Always Remember Us This Way,” and channels Whitney Houston in the power ballad “I’ll Never Love Again.” If you’re planning on watching the film, make sure you check out the soundtrack as well. I guarantee there’s something for everyone on this album.
Notable Tracks:
“Black Eyes,” “Maybe It’s Time,” “Shallow,” “Always Remember Us This Way,” “Heal Me,” and “I’ll Never Love Again”
4. Simulation Theory by Muse [Electronic Rock/Synth-Pop]
Muse once again creates a sonically pleasing visual album. This time they’re referencing 80s pop culture and science fiction. In fact, the cover art was created by Stranger Things’ artist Kyle Lambert. The music videos that have been released so far from this album pay homage to 80s classic films such as “Back to the Future” and “Teen Wolf” while also referencing modern day “simulation theory” - the theory that none of this (meaning us, the world, etc.) are real, that we are a computer simulation. That’s not something I necessarily believe, but it fits in well with the science fiction theme of the album. Simulation Theory is much more electronic than Muse’s previous albums, but I think that it blends well with the vibe of the work. Muse frontman Matt Bellamy says the song “Thought Contagion” is a nod to a book by Richard Dawkins. He quoted Dawkins by saying “thoughts are contagious [and that] they spread like disease.” Their last album Drones has a much darker outlook than Simulation Theory, and I think both work well together as if they were the same body of work.
Notable Tracks:
“Algorithm,” “Propaganda,” “Something Human,” “Thought Contagion,” “Dig Down,” and “Void”
5. Ordinary Corrupt Human Love by Deafheaven [Blackgaze, Post-Metal]
Deafheaven are known for their operatic, lengthy metal tracks, but with their new album Ordinary Corrupt Human Love, the band ventures slightly outside of their comfort zone. The album title was inspired by Graham Greene’s 1951 novel “The End of the Affair” which examines obsession, jealousy, and discernment between three central characters. Deafheaven taps into their softer and more experimental side. It’s hard to put them in a box because just when you think you’ve figured them out, they completely change up their sound. The album has only seven tracks, but is a little over an hour long. Deafheaven are one of the most exciting bands to come out of the metal underground in a long time. In a genre with so many copycats, it’s a breath of fresh air to find a band that completely turns the genre upside down.
Notable Tracks:
“Honeycomb,” “Near,” “Night People,” and “Worthless Animal”
6. High as Hope by Florence + The Machine [Indie Pop, Orchestral Rock]
Florence Welch and Co. have done it again. Florence + The Machine’s fourth studio album High as Hope shows off a softer sound to the band than their previous album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful. Having a softer sound doesn’t mean the material is softer. Florence tackles issues like eating disorders, alcoholism, drug abuse, and overall mental health issues in the 39 minutes of High as Hope. In “Hunger,” Florence sings about starving herself at 17, in a literal and metaphorical sense. She was starving herself physically to fit in with the other girls, and starving herself of love. High as Hope is a poetic self-reflection and study of truth. Florence is best known by her ethereal vocal ability and high-energy productions, and I think that shines through in this album.
Notable Tracks:
“June,” “Hunger,” “Sky Full of Song,” “Patricia,” “The End of Love,” and “No Choir”
7. KOD by J. Cole [Hip-Hop, Rap]
Not only is KOD one of the best albums of 2018, it’s also one of the best rap albums. Jermaine Cole is not a radio rapper and he makes it apparent on this record. He mocks modern day rappers who only do it for the money and have no real artistic excellence. He brings up “mumble rappers” who are topping the charts rapping about drug use and violence. J. Cole tackles addiction, gang violence, police brutality, and many other issues facing the black community. In “ATM” he talks about our culture’s “addiction” to money and greed, how we’re all so focused on capitalistic greed. On “Kevin’s Heart” he tackles the mindset behind a man being unfaithful in his relationships, fighting off urges to cheat. I’m glad that J. Cole is focusing on relating to real people than making club bangers and top-10 hit songs. It’s not to say that a top-10 song can’t have substance, but currently many of them do not. J. Cole is here to pave the way for a new generation of poetic rappers instead of face-tattoos and auto-tune.
Notable Tracks:
“KOD,” “Photograph,” “ATM,” “Kevin’s Heart,” “Once an Addict,” and “Window Pain”
8. Sweetener by Ariana Grande [Pop, R&B]
The last few years have been really tough for Ariana Grande. She has been completely open about her anxiety since the Manchester Bombing at her concert in 2017. Ariana has said that she titled this album Sweetener because writing a lot of these songs helped her through the struggles she faces in the public eye. It’s the “sweet” to her “bitter” and I think that message shines through. Ariana is no newcomer to making headlines, which is exactly what she did upon the release of her second single “God Is a Woman” which is very obviously a song about female empowerment and strength. On “Everytime,” she talks about a relationship she keeps being drawn back to despite it never working out. "Breathin’” is about her struggles with anxiety disorders, especially after the terrorist attack at her concert. I could feel the healing energy in each song and I’m happy she could find her sweetener amongst all the bitterness.
Notable Tracks:
“R.E.M.,” “God Is a Woman,” “Sweetener,” “Everytime,” “Breathin’,” “No Tears Left To Cry,” “Goodnight n Go,” and “Get Well Soon”
9. Youngblood by 5 Seconds of Summer [Pop Rock]
This was the first time I gave a 5 Seconds of Summer album a shot, and I’m so glad that I did. Is anything on this album particularly shocking or new? Not really. But I will say that it’s a blast to listen to from start to finish, which I think is desperately needed in pop music these days. They know not to take themselves too seriously and it shows in each song. The lyrics are cute - just like any teeny-bopper band - but what really got me were the choruses and hooks throughout the album. “Youngblood” was the main single off this album and was the song that prompted me to checkout the rest. I really enjoyed listening to this album despite its lack of deep and thoughtful content. The 80s aesthetic adds to the fun-loving vibe of the album. If you’re looking for catchy music that will turn into an ear worm, I highly suggest giving Youngblood a thorough listen.
Notable Tracks:
“Youngblood,” “Want You Back,” “Lie To Me,” “Valentine,” “Moving Along,” “If Walls Could Talk,” and “Woke Up in Japan”
10. Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe [Pop, Funk, R&B, Neo-Soul]
Janelle continues to be one of the most interesting artists of her time. She draws inspiration from Michael Jackson, Prince, and even a little David Bowie. She’s wonderfully freaky and a truly one-of-a-kind. I found Dirty Computer to be one of the most interesting albums of the year. The album is a visual one as a 45-minute film was released alongside the album. The film is about a character named “Jane 57821” who wishes to breakout of the confines of a totalitarian society that makes Jane comply with its homophobic beliefs. Janelle is an outspoken LGBTQ activist and considers herself apart of that community as well. I love the concept of the album. She is being confined by this society that does not want her to be herself, but when she finally does, look out! Janelle’s love for sci-fi and cultural shifts to a more inclusive society were obviously inspiration for many of the songs on this album. In “Django Jane,” Janelle expresses her fears of threats towards her rights as a woman, especially a black queer woman. If you had told me “Make Me Feel” was a long-lost Prince track, I’d probably believe you. She certainly channels the artist formally known as Prince. This is a continuation of a story that Janelle has been telling since 2007, and I hope to one day listen to the finale.
Notable Tracks:
“Take a Byte,” “Django Jane,” “Pynk (feat. Grimes),” “Make Me Feel,” “I Like That,” and “Don’t Judge Me”
- Dylan Albertson, Lawrence Headquarter Branch
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