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Christina Aguilera, Jorja Smith, Panic! At the Disco, Shawn Mendes, and Zayn are just a few artists that compose “25 Stunning Ballads from 2018 (So Far).”

Fast, upbeat songs are fantastic, but sometimes, an emotional, meaningful slow jam packs more of a punch. This playlist is composed of nothing but ballads. Some of the ballads are slower, while others are more mid-tempo – moderate in pace – with a respectable amount of production. Not every awesome ballad from 2018 is included on this list – there are simply far too many (For example, Ariana Grande will probably appear on a future edition). But, here’s a sampling of 25 Stunning Ballads from 2018 (So Far). Among artists gracing this playlist are Christina Aguilera, Jorja Smith, Panic! At the Disco, Shawn Mendes, and Zayn.

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1. ZAYN, “Let Me”

RCA • 2018

“Sweet baby, our sex has meaning.” Ooh la-la ZAYN. It’s certainly not shocking that the urban-pop star addresses sex on his 2018 single, “Let Me”. Compared to his former number one single, “Pillowtalk”, “Let Me” is less explicit and much more tasteful. The backdrop is smooth, urban-pop at its best. It’s incredibly uncluttered, with ample space for the production to ‘breathe’ you might say. ZAYN delivers some superb vocals, particularly when he sings in falsetto. Further amplifying the excellence of “Let Me” are the lovely vocal harmonies on the chorus.

2. Christina Aguilera, “Fall in Line”

Ft. Demi Lovato

Liberation • RCA • 2018

“Fall in Line” is among the best songs from Liberation, the 2018 comeback LP from Christina Aguilera. The ballad features a grinding, soulful, six-eight groove, perfect fuel for the fire for Aguilera and Demi Lovato. Aguilera gets to work with controlled, but nuanced vocals on the first verse. The message, aimed towards girls, is pitch-perfect:

“Little girls, listen closely /…in this world, you are not beholden /You do not owe them / Your body and your soul.”

Aguilera’s beastly vocals begin to appear on the pre-chorus, letting her pipes rip on the chorus (joined by Demi Lovato). Lovato takes the lead on the second verse, similarly maintaining composure and poise, before spreading her wings and flying on the chorus. The true magic occurs throughout when these two join forces, particularly the second and third iterations of the chorus. Clearly, empowerment is the central message.

3. Shawn Mendes, “Why”

Shawn Mendes • Island • 2018

“Why” isn’t only one of the biggest surprises of Shawn Mendes, but also one of its biggest triumphs. Shawn Mendes gives one of the truly elite vocal performances of the LP showing off his gorgeous tone – can you say chills? The chorus is simply stunning, filled with reflective questions about the relationship.

“I pretend that / I’m not ready / Why do we put eat other through hell? / Why can’t we just get over ourselves? / And you say ‘hi’ like / You just met me.”

Beyond the excellence of the lead vocals, “Why” is a production showcase. The way the background vocals are used to accentuate the lead, the addition of vocal effects for a cool change of pace – there’s some awesome, thoughtful touches.

4. Toni Braxton, “Sex & Cigarettes”

Sex & Cigarettes • Def Jam • 2018

Toni Braxton returned with her first solo album in nearly eight years, Sex & Cigarettes. Among the best moments from the album is the title track, “Sex & Cigarettes”. “Tell me how am I supposed to trust you / When I can never tell just where the hell you been?” Remaining true to self, Braxton compels in her signature lower register on the verses – the same smokiness that made “Un-Break My Heart” a hit. The subject matter – the narrative of the record – is just as captivating as her voice. After building the case against her man on the respective verses and pre-chorus, she ascends into her more aggressive, power middle and upper register on the chorus, ‘bringing it on home.’

“You make me crazy, crazy / I swear you act like you hate me, hate me / How can you tell me ‘I love you’ / Then do the things you do? / At least try to lie to me, lie to me / Oh yeah / Instead, you come straight to our bed / Smelling like sex and cigarettes.”

Despite all the drama that occurs on “Sex & Cigarettes,” the musical backdrop is relatively simple. This is a piano-driven ballad, with a few synths and eventually, strings. It’s highly effective and beautifully arranged. Among the best moments is the bridge, where the intensity is incredibly lofty, leading into the most emotional, playful chorus by Braxton.

5. MGMT, “Hand it Over”

Little Dark Age • Columbia • 2018

“The smart ones exit early / And the rest hope for a shoulder.” “Hand it Over” checks off all boxes in regards to being a ‘MGMT record.’ Andrew Vanwyngarden delivers chill, easy-going vocals. Even with such a laid-back approach, he still packs a punch with his beautiful tone, and casually sneaking in an f-bomb.

“The deals we made to shake things up / And the rights that they abused / Might just fuck us over / But the doors won’t shut.”

