Top 50 Albums of 2018
2018 has flown by, and this year has knocked it out the park with quality album after album. This year saw guitar music find it's feet again, Punk returned more impassioned than ever, Jazz wormed it's way back into the mainstream, and Hip-Hop continued to push the boundaries of itself.
We also saw the return of several bands who're still making their best music after so many years, a huge amount of incredible debut albums from acts of all genres, and artist's teaming up to collaborate and put their talents together to create something special.
So after two months of trying to whittle 220 albums listened to within the year down to just 50, here are my albums of the year for 2018, enjoy!
50. Frigs - Basic Behaviour
Genre: Alternative, Post-PunkFavourite Track: Doghead
Frigs burst onto this scene this year with their debut album 'Basic Behaviour', featuring ten tracks of post-punk brilliance. Each track is lead by front-woman Bria Salmena's commanding vocal, and all comes to a head on the washed out notes of epic album closer 'Trashyard'.
49. Giraffes? Giraffes! - Memory Lame
Genre: Math Rock, ExperimentalFavourite Track: Hug of Death
Giraffes? Giraffes! have been at the forefront of math rock for the past 15 years, constantly experimenting and pushing the boundaries of the genre, showcasing their incredible eye for detail. Their latest album 'Memory Lame', once again solidifies all of this, being comprised of six long complex songs, that are cut into 37 sections, all connecting and referencing each other.
48. Sunflower Bean - Twentytwo in Blue
Genre: Alternative Rock
Favourite Track: Memoria
The comparisons to Fleetwood Mac on Sunflower Bean's sophomore album are inventible, and they're also justified. Yet, although the band aren't reinventing the wheel, what they are doing is writing incredible indie rock tunes that'll whirl around your head for days.
Favourite Track: Memoria
The comparisons to Fleetwood Mac on Sunflower Bean's sophomore album are inventible, and they're also justified. Yet, although the band aren't reinventing the wheel, what they are doing is writing incredible indie rock tunes that'll whirl around your head for days.
47. Phantastic Ferniture - Phantastic Ferniture
Genre: Indie
Favourite Track: I Need It
Julia Jacklin's new project comes in the form of indie power popper's, Phantastic Ferniture. A brilliant run through of A-class songwriting, that you can't help but sing along to the country infused indie rock tunes.
Favourite Track: I Need It
Julia Jacklin's new project comes in the form of indie power popper's, Phantastic Ferniture. A brilliant run through of A-class songwriting, that you can't help but sing along to the country infused indie rock tunes.
46. Dilly Dally - Heaven
Genre: Alternative Rock
Favourite Track: Marijuana
The first thing that jumps out at you with Dilly Dally is front-woman Katie Monks unmistakable gravel like vocals. On 'Heaven' this still retains but compared to their debut it is an album showcasing a band with maturing sound.
Favourite Track: Marijuana
The first thing that jumps out at you with Dilly Dally is front-woman Katie Monks unmistakable gravel like vocals. On 'Heaven' this still retains but compared to their debut it is an album showcasing a band with maturing sound.
45. Anna Calvi - Hunter
Genre: Alternative, Art Rock
Favourite Track: Chain
With a five year gap since her last album, Anna Calvi's return to music was highly anticipated, and 'Hunter' fully delivers on those expectations, subverting what Calvi had become know for immediately. Lyrically the album focuses on a woman's place in the world, and taking on an alpha personality whilst still embracing femininity. Musically, the album takes on new inspirations, and turns them into an atmospheric soundtrack.
Favourite Track: Chain
With a five year gap since her last album, Anna Calvi's return to music was highly anticipated, and 'Hunter' fully delivers on those expectations, subverting what Calvi had become know for immediately. Lyrically the album focuses on a woman's place in the world, and taking on an alpha personality whilst still embracing femininity. Musically, the album takes on new inspirations, and turns them into an atmospheric soundtrack.
44. Beach House - 7
Genre: Alternative, Dream Pop
Favourite Track: Lemon Glow
Beach House have had a feverish response to their music since their debut album in 2006, but have been criticised for playing the same field with each release. This criticism is turned on it's head on '7', seeing the band pushing their boundaries further than ever before, with noise, electronic, and shoegaze influences all making appearances.
Favourite Track: Lemon Glow
Beach House have had a feverish response to their music since their debut album in 2006, but have been criticised for playing the same field with each release. This criticism is turned on it's head on '7', seeing the band pushing their boundaries further than ever before, with noise, electronic, and shoegaze influences all making appearances.
