[nextpage title=”Intro” ]

Hot albums courtesy of Janelle Monáe, Arctic Monkeys, MGMT, Cardi B, and Pusha T round out the top-five of the 21 Best Albums of 2018 (So Far).  

DAMN., it’s an arduous task to compile the best albums of the year (so far) without a project the caliber of Kendrick Lamar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning LP, sigh.  But, it’s no longer 2017 – it’s 2018, and we must work with the lot of albums available.  There have been some great albums released this year, BUT, something tells me that the second half of the year may be more ‘fruitful’ with more memorable, accomplished LPs.  Even as a skeptic of the lot of albums released in 2018, many of the top picks were easy to rank. It wouldn’t be surprising to see those make the final edition of the list come December.  Without further ado, here are the 21 best albums of 2018 (so far).

[/nextpage]

[nextpage title=”1-3″ ]

 

1. Janelle Monáe, Dirty Computer

Bad Boy

Years tend to go by between releases from androgynous alt-R&B artist Janelle Monáe, known for her tuxes and pompadour hair style.  While she doesn’t roll out music at a fast pace, the music she does roll out is totally worthwhile.  That’s the case with her third studio album, Dirty Computer, arguably the best of her career.  While the entirety of the Monáe discography is fantastic, Dirty Computer is the most important, meaningful, and transcendent album of her career, oozing with socially-charged issues, centering on feminism, identity issues, and sexuality. The crowning achievement, “PYNK”, specifically centers around feminism and same-sex female attraction and love.

Must Hear: “Pynk”

---

2. Arctic Monkeys, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Domino

After a five-year hiatus, British alternative rock darlings Arctic Monkeys returned in conceptual, experimental, and quirky mode on their sixth studio album, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.  Starkly different from previous albums – particularly breakthrough AM, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino features prominent use of the piano and incorporates elements of jazz and a ‘loungy’ vibe. Despite being a bit polarizing and strange, there are a number of compelling moments, such as the title track and single “Four Out of Five.” On “Four Out of Five” frontman Alex Turner sings, of all things, about a well-reviewed taqueria on the roof of an imaginary hotel possibly located on the moon.

Must Hear: “Four Out of Five”

---

3. MGMT, Little Dark Age

Columbia

Alternative darlings MGMT (Andrew Vanwyngarden and Ben Goldwasser), returned after nearly a five-year hiatus with a thrilling, if underrated new studio album, Little Dark Age. Little Dark Age features a number of clever, colorful, and memorable musical moments, hence why it sits near the top of this best-of (so far) list. Highlight “Little Dark Age” finds Vanwyngarden coolly, yet compellingly delivering ‘frightening,’ poetic lyrics. “TSLAMP” accurately and uniquely focuses on phone addiction. The crowning achievement, “Hand it Over”, is a gorgeous ballad with a clever harmonic progression and choral backing vocals.

Must Hear: “Hand It Over”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”4-6″ ]

4. Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy

Atlantic

Cardi B brings the rare crowd-pleasing album, Invasion of Privacy, that’s also among the best albums of the year. “Bodak Yellow” could’ve made the Grammy-nominated rapper a one-hit wonder, but then, the hits kept coming and ended up on her debut.  In addition to a number of solid, well-produced records and a well-cast crop of guests, Cardi B packs a mean punch and a badass attitude that makes her incredibly successful. Among the many bright spots from Invasion of Privacy non-named “Bodak Yellow” or “Bartier Cardi” is the Latin-tinged “I Like It,” Latin standouts Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Must Hear: “I Like It”

---

5. Pusha T, Daytona

Def Jam

The release of Daytona didn’t come without its share of controversy from Pusha T.  There’s the controversial cover art of Whitney Houston’s drug-covered bathroom, not to mention an incredibly messy feud with Drake, further ignited by the album’s closing diss track, “Infrared.” As messy as the roll out has been, Daytona is a superb project.  Pusha T is known for his drug-fueled rap, often citing his own dealing days, and he delivers masterfully.  While all seven songs are noteworthy, arguably the opener “If You Know You Know” is the crowning achievement.

Must Hear: “If You Know You Know”

---

6. Ezra Furman, Transangelic Exodus

Bella Union

Gender-fluid rock musician Ezra Furman maintains something of cult-following. Self-described as a ‘Queer Outlaw Saga,’ Transangelic Exodus is probably one of the best albums of 2018 that only a few people have heard.  That’s unfortunate, considering an incredibly unique concept (transangelicism), as well as topics including spirituality, body transformation, and a number of issues affecting the LGBTQ community.  The crowning achievement is incredibly assertive “Suck the Blood from My Wound,” a personal favorite from 2018, while Furman speaks about being in “That all-protective closet” on “Compulsive Liar.”

Must Hear: “Suck the Blood from My Wound”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”7-9″ ]

7. BØRNS, Blue Madonna

Interscope

Alternative artist Garrett Borns (BØRNS) delivered a fantastic sophomore album with Blue Madonna. The vocals, production, and songwriting are elite throughout the course of the album.  Ballad “God Save Our Young Blood”, featuring Lana Del Rey, commences the album in enigmatic, magical fashion, while up-tempo highlight “Faded Heart” cooks, chocked-full of energy and BØRNS’ signature, piercing, upper register pipes.  The best moment comes by way of “I Don’t Want U Back”, where the production shimmers in all its electronic, synth-driven glory, and BØRNS’ falsetto is flawless; masterful to the nth degree.

