2018 Albumpalooza - Part Three (Top 50 Albums of 2018)

Today, we finally finish the 2018 Albumpalooza with the Top 50 Albums of 2018.

If you haven't checked out Parts 1 & 2, here are the links!
Part One - Top 5 Albums by Genre
Part Two - 2018 Report Card

For those of you who saw my Top 50 Projects of 2018 (So Far) list back in November, this list is very similar—but I've made around 10 adjustments. Hopefully, this draws your attention to some great projects you might have overlooked. I've also included a few EPs on here because they're just that good.

Enjoy!

50. Szun Waves - New Hymn to Freedom

New Hymn to Freedom is an excellent collection of tracks from the talented UK jazz trio. Using nothing but synths, drums, and saxophone, the group breaks new ground. This experimental and psychedelic record feel so meticulously arranged, you'll be surprised to learn it's made up entirely of unedited improvisations. This is certainly worthwhile for anyone interested in contemporary jazz.

49. Ashley Monroe - Sparrow

Sparrow is one of the most beautifully constructed country albums of the year. It builds a gorgeous aesthetic, and matches that aesthetic with poignant lyricism. While 2018 has been a relatively underwhelming year for country music, Sparrow really stands out above the crowd. 

48. Olafur Arnalds - re:member

This is without a doubt one of the most impressive and enjoyable neo-classical records I've heard in a long time. The craftsmanship displayed throughout the album is truly noteworthy. With the help of his new software Stratus, Arnalds makes a great deal of technological advancements that certainly pay off and enhance the listening experience. This is a warm, beautiful record that I'd certainly recommend to just about anyone.

47. Shame - Songs of Praise 

This debut indie punk rock record from Shame is gritty, angsty, and enthralling. Sonically, it strikes the perfect balance between familiarity and originality. But Songs of Praise draws its biggest strength from the group's lyrical prowess. If you're a fan of punk rock, this is something you need to hear.

46. The Voidz - Virtue

Brought to us by the Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas, Virtue is an exceedingly stimulating potpourri of experimental rock music that's as fun as it is radical. We get a little bit of everything with this record—garage rock, funk, new wave, psychedelic pop, and more. While that sounds like it could be a complete disaster, it's actually done very well—making it one of the most enjoyable rock records of 2018.

45. Kanye West - Ye

If you'd like to, you can read my review of this album here. Ye is not Kanye's most innovative and exciting record, but it's indisputably his most intimate and personal. With this latest album, Kanye really wears his heart on his sleeve. Never before have we seen Kanye West so transparent and vulnerable. Listen to this album if you want to peer into the depths of Kanye West's mind.

44. Kamasi Washington - Heaven & Earth

It's a rather lengthy album, but Heaven & Earth is worth every second of your time. This record is a copious collection of bold and venturesome jazz arrangements composed by one of the most talented composers of this generation. The ideas presented on this record are wonderfully perplexing. This is a must-listen for all jazz fans. 

43. Hop Along - Bark Your Head Off, Dog 

Bark Your Head Off, Dog is a keen and impassioned indie pop rock record from Hop Along, featuring some of the group's lightest and most embellished instrumentation to date. But don't be fooled; while this album is easy on the ears, it's also heavy on the heart. Definitely check it out. 

42. Lupe Fiasco - Drogas Wave 

Speaking objectively, I understand this album is really long and occasionally bites off more than it can chew. But there's something about it that I just love. It's still highly conceptual, meaningful, and dense- and it contains some of my favorite songs in Lupe's entire discography. Any fan of hip hop should give this album a shot. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

41. BROCKHAMPTON - Iridescence 

This album is one of the most diverse and multifaceted records from BROCKHAMPTON's discography. It proves that they are still at the top of their game. Whether it's an abrasive and hard-hitting banger, or a melodious and euphonious ballad- every song they create is masterfully crafted and produced. Iridescence is sincere, relevant, and fun. 

40. Mitski - Be the Cowboy 
One of Mitski's greatest talents is her ability to intricately craft certain moods through her music. She conveys her emotions so clearly and elegantly, they become contagious. While the instrumentation on this record is definitely enjoyable, Mitski's matchless wordsmithery is what makes it such a phenomenal album.

39. Travis Scott - Astroworld

Travis Scott is the most interesting artist in the trap movement right now, and Astroworld is his most mature and inventive project yet. It's extremely versatile and polished. If dazzling production, song-structure, and melody in trap music is something that appeals to you, this album is right up your alley. 

38. Anderson .Paak - Oxnard 

While I personally don't find Oxnard to be as enjoyable as its predecessor Malibu, it's hard to undermine how eminently versatile Anderson .Paak has proven himself to be. With Oxnard, we find .Paak successfully pushing new boundaries It's certainly a refreshing installment in his discography. I was fairly underwhelmed by the album lyrically, but .Paak's incredibly distinct and fun sound was fair compensation. 