43. Whitney Ballen - You're a Shooting Star, I'm a Sinking Ship
Genre: Alternative, Indie
Favourite Track: Moon
Whitney Ballen has an undeniably unique voice, and it is by far the first thing that draws you into her music, but it's her wonderfully crafted songs that keep you coming back for more. Songs like 'Moon' soar with emotion and uplift the listener, which is in direct contrast to dark brooding songs like 'Black Clouds'. Ballen manages to switch the mood between each song seamlessly, creating a listen that is never predictable.
Favourite Track: Moon
Whitney Ballen has an undeniably unique voice, and it is by far the first thing that draws you into her music, but it's her wonderfully crafted songs that keep you coming back for more. Songs like 'Moon' soar with emotion and uplift the listener, which is in direct contrast to dark brooding songs like 'Black Clouds'. Ballen manages to switch the mood between each song seamlessly, creating a listen that is never predictable.
42. Sleep - The Sciences
Genre: Rock, Stoner Rock, Metal
Favourite Track: Sonic Titan
Sleep finally returned with new music this year after nineteen years since their last full length album, and the wait was totally worth it. 'The Sciences' see's Sleep as heavy as ever, and packed with sluggishly thick stoner riffs that'll send you into a daze of pure adulation.
Favourite Track: Sonic Titan
Sleep finally returned with new music this year after nineteen years since their last full length album, and the wait was totally worth it. 'The Sciences' see's Sleep as heavy as ever, and packed with sluggishly thick stoner riffs that'll send you into a daze of pure adulation.
41. Ross from Friends - Family Portrait
Genre: Electronic, House, Downtempo
Favourite Track: Project Cybercyn
2018 has seen a wealth of great electronic albums released, but it was the debut album from Ross from Friends that stood out amongst the rest. With downcast beats set against moody ethereal synths, 'Family Portrait' brings the melancholia to the house music scene.
Favourite Track: Project Cybercyn
2018 has seen a wealth of great electronic albums released, but it was the debut album from Ross from Friends that stood out amongst the rest. With downcast beats set against moody ethereal synths, 'Family Portrait' brings the melancholia to the house music scene.
40. Kurt Vile - Bottle It In
Genre: Alternative, FolkFavourite Track: Check Baby
After joining forces with Courtney Barnett for last year's 'Lotta Sea Lice', Kurt Vile returned to record 'Bottle It In', one of his most focused and enjoyable albums in years. Featuring the usual country and folk rock sounds we're used to, Vile delivers long song's that wind their way through the minutes detailing his thoughts and feeling's stronger than before.
39. The Orielles - Silver Dollar Moment
Genre: Indie, Funk
Favourite Track: Let Your Dogtooth Grow
Despite their young age, The Orielles have crafted a sound that clearly defines themselves against their peers. Influenced by bands as diverse as Pixies to ESG, The Orielles create a party atmosphere with their disco leaning indie rock tunes.
Favourite Track: Let Your Dogtooth Grow
Despite their young age, The Orielles have crafted a sound that clearly defines themselves against their peers. Influenced by bands as diverse as Pixies to ESG, The Orielles create a party atmosphere with their disco leaning indie rock tunes.
38. Kamasi Washington - Heaven and Earth
Genre: Jazz
Favourite Track: The Psalmist
Spanning a whopping two hours twenty minutes in length it can be off-putting to set aside the time to listen to Jazz master Kamasi Washington's latest offering, but it is so worth it. Building upon much of what Washington had laid down on 'The Epic'; 'Heaven and Earth' refines this, with choral vocals, mixed with Washington's ever exciting brand of jazz.
Favourite Track: The Psalmist
Spanning a whopping two hours twenty minutes in length it can be off-putting to set aside the time to listen to Jazz master Kamasi Washington's latest offering, but it is so worth it. Building upon much of what Washington had laid down on 'The Epic'; 'Heaven and Earth' refines this, with choral vocals, mixed with Washington's ever exciting brand of jazz.
37. Brockhampton - Iridescence
Genre: Hip-Hop
Favourite Track: New Orleans
After a whirlwind year Brockhampton returned minus a member but with an album to prove you never needed to worry anyway. Just as furious and as compassioned as ever, this is a group at the top of their game.
Favourite Track: New Orleans
After a whirlwind year Brockhampton returned minus a member but with an album to prove you never needed to worry anyway. Just as furious and as compassioned as ever, this is a group at the top of their game.
36. JPEGMAFIA - Veteran
Genre: Hip-Hop, Experimental
Favourite Track: Macaulay Culkin
Exploding seemingly out of nowhere, JPEGMAFIA, explores noise, and experimental sounds on 'Veteran', with refreshing and at some times uncomfortable production that set's him aside from anyone else in game. Lyrically he delves into social critiques, and confronts political issues to aggressive levels, standing out as one of the most unique artists in hip-hop this year.
