The year of 2018 has been pretty kind to music and I've been enjoying it thoroughly. It surely has been an awesome ride and I'm hoping that there's more unique and awesome albums to come. Here's the 5 that I've enjoyed the most this year in no particular order.
Florence and the Machine "High as Hope"
The fourth studio album from the English indie-rock band is truly something spectacular. It shows the more down to earth side of the incredibly talented lead singer Florence Welch. Her vocals are really striking and vibrant, while also offering some really creepy, emotional moments like on "Big God". It explores internal and physical struggle, fighting with eating disorders, drug abuse, family issues and a whole lot of other deep topics.
SOPHIE "OIL OF EVERY PEARL’s UN-INSIDES"
This project from Scottish singer, songwriter, producer, mastermind is absolutely shocking, soothing and everything in-between. It starts off soft and precious with "It's Okay to Cry" and then just blows everything up and messes with your whole existence with the BDSM-esque "Ponyboy". Everything about this album stands out and that's why it's one of the most remarkable records of the year.
KIDS SEE GHOSTS "KIDS SEE GHOSTS"
And what a surprise this was, a record from the legend himself, Kanye West and his partner in crime Kid Cudi. This was truly a fresh breath of air after Kanye's mellow solo project "ye" that came out a little earlier. This album features really interesting production and very different artistic choices. The first song "Feel the Love" sets the tone for the rest of the record, starting off pretty hype but you're just like, eh it's another regular hip-hop record. And then the loud "RAKAKAKA" kicks in and sends goosebumps all over your body. This album is truly impeccable, even though it's really short, it delivers what it sets out to achieve and does it much better than expected.
Years & Years "Palo Santo"
The improvement of the century is here, ladies and gentlemen. While their debut album "Communion" was filled with dance-able, catchy songs, but not a lot of substance. Their sophomore record keeps the Years & Years brand and builds on it, creating an intricate world, a universe where humans are used to entertain androids and provoke emotion. And that's exactly what this album does. It makes you dance, think, feel all kinds of different emotions. Olly Alexander's voice sounds better and clearer than ever, the lyrics use fascinating religious metaphors and express lots of complexities and different experiences of the lead singer. The growth of the group from one album to another is insane and this record is definetly worth to check out.
Kimbra "Primal Heart"
The rising pop star, who was boosted into the spotlight by the humongous hit song "Somebody That I Used To Know" released her 3rd studio record this year and it's definetly one to check. "Primal Heart" has some different production, mixing playful synths and booming beats and bass. The lyrics ooze self-love, broken hearts, love, turmoil and lots and lots of different subjects. Even though some people called Kimbra out on not having a distinct sound, vibe, in my opinion that's her redeeming quality, because even though her albums are a mesh of different styles, the end product is a quality representation of each of them. This album fetures spoken word, intimate singing, primal screams and delivers an experience like no other.
These five records have made my year so much better and while there are a lot of other's to mention, like Janelle Monáe's "Dirty Computer", Cardi B's "Invasion of Privacy" etc., I picked out 5 that stood out and insipired me the most.
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