37. Sure Sure - Sure Sure

You can read my abbreviated review of this album here. Overall, it's just a really bright, fun, and tasteful indie art pop record. After a couple listens, you'll find yourself singing and dancing along to nearly every track. I actually got a chance to meet and talk with Sure Sure, and they're an extremely fun and down-to-earth group of guys. If you're a fan of honest, infectious, and light-hearted pop music, this is definitely something for you to check out! 

36. Tunng - Songs You Make at Night 

I actually didn't hear about this album until months after its release, but I'm really happy I found it. Songs You Make At Night is a album that uniquely and sensationally integrates folk music with electronic music. Lyrically and conceptually, this album was already impressive. When you take into account it's dazzling composition and production, Songs You Make at Night is next-level. 

35. Spiritualized - And Nothing Hurt 

This album is gorgeous. The luxuriant instrumentation and poignant lyricism all come together perfectly, creating an atmosphere that is wistful and nostalgic. I had never heard of Spiritualized before And Nothing Hurt, but I'm really glad I found them.

34. Novo Amor - Birthplace 

Ali John Meredith-Lacey certainly wears his influences on his sleeve with this release. Musically, the record feels like it could have been curated in its entirety by Justin Vernon. But Birthplace is still an incontestably gorgeous record, and Lacey is obviously a very talented writer and multi-instrumentalist. This album contains some of the most beautiful melodies and orchestrations to come out of 2018. While Lacey still has a lot of room to grow in terms of novelty, this record is a big leap forward. 

33. John Hopkins - Singularity 

This is one of the best electronic albums of 2018. "Heavy" is one of the first words that comes to mind when I think of Singularity. The production is lush and rich. It feels so grand and layered. Listening to this album is an experience. It's transcendent and magnificent.

32. Twenty One Pilots - Trench 

You can take a look at my extensive review of this album here. While I wasn't expecting to think much of the new Twenty One Pilots record, I was very pleasantly surprised. This is most certainly their most mature, consistent, and conceptual release to date. If you're a fan of Twenty One Pilots, you will love this album. If you haven't been a fan in the past, this album might push you to change your mind. Give it a listen. 

31. Iglooghost EPs

Both Steel Mogu and Clear Tamei are phenomenal new EPs from Iglooghost- one of the most creative and adept electronic producers in the game. There's a pretty stark contrast in the mood of both EPs. Steel Mogu feels dark and heavy while Clear Tamei feels bright and dainty. But both EPs perfectly showcase the tremendous complexity of Malliagh's spastic, wonky glitch hop. His mind-bending production and sound design is well-suited for the Brainfeeder label. 

30. Denzel Curry - TA13OO 

This is easily the most versatile project we've ever seen from Curry. It begins with songs that are uncharacteristically bright and melodious—but as it progress, the mood gets darker and darker. The record tackles all kinds of different sociopolitical issues in a potent and coherent manner. Lyrically, Curry is at the top of his game. The features on the album also bring a lot to the table. TA13OO is easily one of the most compelling rap albums of 2018.

29. Tracyanne & Danny - Tracyanne & Danny

This is an emotional and sincere collection of traditional pop songs that evoke a true sense of heartache and longing. It's a record that's impactful and hardly forgettable. I would recommend this record to just about anybody.  

28. Rosalía - El Mal Querer

This is the second studio release from the critically acclaimed Flamenco artist Rosalía. While her first record was fairly stripped down, this newer record is much more textured and layered. Her Flamenco roots are still present, but she's moved into newer territory—incorporating elements of pop and contemporary R&B.  Her vocals are still as passionate and awe-inspiring as ever. Her hooks and melodies are completely astonishing. Rosalía is a truly gifted artist, and never underwhelms me.

27. Blood Orange - Negro Swan 

This album is an exquisite alternative R&B album from British singer/songwriter Dev Hynes. Aesthetically, this record is entrancing and consistent. The instrumentation is absolutely gorgeous. But what's even more beautiful is the message behind it all: You don't need to be ashamed of who you are; be comfortable in your own skin. 

26. Mac Miller - Swimming

This is just one of the warmest albums of 2018.  I'm not sure how else to put it. Miller employed a lot of funk and blues into the production of this record, and it certainly played to his strengths. The album is very introspective. It's all about overcoming obstacles and picking yourself back up when you're down. Taking into account his recent and tragic death, there are moments on this album that seem eerily foreboding. But he still leaves the listener with a message of hope. Swimming is hauntingly beautiful. 

25. Kali Uchis - Isolation

Kali Uchis's full-length debut is in no way underwhelming or disappointing. Rather, she soars above expectations. She has amazing stylistic and melodic sensibilities that create an ingenious aesthetic. This is one of the strongest contemporary R&B releases of 2018 by far.