Favourite Track: Macaulay Culkin
Exploding seemingly out of nowhere, JPEGMAFIA, explores noise, and experimental sounds on 'Veteran', with refreshing and at some times uncomfortable production that set's him aside from anyone else in game. Lyrically he delves into social critiques, and confronts political issues to aggressive levels, standing out as one of the most unique artists in hip-hop this year.
35. Oh Sees - Smote Reverser
Genre: Alternative Rock, Psychedelic
Favourite Track: Anthemic Aggressor
Oh Sees now have over twenty albums under their belt and just as many years as an active group, but suprisingly they're still producing forward thinking, exciting music. 'Smote Reverser' delves into psychedelia, kraut-rock, and punk rock, all under the gaze of Oh See's mastermind John Dwyer.
Favourite Track: Anthemic Aggressor
Oh Sees now have over twenty albums under their belt and just as many years as an active group, but suprisingly they're still producing forward thinking, exciting music. 'Smote Reverser' delves into psychedelia, kraut-rock, and punk rock, all under the gaze of Oh See's mastermind John Dwyer.
34. Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever - Hopes Down
Genre: Alternative, Indie
Favourite Track: Talking Straight
Delving into an Americana sound, Rolling Blackouts Costal Fever's latest album is the sound of driving down a dusty round. With infectious melodies and dynamic instrumentation, Rolling Blackouts prove that they're here to stay.
Favourite Track: Talking Straight
Delving into an Americana sound, Rolling Blackouts Costal Fever's latest album is the sound of driving down a dusty round. With infectious melodies and dynamic instrumentation, Rolling Blackouts prove that they're here to stay.
33. Shopping - The Official Body
Genre: Alternative, Funk
Favourite Track: Asking for a Friend
Punk tinged funk running at 100 miles an hour is the staple piece of Shopping's brilliant new album 'The Official Body'. Coming in at just over half an hour this is an album that flies by, but it is constantly engaging, with jagged flourish's of sharp guitars interwoven with an ESG influenced rhythm section.
Favourite Track: Asking for a Friend
Punk tinged funk running at 100 miles an hour is the staple piece of Shopping's brilliant new album 'The Official Body'. Coming in at just over half an hour this is an album that flies by, but it is constantly engaging, with jagged flourish's of sharp guitars interwoven with an ESG influenced rhythm section.
32. Forth Wanderers - Forth Wanderers
Genre: Alternative, Indie
Favourite Track: Nevermine
Forth Wanderers Sub Pop debut features melancholic guitar parts, and irresistible melodies, all best displayed on album opener 'Nevermine', which sets the mood for the whole album. Although the melancholy of the record retains throughout, it's a warm comforting tone that makes you feel right at home.
Favourite Track: Nevermine
Forth Wanderers Sub Pop debut features melancholic guitar parts, and irresistible melodies, all best displayed on album opener 'Nevermine', which sets the mood for the whole album. Although the melancholy of the record retains throughout, it's a warm comforting tone that makes you feel right at home.
31. Daughters - You Won't Get What You Want
Genre: Experimental, Noise Rock
Favourite Track: The Lords Song
After a tumultuous eight year gap between albums, Daughters returned with 'You Won't Get What You Want', possibly the most intense and unforgiving album of the year. Razor sharp guitars collide with brutal rhythms and Alexis Marshall's painfully honest lyricism. This is an album that is like no other released this year.
Favourite Track: The Lords Song
After a tumultuous eight year gap between albums, Daughters returned with 'You Won't Get What You Want', possibly the most intense and unforgiving album of the year. Razor sharp guitars collide with brutal rhythms and Alexis Marshall's painfully honest lyricism. This is an album that is like no other released this year.
30. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs - King of Cowards
Genre: Rock, Metal
Favourite Track: Shockmaster
PHAT RIFFS. Pigs x7 returned this year with 'King of Cowards', demonstrating that all you really need in life are chunky riffs, face melting rhythms and Lemmy channeled vocals. With audible references to Motorhead and Black Sabbath, Pigs x7 take all these influences and freshen them up to the modern day, making them more brutal, more unforgiving, and more addictive than ever.
Favourite Track: Shockmaster
PHAT RIFFS. Pigs x7 returned this year with 'King of Cowards', demonstrating that all you really need in life are chunky riffs, face melting rhythms and Lemmy channeled vocals. With audible references to Motorhead and Black Sabbath, Pigs x7 take all these influences and freshen them up to the modern day, making them more brutal, more unforgiving, and more addictive than ever.