Must Hear: “I Don’t Want U Back”

---

8. Kendrick Lamar, The Weekend & SZA, Black Panther the Album Music from and Inspired By

Interscope

The Marvel film Blank Panther was highly-anticipated and ended up being a monumental success.  Furthermore, the Kendrick Lamar-helmed soundtrack (also attributed to The Weeknd SZA), Black Panther the Album Music from and Inspired By, was also highly-anticipated and incredibly successful. Kendrick Lamar and SZA shine on their respective contributions on promo single “All the Stars”, which brilliantly embraces a pop, electro-driven urban sound.  As awesome as it is, the showstopper comes by way of the star-studded Jay Rock banger “King’s Dead” featuring Lamar, Future and James Blake. Black Panther has even more reasons to be top-ten on the Best Albums of 2018 (So Far) including the likes of “Bloody Waters” and “Pray for Me”, featuring The Weeknd.

Must Hear: “King’s Dead”

---

9. Jack White, Boarding House Reach

Columbia

12 time-Grammy winning alternative darling Jack White joins the aforementioned Arctic Monkeys (Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino) releasing one of the quirkiest, and strangest albums of 2018, Boarding House Reach.  And album truly “all over the place,” Boarding House Reach is by far White’s most adventurous, left-of-center album yet. While the LP’s cohesion is questionable, the allure and the quality of the material is not.  Among the highlights are the dramatic, soulful opener, “Connected by Love” as well as the corybantic, energetic “Corporation”.

Must Hear: “Connected by Love”

---

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”10-12″ ]

10. Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes

Island

Canadian pop heartthrob Shawn Mendes returned with his highly-anticipated, third studio album, Shawn Mendes. The 19-year old wunderkind built up the buzz with five compelling singles, including the crown jewel of the album, “In My Blood”.  He flexes his pop-soul chops on the likes of “Lost in Japan”  and shows he’s ‘not a kid anymore’ on “Where Were You in the Morning?”. Giving “In My Blood” a ‘run for its money’ is the reflective, relationship-oriented ballad, “Why.”  While the youthful Mendes continues to develop his artistry, his self-titled album marks his best yet.  It’s not sans flaw, but there’s much more to love as opposed to criticize.

Must Hear: “In My Blood”

---

11. Kali Uchis, Isolation

Virgin

24-year old Colombian-American R&B singer Kali Uchis proves she’s ‘the real deal’ on her debut album, Isolation. Vocally, Uchis has a truly distinct instrument, while artistically, she’s chocked-full of personality.  Despite the incredibly subdued release of Isolation, it’s a jam-packed affair. The crowning achievement is undoubtedly “After the Storm”, a feel-good, 70s soul-influenced gem featuring Bootsy Collins and Tyler, the Creator, and produced by hip-hop jazz collective BADBADNOTGOOD.

Must Hear: “After the Storm”

---

12. Kacey Musgraves, Golden Hour

MCA Nashville

Two-time Grammy-winning country artist Kacey Musgraves returns with a magnificent, third studio album, Golden Hour. Perhaps what’s most notable about Golden Hour is its distinct appeal beyond the confines of the country music audience. Among the highlights is captivating single “Butterflies”, which maintains a certain amount of simplicity. Musgraves serves up beautiful, easy-going vocals, showcasing incredible poise.  On “Space Cowboy” she sings about breaking things off, best evidenced by the chorus. Also, there’s “Velvet Elvis,” a groovy and retro number that gives a nod to Presley.

Must Hear: “Butterflies”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”13-15″ ]

13. Marlon Williams, Make Way for Love

Dead Oceans

New Zealand singer-songwriter Marlon Williams delivers an intriguing, well-rounded sophomore album with Make Way for Love.  What makes Make Way for Love so compelling is the musicianship that Williams exhibits throughout its course.  Among his best moments are “Love is a Terrible Thing,” a haunting piano ballad with a unique, harmonic progression and complex melody, as well as duet “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore” featuring Aldous Harding, who he harmonizes superbly with.  Make Way for Love, much like the aforementioned Ezra Furman album Transangelic Exodus, is one of the best albums of the year that few have heard.

Must Hear: “Nobody Gets What They Want Anymore”

---

14. George Ezra, Staying at Tamara’s

Columbia

Deep, husky-voiced, British singer-songwriter George Ezra returned impressively on his sophomore album, Staying at Tamara’s.  Like Marlon Williams (Make Way for Love), Ezra doesn’t receive the proper recognition for his musicianship; he’s a magnificent singer and compelling songwriter.  He’s shows off his distinct, powerful and robust vocals like a champ on opening highlight “Pretty Shining People”. He’s fun and light-hearted with heaping spoonful of tongue-in-cheek on “Paradise”.  Even with a number of terrific songs, the short and incredibly sweet “Don’t Matter Now” – selected as our 84^th best song of 2017 – remains the one to beat on Staying at Tamara’s.