Accentuating his own accomplished performance, not to mention the beauty of the record as a whole, are choral backing vocals, responding spiritedly with the titular lyric. This occurs during the chorus sections, which appear back to back at the end of the song.

“This time (Hand it over) / It’s yours and it’s mine (Hand it over) / One thing on my mind (Hand it over) / It’s rightfully mine (Hand it over).”

Beyond the epic choruses, the songwriting is thoughtful. Musically, the harmonic progression incorporates some clever twists and turns. The production fits the mold of duo with its lushness and psychedelic cues delivered primarily through the synths. Superb way to conclude the Little Dark Age.

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6. Carlos Vara, “Numb”

Numb – Single • Carlos Vara • 2018

“You fill me up to pour me up / You build me just to break me down.” “Numb” is the stunning debut single by 20-year old, Nashville-based pop-soul newcomer, Carlos Vara. It blends old-school soul with some modern pop and urban contemporary trickery. Among the superb sounds are the vintage guitar chords, dusty, hard-hitting drums, a dash of trumpet, and synths. Narratively, Vara’s lover has him completely out of sorts. With his expressive, robust pipes, he sums up his feelings, particularly on the record’s centerpiece, the chorus.

“You make me go numb / Hypnotized, I know it’s dangerous / Don’t speak, just make me come down.”

7. Camila Cabello, “Never Be the Same”

Camila • Epic • 2018

Hard drums anchor “Never Be the Same”, the opening ballad from Camila, the debut studio album by former Fifth Harmony member, Camila Cabello. On the verses, Cabello never pushes her voice much. Her stunning falsetto shows up, in all its sexiness and sweetness, beginning on the pre-chorus. She exhibits the most vocal oomph during the high-flying chorus.

“It’s you babe / And I’m a sucker for the way that you move, babe / And I could try to run, but it would be useless / You’re to blame / Just one hit of you, I knew I’ll never be the same.”

Although somewhat casual, “Never Be the Same” is a solid start to Camila, as well as a solid addition to any collection.

8. Tinashe, “Salt”

Joyride • RCA • 2018

“Salt” is a surefire contender for the crowning achievement of Joyride, the ‘proper’ sophomore album by Tinashe. Yep, this ‘sodium-fueled’ ballad is a terrific breakup record. Tinashe shows off her full complement of vocal abilities, singing in her lower register and gradually ascending into that awesome, commanding upper register. Soundz does a masterful job crafting a truly dark, emotional, minor-key backdrop for her to paint over as she urges, “So when you go and break my heart in two / Don’t throw salt on the wound.”

9. Marlon Williams, “Love is a Terrible Thing”

Make Way for Love • Dead Oceans • 2018

Marlon Williams may be no superstar, but the 27-year old alternative New Zealand singer/songwriter definitely deserves to be, evidenced on his sophomore album, Make Way for Love. Quite talented, Williams possesses a marvelous voice, something he shows off on “Love is a Terrible Thing.” The plight that is love rears its ugly head on the dramatic, emotionally-driven piano ballad (for the most part), which finds Williams at his best. “Love is a Terrible Thing” represents another great harmonic moment for Make Way for Love with its unique chords and progression. The melody is complex, haunting, and simply breath taking. His vocals are ‘pitch-perfect.’

10. BØRNS, “God Save Our Young Blood”

Ft. Lana Del Rey

Blue Madonna • Interscope • 2018

“God Save Our Young Blood” superbly commences Blue Madonna, the sophomore album by BØRNS. The vocals begin relatively low-key, while the sound is cool, yet mysterious. There’s an air of chill, yet BØRNS still exhibits energy. Throughout, Lana Del Rey sings alongside him, as opposed to being featured in a substantial solo role. The pairing of the two distinct voices is strong. A true fever pitch occurs on the chorus, where the enigma grows more enigmatic, with synth-driven production leading the charge. As the ear adjusts and familiarizes itself to “God Save Our Young Blood,” the magic is revealed in all its glory.

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11. Chloe x Halle, “Fall”

The Kids Are Alright • Parkwood / Columbia • 2018

“Blue likes to drop sometimes / But I don’t mind, no I don’t mind / Cause luck is on my side.” Chloe x Halle had one of the quieter album rollouts of 2018 with the release of The Kids are Alright. Nonetheless, the teen sister duo, signed to Beyoncé’s Parkwood label, is definitely an act to watch. Their voices compel, shining like diamonds on the chilling balladry of “Fall,” the 18^th and final track from their debut project. Nothing can kill their vibe.

“So, what if the rain falls? / Let’s find the gold at the end of the rainbow / So, what if the sky falls? /We’ll build a life right on the cotton clouds.”