29. Khruangbin - Con Todo El Mundo
Genre: Alternative, Psychedelic, Funk
Favourite Track: Maria También
Sublime instrumentation, dub influenced bass, and silky smooth guitar work wind you through the streets of Khurangbin's latest album. 'Con todo el mundo' with send you into a relaxing haze of eastern inspired psychedelia.
Favourite Track: Maria También
Sublime instrumentation, dub influenced bass, and silky smooth guitar work wind you through the streets of Khurangbin's latest album. 'Con todo el mundo' with send you into a relaxing haze of eastern inspired psychedelia.
28. Against All Logic - 2012-2017
Genre: Electronic, House
Favourite Track: Now U Got Me Hooked
Nicholas Jaar took on the persona of Against All Logic for his 2018 collection of songs written over the past five years. Featuring house and experimental influences, Jaar has put together an eclectic album of remarkable quality that lends itself to being played on repeat for days.
Favourite Track: Now U Got Me Hooked
Nicholas Jaar took on the persona of Against All Logic for his 2018 collection of songs written over the past five years. Featuring house and experimental influences, Jaar has put together an eclectic album of remarkable quality that lends itself to being played on repeat for days.
27. Jeff Rosenstock - POST-
Genre: Rock, Punk
Favourite Track: USA
After the massive success of Jeff Rosenstock's previous album 'Worry', he took no time to rest and surprised released 'Post-' on New Year's Day. Musically taking on the same formula that made 'Worry' so enjoyable, but turning it up a gear, this album see's Rosenstock looking at his own country through tired critical eyes, best seen on 'USA', and 'Powerlessness', before taking a turn to the wonderful storytelling of power pop gem '9/10'.
Favourite Track: USA
After the massive success of Jeff Rosenstock's previous album 'Worry', he took no time to rest and surprised released 'Post-' on New Year's Day. Musically taking on the same formula that made 'Worry' so enjoyable, but turning it up a gear, this album see's Rosenstock looking at his own country through tired critical eyes, best seen on 'USA', and 'Powerlessness', before taking a turn to the wonderful storytelling of power pop gem '9/10'.
26. Goatman - Rhythms
Genre: Jazz, World, Psychedelic
Favourite Track: Jaam Ak Salam
Whilst the elusive Swedish band Goat were on a break, one of it's equally elusive members brought out a solo album of Psychedelic Jazz, inspired by African, Indian, and Eastern influences. Songs like 'Jaam Ak Salam' are completely infectious, with funky rhythms, blaring horns, and lively vocals.
Favourite Track: Jaam Ak Salam
Whilst the elusive Swedish band Goat were on a break, one of it's equally elusive members brought out a solo album of Psychedelic Jazz, inspired by African, Indian, and Eastern influences. Songs like 'Jaam Ak Salam' are completely infectious, with funky rhythms, blaring horns, and lively vocals.
25. Haley Heynderickx - I Need to Start a Garden
Genre: Folk, Indie
Favourite Track: Worth It
For half an hour Haley Heynderickx invites you into her world, taking the everyday and making it interesting through relatable lyricism, and warm vocals. Her words detail the inner consciousness, and guides this along with minimal instrumentation.
Favourite Track: Worth It
For half an hour Haley Heynderickx invites you into her world, taking the everyday and making it interesting through relatable lyricism, and warm vocals. Her words detail the inner consciousness, and guides this along with minimal instrumentation.
24. The Beths - Future Me Hates Me
Genre: Alternative, Indie
Favourite Track: Not Running
New Zealand's The Beths are wonderfully melodic on 'Future Me Hates Me', with their songs feeling instantly recognisable. Only on the second listen does it feel like you're returning to songs you've know for years. Catchy as hell, and all backed with gritty guitars, and pleasing backing vocals. The Beths have a long future ahead of them.
Favourite Track: Not Running
New Zealand's The Beths are wonderfully melodic on 'Future Me Hates Me', with their songs feeling instantly recognisable. Only on the second listen does it feel like you're returning to songs you've know for years. Catchy as hell, and all backed with gritty guitars, and pleasing backing vocals. The Beths have a long future ahead of them.
23. Sons of Kemet - Your Queen Is a Reptile
Genre: Jazz
Favourite Track: My Queen Is Albertina Sisulu
America has always dominated Jazz, but Sons of Kemet have proved that the UK has a distinct style of Jazz that can match up to any of it's overseas peers. Featuring lush instrumentation, from brass horns, to latin influenced percussion, 'Your Queen Is a Reptile' is a political ode to the women who inspire the band.
Favourite Track: My Queen Is Albertina Sisulu
America has always dominated Jazz, but Sons of Kemet have proved that the UK has a distinct style of Jazz that can match up to any of it's overseas peers. Featuring lush instrumentation, from brass horns, to latin influenced percussion, 'Your Queen Is a Reptile' is a political ode to the women who inspire the band.