24. Buddy - Harlan & Alondra 

This is by far one of the most diverse hip hop records of 2018. Stylistically, it derives influence from a myriad of different genres - gospel, soul, funk, and old school hip hop to name a few. Buddy's delivery and flow are silky smooth throughout, and his hooks are criminally catchy. This record is just so fun and consistent. With Harlan and Alondra, Buddy has shown remarkable potential.  

23. Aphex Twin - Collapse EP 

Richard D. James has returned with one of the weirdest and funkiest IDM releases of the year. Although it's only a five-track EP, this project is inimitable and other-worldly. For anyone who's taken an interest in James's dense and intricate music in the past, Collapse EP is another astounding installment in the Aphex Twin discography. 

22. Against All Logic - 2012 - 2017

This record is an outstanding deep house record, and one of the best electronic albums of the year. Nicolas Jaar is a master of his craft. The samples and drum patterns he uses are so complementary. The grooves on 2012-2017 are superb. If you're a fan of house music, do not let this fly under your radar.

21. Let's Eat Grandma - I'm All Ears

This is one of the most exciting pop albums of 2018. Garnering inspiration from artists like SOPHIE (who's actually a credited producer on the album), I'm All Ears is a perfect display of the duo's jaw-dropping ability. Rarely is this level of talent found in artists this young. Sonically and lyrically, Let's Eat Grandma are more than competent- they're masterful. 

20. Objekt - Cocoon Crush

Berlin-based producer TJ Hertz returns has returned with his second full-length album Cocoon Crush, and it's absolutely extraordinary. It's by far one of the most detailed electronic albums I've ever heard. Hertz continues to push himself with each new release, and Cocoon Crush finds him at an all-time high. The songs on this album are just so exciting and impossible to predict. The sound design is flawless. The ridiculously talented IDM artist has completely outdone himself. 

19. Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!

It's rare to find a record that is just as fun as it is substantive, but Parquet Courts have perfected that formula with Wide Awake! While this politically-charged record is deep, thoughtful, and impassioned, it also just makes me want to dance. This is by far one of the best punk records of 2018.

18. JID - DiCaprio 2

Ever since I saw JID's XXL Freshman Cypher performance earlier in the year, I knew he was an artist to look out for. With the release of DiCaprio 2, the Atlanta-based artist has proven to be one of the most motivated and skilled rappers of the new school. His clever wordplay and dynamic delivery are complemented well by his inconceivable flows. He comes out strong on every single track. Fans of hip hop CANNOT pass this up. 

17. Typhoon - Offerings 

This is honestly one of the saddest albums of the year. You can read my review of it here. Conceptually, it's heavy, emotional, and thought-provoking. It's a record that tugs at all of your heart strings. While the instrumentation is fantastic, I find that the album's greatest strength is Morton's poetic lyricism. Although the story being told is dismal and heartbreaking, Offerings still ends on a beautiful, hopeful, and confident note. I'd recommend this album to anyone looking for some meditative listening. 

16. Beach House - 7 

This new release from Beach House is one of the most immersive and venturesome indie rock albums of the year. Despite all of its dark, heavy melancholy, it feels dreamier than ever. The duo's production has never felt so striking and bold. When I listen to this album, I feel like I'm being submerged into new dimensions. 7 is truly a masterpiece. 

15. Kacey Musgraves - Golden Hour

Kacey Musgraves's silvery vocals might be what initially draw you into this album, but there's even more to admire below the surface. Musgraves has mastered the art of songwriting. While the lyrics on this album are simple, they are still potent and ever-relatable. The melodies are all extremely catchy and memorable. This record's attempt to fuse pop and country music is much more successfully than most. Golden Hour plays like a Greatest Hits CD; every single track is top-tier. This album will go down as a treasured jewel in the realm of pop country music. 

14. Kero Kero Bonito - Time 'n' Place

Kero Kero Bonito's newest indie pop record is more experimental than anything they've ever released, but it doesn't completely abandon their old, familiar sound. It expertly fuses electropop with noise rock. I never really thought of those genres as complementary, but Time 'n' Place has proven that they can be. This album enters uncharted territory. But that doesn't detract from it's enjoyability; it enhances it. 

13. Pusha T - DAYTONA

This record might only be 21 minutes long, but as I stated in my review, it's jam-packed with excitement. Pusha T always finds a perfect balance between sounding vicious and charismatic. This record feels like his attempt to take the throne- and honestly, it's a pretty good attempt. The production is hard-hitting; the lyricism is fun, clever, and braggadocious. Pusha T really gets into the spirit of hip hop with DAYTONA, and the result is more than satisfying. 