Must Hear: “Don’t Matter Now”

---

15. J Cole, KOD

Dreamville / Roc Nation

Hip-hop enthusiasts’ ears perked up ‘round the world when J. Cole announced he would release his fifth studio album, KOD on April 20, 2018. Notably, the title means three different things: Kids on Drugs, King Overdosed, and Kill Our Demons. Isn’t it only fitting that J. Cole cracks the top-15 on the Best Albums of 2018 (So Far)? The 33-year old North Carolinian rapper speaks about relevant societal issues including drugs (“KOD”), money (“ATM” and “BRACKETS”), and sex (“Kevin’s Heart”).  Also, Cole seems to school the SoundCloud rappers (“1985 – Intro to ‘The Fall Off’”).

Must Hear: “ATM”

---

[/nextpage][nextpage title=”16-18″ ]

16. Sofi Tukker, Treehouse

Ultra

As awesome as single “Batshit” is on Treehouse, the full-length, debut album by Sofi Tukker, there’s nothing “batshit crazy” about project itself.  Sophie Hawley-Weld and Tucker Halpern ‘bring the heat’ and maintain the listener’s attention on the tight, 31-minute LP.  In addition to the aforementioned Right Said Fred-sampling crown jewel, Sofi Tukker thrill on I.D.G.A.F. “F**k They”, the uplifting “Baby I’m a Queen,” and the hella friendly “Best Friend”.

Must Hear: “Batshit”

---

17. Leon Bridges, Good Thing

Columbia

R&B hasn’t been nearly as popular in the 2010s as it was in the 00s, let alone the 90s, but the ‘cooling’ genre has had its moments.  Grammy-nominated R&B Leon Bridges gave soul a great moment with his sophomore album, Good Thing.  He kicks things off with the album’s crowning achievement, ballad “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand”.  That said, another ballad, the authentic, jazzy closer “Georgia to Texas,” gives “Bet” a sincere ‘run for its money.’ Good Thing isn’t perfect, but its elite more often than not.

Must Hear: “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand”

---

18. The Weeknd, My Dear Melancholy, (EP)

Republic

Grammy-winning, Canadian R&B singer The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye) returns with a surprise EP, My Dear Melancholy,. Throughout the course of the six-song EP, he authentically and superbly captures the pain of the being heartbroken.  Among the premiere moments, is opener “Call Out My Name,” which commences moodily, in a minor key, setting the tone for entire EP. According to The Weeknd, “Falling for you was my mistake.”

Must Hear: “Call Out My Name”

---

[/nextpage] [nextpage title=”19-21″ ]

19. Anderson East, Encore

Elektra

Yet another under-appreciated talent gets his just-due on this list. The incredibly eclectic, electrifying Anderson East has a gritty, powerful, and soulful voice. He blesses us with those pipes throughout the course of his stellar sophomore album, Encore.  Opening, mid-tempo ballad “King for a Day” oozes with soul, featuring fantastic, old-school production. East delivers an incredibly playful performance on the brief “Girlfriend” which is nothing short of a ‘blast.’ Furthermore, he slays on Willie Nelson cover, “Somebody Pick Up My Pieces”.

Must Hear: “Girlfriend”

---

20. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Tearing at the Seams

Stax / Concord

Following the success of single “S.O.B.”  from their 2015, self-titled debut album, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats return with Tearing at the Seams.  Throughout the course of Tearing at the Seams, the band fuses retro rock and retro soul, with a touch of folk.  All in all, the results are highly favorable. Arguably, the best song is opener “Shoe Boot,” which is drenched in funk.  The horns are ripe, the organ spirited, and Rateliff is on autopilot. Beyond “Shoe Boot,” the band shines on the likes of “Hey Mama” – fusing folk, Americana, country-rock, and soul – and the sublime “Coolin’ Out”, featuring Lucius.

Must Hear: “Shoe Boot”

---

21.KYLE, Light of Mine

Atlantic

So, I decided to make a list of 21 of the best albums of 2018 as opposed to 20.  Honestly, album no. 21 was a toss-up.  A number of albums were considered for this spot, with each and every one flawed – none were surefire.  Maybe Light of Mine, the luck of the draw, won’t even end up on the final list.  For now, however, KYLE, the rapper with the infectious personality and irresistible laugh is “iSpy-ing” the final spot. As great as “iSpy” is, we go with the current flavor, “Playinwitme” featuring Kehlani, as the must-hear from this interesting LP.

Must Hear: “Playinwitme”

---

Worth Mentioning: Lord Huron, Vide Noir; James Bay, Electric Light; Tech N9ne, Planet; Bishop Briggs, Church of Scars; Hayley Kiyoko, Expectations; Toni Braxton, Sex & Cigarettes; Rich Brian, Amen; Franz Ferdinand, Always Ascending

---

Photo Credits: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Bella Union, Columbia, Concord, Dead Oceans, Def Jam, Domino, Dreamville, Elektra, Interscope, Island, MCA Nashville, Republic, Roc Nation, Stax, Ultra, Virgin

[/nextpage]