22. Kanye West - Ye
Genre: Hip-Hop
Favourite Track: Ghost Town
Kanye has had an equally productive and controversial year in 2018, but still came through with 7 tracks of intensely personal songwriting. Dealing with fatherhood, bi-polar disorder, and family, Kanye is at his most vulnerable on 'ye', as well as producing perhaps the best song of the year in the form of 'Ghost Town'.
Favourite Track: Ghost Town
Kanye has had an equally productive and controversial year in 2018, but still came through with 7 tracks of intensely personal songwriting. Dealing with fatherhood, bi-polar disorder, and family, Kanye is at his most vulnerable on 'ye', as well as producing perhaps the best song of the year in the form of 'Ghost Town'.
21. Pusha T - Daytona
Genre: Hip-Hop
Favourite Track: If You Know You Know
Although Pusha T may have made more headlines this year for the diss track to end all diss tracks, it's on Daytona that he proves he's going nowhere soon. As soon as opener 'If You Know You Know' begins you know that Kanye's production and Pusha's on the point lyricism can do no wrong.
Favourite Track: If You Know You Know
Although Pusha T may have made more headlines this year for the diss track to end all diss tracks, it's on Daytona that he proves he's going nowhere soon. As soon as opener 'If You Know You Know' begins you know that Kanye's production and Pusha's on the point lyricism can do no wrong.
20. Death Grips - Year of the Snitch
Genre: Hip Hop, Experimental
Favourite Track: Black Paint
Since their inception Death Grips have become know as one of the most elusive, brutal, and unpredictable bands on the planet, and they've somehow manage to outdo themselves once again on 'Year of the Snitch'. Taking in new sounds on the dance based 'Death Grips Is Online', and rock influenced 'Black Paint', Death Grips reinstate that they're not to be assumed.
Favourite Track: Black Paint
Since their inception Death Grips have become know as one of the most elusive, brutal, and unpredictable bands on the planet, and they've somehow manage to outdo themselves once again on 'Year of the Snitch'. Taking in new sounds on the dance based 'Death Grips Is Online', and rock influenced 'Black Paint', Death Grips reinstate that they're not to be assumed.
19. Beak> - >>>
Genre: Electronic, Experimental, Post-Rock
Favourite Track: Brean Down
Beak's return to the musical landscape was met by much excitement, and on '>>>' they deliver to that excitement with a series of dark kraut-rock influenced tunes. Across the ten songs Beak> delve into electronica, post-rock, and a multitude of influences for one of the best return's to music this year.
Favourite Track: Brean Down
Beak's return to the musical landscape was met by much excitement, and on '>>>' they deliver to that excitement with a series of dark kraut-rock influenced tunes. Across the ten songs Beak> delve into electronica, post-rock, and a multitude of influences for one of the best return's to music this year.
18. Lithics - Mating Surfaces
Genre: Alternative, Art Rock
Favourite Track: Excuse Generator
Portland based Art Rocker's Lithics released their debut album 'Mating Surfaces' this year to little attention. Yet the attention should be all theirs. Jagged guitar riffs, bumpy bass lines, and a monotone drawl drive each of Lithics short track's along, with lyricism ranging from obscure to humorous.
Favourite Track: Excuse Generator
Portland based Art Rocker's Lithics released their debut album 'Mating Surfaces' this year to little attention. Yet the attention should be all theirs. Jagged guitar riffs, bumpy bass lines, and a monotone drawl drive each of Lithics short track's along, with lyricism ranging from obscure to humorous.
17. Flasher - Constant Image
Genre: Alternative, Indie, Art Rock
Favourite Track: Skim Milk
Flasher are the perfect example of giving space in the songs to breathe before launching into an all out assualt, best displayed on 'Skim Milk', featuring minimal guitars backed by a driving rhythm section that builds and builds into a fuzzy noise heaven.
Favourite Track: Skim Milk
Flasher are the perfect example of giving space in the songs to breathe before launching into an all out assualt, best displayed on 'Skim Milk', featuring minimal guitars backed by a driving rhythm section that builds and builds into a fuzzy noise heaven.
16. Estrons - You Say I'm Too Much, I Say You're Not Enough
Genre: Alternative, Punk
Favourite Track: Lilac
Seemingly touring endlessly in the UK, Estrons still found time away from their busy schedule to record an album that speeds by at 100 miles per hour. Featuring stabs of music between brief gaps of air, and an all cards on the table style of lyricism, this is one of the most honest and powerful guitar records of the year.