12. Hookworms - Microshift

Microshift is psychedelic indie pop/noise rock record that shows Hookworms at their finest. It sounds cleaner and more mature than anything they've formerly released. The production has a strong electronic influence that pushes them into new artistic directions (all of which suit them incredibly well). Thematically, the album focuses on things like grief, loss, and depression- but it does so through a lens of hope. 

11. MGMT - Little Dark Age

This is hands down my favorite record from MGMT's catalogue. I've always thought it was enjoyable, but its amazing how much this album has grown on me. As I said in my review, it's contemporaneously creative, experimental, and accessible. Musically, it's fun and pop-centric. Lyrically, it's delightfully unconventional. There are moments on this record that are dark and contemplative, and there are other moments on the record that are simply hilarious. It's incredibly diverse, yet aesthetically consistent. I completely adore Little Dark Age. 

10. Julia Holter - Aviary 
While the hefty song lengths and experimental elements of Aviary can be a bit intimidating, it's undoubtedly one of the most rewarding listens of this year. Sonically, this is Julia Holter's most ambitious work yet. It's a dazzling and mystical celebration of love and empathy—a must-listen for any and all fans of art pop.

9. Noname - Room 25

With Room 25, Noname once again capitalizes on her ever-distinct and captivating sound: alternative hip hop fused with elements of jazz, neo-soul, and spoken word poetry. Her lyrics are elaborate, purposeful, and powerful. Her themes are engaging. The album has a clear and strong sense of direction, and remains consistent throughout. Room 25 delivers on all fronts. 

8. Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs

You can read my review of this record here. While this may not be the best hip hop record for casual listeners, Some Rap Songs is surely one of the most raw and heartfelt records of 2018. The album is a window into Earl's mind as he deals with issues like depression, grief, and loss. The stripped down and lo-fi aesthetic of the record complements the somber subject matter well. This is by far my favorite record from Mr. Earl Sweatshirt. I just hope he's doing alright. 

7. Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want 

This album is terrifying, and that's its appeal. I've never heard anything quite like it. When I listen to this record, I feel like I just turned off the last light in my basement and I'm sprinting up the stairs as fast as I can in case there's some sort of demonic creature following me - only it takes 48 minutes to get to the top of the stairs. I'm not even the biggest fan of noise rock, but this album really impressed me. 

6. SOPHIE - OIL OF EVERY PEARLE'S UN-INSIDES

This album is just nuts. The sound design is metaphysical. I can't fathom how SOPHIE created all of the sounds we hear on this record, but I'm extremely impressed. This release feels monumental- not only for her career, but for electronic music as a whole. SOPHIE is unquestionably a driving force in the evolution of electronic pop music.

5. KIDS SEE GHOSTS - KIDS SEE GHOSTS 

This album brings the listener on an enthralling, psychedelic sonic journey. It explores sounds I've never heard in hip hop music. Kid Cudi and Kanye West have teamed up to create one of the most imaginative hip hop records ever. Although it's short in length, every song on KIDS SEE GHOSTS is completely mesmerizing. 

4. Pinegrove - Skylight 

Putting aside the messy context in which this album was released, Skylight is by far one of the most beautiful and breathtaking records of 2018. It just feels so honest. Hall's potent lyricism coupled with the band's proficiency as instrumentalists results in a record that feels nearly perfect. Pinegrove does an exceptional job at creating mood. They have a knack for constructing gorgeous melodies and harmonies, and their use of dynamics is unparalleled. My only complaint about this record is that it's too short. 

3. Saba - Care For Me 

My review for this album can be found here. In short, this jazz-infused alternative hip hop album covers just about all the bases. Saba's technical ability is truly special. His style is refreshing. His lyricism is captivating. His stories are told very lucidly and eloquently. This is my favorite hip hop project of 2018. "PROM / KING" is one of the best story-telling rap songs in recent years. Saba is such a promising young talent. I'm excited to see how his career progresses.

2. Low - Double Negative 

This album is dumbfounding. It's gorgeous in the most peculiar way. It's abundantly textured and deeply visceral. Double Negative was co-produced by B.J. Burton- the same man who helped Justin Vernon create the illustrious 22, A Million. Burton continues his streak of success with the release of this record.  This is an album that attempts to aurally manifest the feeling of fear and desperation- and does so successfully. It's highly experimental and tastefully distorted; I've never heard anything quite like it. Double Negative is exceptionally audacious and ambitious, but Low does not disappoint. 

1. The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

As I stated in my review of this record, A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships is a "soundtrack for the Screen Age." It's a career-defining and era-defining moment. As the title suggests, it offers a profound perspective on issues that are common in modern-day relationships—but it goes far beyond that. The record explores several different facets of postmodern life—politics, mental health, addiction, loneliness, and more. Every song on this album is purposeful, meaningful, and enjoyable. A Brief Inquiry is a record you must not overlook.