Favourite Track: Lilac
Seemingly touring endlessly in the UK, Estrons still found time away from their busy schedule to record an album that speeds by at 100 miles per hour. Featuring stabs of music between brief gaps of air, and an all cards on the table style of lyricism, this is one of the most honest and powerful guitar records of the year.
15. Hot Snakes - Jericho Sirens
Genre: Rock, Punk
Favourite Track: I Need a Doctor
Intense as hell. Blistering guitars, breakneck drums, and scratchy vocals are the mainstays of the Hot Snakes welcome return to music. Right from the opening notes of 'I Need a Doctor' to the closing of the album, this is a record that doesn't take a moment to breathe. Absolute must listen for all fans of no-nonsense punk, rock, and alternative music.
Favourite Track: I Need a Doctor
Intense as hell. Blistering guitars, breakneck drums, and scratchy vocals are the mainstays of the Hot Snakes welcome return to music. Right from the opening notes of 'I Need a Doctor' to the closing of the album, this is a record that doesn't take a moment to breathe. Absolute must listen for all fans of no-nonsense punk, rock, and alternative music.
14. Anna Burch - Quit the Curse
Genre: Indie
Favourite Track: Yeah You Know
Anna Burch has a sense of melody like no other, making her vocal lines irresistible to not sing along to. 'Quit the Curse' is a nine track album of relatable songwriting that shares Burch's take on the world. With similarities to the writing style of the 60s, but with a fresh, real-world perspective.
Favourite Track: Yeah You Know
Anna Burch has a sense of melody like no other, making her vocal lines irresistible to not sing along to. 'Quit the Curse' is a nine track album of relatable songwriting that shares Burch's take on the world. With similarities to the writing style of the 60s, but with a fresh, real-world perspective.
13. Courtney Barnett - Tell Me How You Really Feel
Genre: Alternative, Indie
Favourite Track: Need a Little Time
After a tough time with writer's block, Courtney Barnett found her light through a wonderful collaboration with Kurt Vile last year on their collab album 'Lotta Sea Lice'. 2018 see's her back in the drivers seat taking on darker theme's of mental health, the struggles of being a working musician, and gender norms. Single's 'Need a Little Time', and 'Nameless, Faceless', bring these subjects to light, whereas opener 'Hopefulessness' see's Barnett at her darkest.
Favourite Track: Need a Little Time
After a tough time with writer's block, Courtney Barnett found her light through a wonderful collaboration with Kurt Vile last year on their collab album 'Lotta Sea Lice'. 2018 see's her back in the drivers seat taking on darker theme's of mental health, the struggles of being a working musician, and gender norms. Single's 'Need a Little Time', and 'Nameless, Faceless', bring these subjects to light, whereas opener 'Hopefulessness' see's Barnett at her darkest.
12. Kids See Ghosts - Kids See Ghosts
Genre: Hip-Hop
Favourite Track: Feel The Love
This year was a busy year for Kanye West, producing five albums in just over a month, but it was his collaboration with Kid Cudi under the Kids See Ghosts name that was the best. With West and Cudi trading bars about paranoia, loss, public perception, and politics, all whilst being soundtracked by some of West's finest music to date.
Favourite Track: Feel The Love
This year was a busy year for Kanye West, producing five albums in just over a month, but it was his collaboration with Kid Cudi under the Kids See Ghosts name that was the best. With West and Cudi trading bars about paranoia, loss, public perception, and politics, all whilst being soundtracked by some of West's finest music to date.
11. Palm - Rock Island
Genre: Alternative, Art Rock, Experimental
Favourite Track: Heavy Lifting
With steel drum midi's attach to their guitars, Palm set ahead to create an album that always keeps you second guessing. Palm's songs are technical and complex for sure, yet still undeniably fun. Opener 'Pearly' best displays this balance, thrusting you right into a world of warbling guitars, and to-the-mark bass notes that'll leave you utterly spellbound.
Favourite Track: Heavy Lifting
With steel drum midi's attach to their guitars, Palm set ahead to create an album that always keeps you second guessing. Palm's songs are technical and complex for sure, yet still undeniably fun. Opener 'Pearly' best displays this balance, thrusting you right into a world of warbling guitars, and to-the-mark bass notes that'll leave you utterly spellbound.
10. Our Girl - Stranger Today
Genre: Alternative Rock
Favourite Track: Heat
Following a series of well receives singles and an EP, Our Girl released their much anticipated debut album of alt-rock tunes that balances the line between grittiness and tenderness. Opening on the eponymous 'Our Girl', front-woman Soph Nathan blasts the listening with gnarly guitar chords made for sweaty rooms. This is in direct contrast to their quiet moments on the album perfectly encapsulated on 'Heat'. 'Stranger Today', is an album of contrasting moods, but it's all tied together seamlessly.
Favourite Track: Heat
Following a series of well receives singles and an EP, Our Girl released their much anticipated debut album of alt-rock tunes that balances the line between grittiness and tenderness. Opening on the eponymous 'Our Girl', front-woman Soph Nathan blasts the listening with gnarly guitar chords made for sweaty rooms. This is in direct contrast to their quiet moments on the album perfectly encapsulated on 'Heat'. 'Stranger Today', is an album of contrasting moods, but it's all tied together seamlessly.
9. Earl Sweatshirt - Some Rap Songs
Genre: Hip-HopFavourite Track: The Mint
After a hiatus that left many wondering where Earl had gone, he returned at the end of this year with 'Some Rap Songs', an album packed with new flows, dark lyricism, and Earl taking the steering wheel at production. It would be easy to compare 'Some Rap Songs' to 'Madvillany', and while the comparisons are understable, Earl's latest offering is all the more darker and mesmerising. Dealing with his struggles with mental health and the recent death of his father, Earl digs deep, laying his wounds on the table, with each song flawlessly weaving into each other.
8. Soccer Mommy - Clean
Genre: Indie
Favourite Track: Your Dog
One of the fastest rising indie stars of the past couple of years is Sophie Allison, aka, Soccer Mommy. Her first studio album 'Clean', features soaring melodies, and with album highlight, 'Your Dog', Allison stands out as one of the most exciting new artists writing songs today.
Favourite Track: Your Dog
One of the fastest rising indie stars of the past couple of years is Sophie Allison, aka, Soccer Mommy. Her first studio album 'Clean', features soaring melodies, and with album highlight, 'Your Dog', Allison stands out as one of the most exciting new artists writing songs today.
7. Bodega - Endless Scroll
Genre: Alternative, Art Rock
Favourite Track: I Am Not a Cinephile
Dealing with technology's role in modern day society, Brooklyn based art rocker's Bodega will make you realise your addiction to your computer. Opener 'How Did This Happen!?' is a dance-punk based tunes, that questions where it all went wrong, whereas 'I Am Not a Cinephile' is a humorous little piece self explained through it's title. With instrumentation harking back to the New York dance-punk scene of the 80s, as well as bands like Parquet Courts, it's easy to see how Bodega have already won over so many hearts.
Favourite Track: I Am Not a Cinephile
Dealing with technology's role in modern day society, Brooklyn based art rocker's Bodega will make you realise your addiction to your computer. Opener 'How Did This Happen!?' is a dance-punk based tunes, that questions where it all went wrong, whereas 'I Am Not a Cinephile' is a humorous little piece self explained through it's title. With instrumentation harking back to the New York dance-punk scene of the 80s, as well as bands like Parquet Courts, it's easy to see how Bodega have already won over so many hearts.
6. Shame - Songs of Praise
Genre: Alternative Rock, Punk
Favourite Track: Dust on Trial
At the forefront of the UK's recent punk and post-punk flourish are Shame. Armed with melancholic guitars, thundering bass-lines, and a driving attack, Shame take no prisoners. Frontman Charlie Steen's lyricism tackles serious social, personal, and political topics, but all with a touch of humour, best seen on 'The Lick'. Elsewhere on 'Songs of Praise', songs like 'Tasteless', and 'Gold Hole' will have you running around your house in pure joyous delirium.
Favourite Track: Dust on Trial
At the forefront of the UK's recent punk and post-punk flourish are Shame. Armed with melancholic guitars, thundering bass-lines, and a driving attack, Shame take no prisoners. Frontman Charlie Steen's lyricism tackles serious social, personal, and political topics, but all with a touch of humour, best seen on 'The Lick'. Elsewhere on 'Songs of Praise', songs like 'Tasteless', and 'Gold Hole' will have you running around your house in pure joyous delirium.
5. Parquet Courts - Wide Awake!
Genre: Alternative, Art Rock
Favourite Track: Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience
Parquet Courts have grown from DIY underground stars to a worldwide cult following over the past eight years, with their latest album 'Wide Awake!' taking everything they've done and turning it up a gear. A mix of furious political funk on tracks like 'Violence', to garage punk on 'Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience', to the uplifting sing-along of 'Tenderness'. 'Wide Awake!' is a band at the top of their game.
Favourite Track: Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience
Parquet Courts have grown from DIY underground stars to a worldwide cult following over the past eight years, with their latest album 'Wide Awake!' taking everything they've done and turning it up a gear. A mix of furious political funk on tracks like 'Violence', to garage punk on 'Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience', to the uplifting sing-along of 'Tenderness'. 'Wide Awake!' is a band at the top of their game.
4. Snail Mail - Lush
Genre: Indie
Favourite Track: Stick
Lindsey Jordan blew onto the scene with her lo-fi debut EP 'Habit' in 2016, and now release's her full length debut LP of teenage story-telling that manages to capture the essence of youth perfectly. Ear worm melodies grab your attention to Snail Mail's work, with wonderful lyricism woven in with Jordan's open guitar playing, all captured beautifully on album centrepiece 'Stick'.
Favourite Track: Stick
Lindsey Jordan blew onto the scene with her lo-fi debut EP 'Habit' in 2016, and now release's her full length debut LP of teenage story-telling that manages to capture the essence of youth perfectly. Ear worm melodies grab your attention to Snail Mail's work, with wonderful lyricism woven in with Jordan's open guitar playing, all captured beautifully on album centrepiece 'Stick'.
3. Goat Girl - Goat Girl
Genre: Alternative, Indie, Punk
Favourite Track: I Don't Care, Pt. 1
South Londerner's Goat Girl flew onto the radar a couple years ago with the riotous country punk of debut single 'Country Sleaze', and this year proved they had far much more to say on their debut album. Opening with the political tear down of 'Burn the Witch' Goat Girl show they're not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, with vocalist Clottie Cream's lyricism taking the listener down different streets in her mind. Soundtracked with scrappy guitars, three part harmonies and driving drums, this is by far the best debut album of 2018.
Favourite Track: I Don't Care, Pt. 1
South Londerner's Goat Girl flew onto the radar a couple years ago with the riotous country punk of debut single 'Country Sleaze', and this year proved they had far much more to say on their debut album. Opening with the political tear down of 'Burn the Witch' Goat Girl show they're not afraid to stand up for what they believe in, with vocalist Clottie Cream's lyricism taking the listener down different streets in her mind. Soundtracked with scrappy guitars, three part harmonies and driving drums, this is by far the best debut album of 2018.
2. Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy
Genre: Alternative, Rock
Favourite Track: Beach Life-In-Death
Car Seat Headrest originally released 'Twin Fantasy' in 2011, albeit with all parts recorded by then sole member Will Toledo on Garage Band. The lo-fi concept album later became a cult favourite before the band blew up in popularity with the success of 'Teens of Denial'.
Toledo had always planned on returning to 'Twin Fantasy' to record it proper with a full band, and released this year, the results are incredible. The album details the breakdown in a relationship to it's most intimate and personal details, that you can't help but feel like your're experiencing the words that are sang at you.
A wholly fleshed out album has subtler changes in some parts, but in other parts whole sections, lyrics, and songs have been altered. Songs like 'Bodys' and the 12 minute epic, 'Beach Life-In-Death', are mind blowing in their new incarnations, with the former building into a massive chorus that'll get you up and dancing.
Favourite Track: Beach Life-In-Death
Car Seat Headrest originally released 'Twin Fantasy' in 2011, albeit with all parts recorded by then sole member Will Toledo on Garage Band. The lo-fi concept album later became a cult favourite before the band blew up in popularity with the success of 'Teens of Denial'.
Toledo had always planned on returning to 'Twin Fantasy' to record it proper with a full band, and released this year, the results are incredible. The album details the breakdown in a relationship to it's most intimate and personal details, that you can't help but feel like your're experiencing the words that are sang at you.
A wholly fleshed out album has subtler changes in some parts, but in other parts whole sections, lyrics, and songs have been altered. Songs like 'Bodys' and the 12 minute epic, 'Beach Life-In-Death', are mind blowing in their new incarnations, with the former building into a massive chorus that'll get you up and dancing.
1. Idles - Joy as an Act of Resistance
Favourite Track: Samaritans
Idles sophomore album 'Joy as an Act of Resistance' is brutal, heartbreaking, uplifting, emotional, powerful, and most of all, the perfect representation of 2018, from the opening bass notes of 'Colossus', to the closing screams to "burn your house down" on 'Rottweiler', this is an album that never lulls.
Lyrically, Joe Talbot is at his finest; the album delves into the fractured society in the UK that we're living through right now, and the power of love to try and combat this. Immigration, mental health, and politics are all tackled on 'JAAAOR', as well as the heart-wrenching ode to Talbot's personal trauma on 'June'.
Instrumentally, Idles are more focused and as furious as ever, screaming guitars, pummelling bass lines, and fist pumping drums drive the music along at an incendiary pace, all coming to a head in the unhinged last minute of 'Rottweiler'.
It's easy to feel numb to everything that's going socially, personally, and politically in the world, but Idles have made an album will make you think, feel, dance, sing, and ultimately find strength and hope in a world so void of it.
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