12. Lord Huron, “Wait by the River”

Vide Noir • Republic • 2018

Lord Huron returned in 2018 with its first new studio album in three years, Vide Noir. Stunning third single “Wait by the River” features a prominent bass line early-on, exhibiting old-school vibes. After an air of mysteriousness complementing the robust bass line, the full-fledged soulfulness kicks in, including a marvelous upper register piano ostinato straight from the vintage bag of tricks. Frontman Ben Schneider provides the “the cherry on top” with his cool, yet potent vocals.

13. Anderson East, “King for a Day”

Encore • Elektra • 2018

“King for a Day” is a mid-tempo ballad that oozes with soul. Think of this as a combination of rock, southern soul, and fittingly, blue-eyed soul. Anderson East sounds beastly, exhibiting ample soul and grittiness. While the vocals are the crowning achievement, there are a number of parts that make “King for a Day” a gem. The songwriting is sincere, capped off by a memorable chorus. The production is old-school, without sounding anachronistic, incorporating horns, organs, and real drums.

14. Jorja Smith, “Let Me Down”

Ft. Stormzy

Lost & Found • FAMM • 2018

20-year old English R&B artist Jorja Smith compels on ballad, “Let Me Down”, which appears on her debut album, Lost & Found. “Let Me Down” commences moodily, fashioned as a piano-driven ballad. Smith delivers pure, radiant, and expressive vocals, possessing a distinct tone, particularly the cracks and nuances. The first statement of the chorus amplifies the emotional intensity, growing more dynamic. Smith pushes more, providing more oomph and punch during the chorus, though never over-sings or ‘forces the issue.’

Stormzy, who appears on the second verse, helps usher in the ‘build-up,’ key to the progression of this number. By the second chorus, the production is more developed, highlighted by the addition of strings. It’s followed by a gorgeous bridge where Smith sounds pure and radiant as opposed to serving up gospel histrionics.

15. Frank Ocean, “Moon River”

Blonded • 2018

On Valentine’s Day 2018, Frank Ocean released a gem, “Moon River”. Moon River” is a well-known classic – a truly beautiful song. Frank Ocean covers it, infusing his own, distinct artistry, adding layered vocals, pitch-shifted vocals, ad-libs, and other effects, most notably, reverb. A ‘one of a kind’ artist, Ocean shows why he’s special.

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16. Kacey Musgraves, “Mother”

Golden Hour • Mercury • 2018

“Wish we didn’t live so far away / I’m just sitting here thinking ‘bout the time that’s slipping / And missing my mother.” Grammy-winning country artist Kacey Musgraves outdid herself on here third studio album, Golden Hour. Although “Mother” is the shortest song on the album (Less than one-minute-and-a-half), the piano ballad is beautiful and thoughtful, as evidenced by the aforementioned lyrics. Musgraves continues on the chorus, “And she’s probably sitting there / Thinking ‘bout the time that’s slipping / And missing her mother, mother.”

17. Janelle Monáe, “I Like That”

Dirty Computer • Bad Boy • 2018

Janelle Monáe characterizes herself throughout the course of the soulful “I Like That”, among many highlights from her third studio album, Dirty Computer. On the verses, she paints a picture of eclecticism and nonconformity. On the second verse, she asserts, “Take a different type of girl to keep the whole world afloat.” There’s dualism about the particular lyric. In one token, Monáe is revealing more about her sexuality to the world. In another token, she simply seems to be asserting she’s a special, truly unique person who can’t be pigeonholed. On the pre-chorus, she continues this characterization, while she snarls on the chorus.

“And I like that / I don’t really give a fuck if I was just the only one / Who likes that / I never like to follow, follow around, the chase is on.”

18. Arctic Monkeys, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino”

Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino • Domino • 2018

Most critics embraced Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, the unique comeback album by British alternative band Arctic Monkey, though some where more skeptical. Personally, the album was intriguing and a refreshing change of pace from Alex Turner and company. Minor key title track “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” ranks among the crème de la crème, arguably the crowning achievement. Turner sings about an imaginary hotel and casino, possibly on the Moon. According to an EW interview, Turner, referencing the title track states, “…Whether we’re actually talking about a sort of hotel-casino complex on the moon or not is debatable.” Weird to the core, “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” encompasses politics, philosophy, technology… it’s something.

“Technological advances really bloody get me in the mood / Pull me in close on a crisp eve, baby / Kiss me underneath the moon’s side boob.”

19. Panic! At the Disco, “Dying in LA”

Pray for the Wicked • Fueled by Ramen • 2018

“The moment you arrived, they built you up / The sun was in your eyes, you couldn’t believe it.” While Brendon Urie and Panic! At the Disco begin optimistically with “Dying in LA”, eventually, the song showcases the disappointing aspects of the dream destination. “Drink of paradise, they told you, ‘Put your blood on ice’,” Urie sings on the second verse, continuing, “You’re not gonna make it.” The ballad’s chorus sums up the harsh reality of anonymity and failure in Los Angeles.

“But nobody knows you now, when you’re dying in LA / And nobody owes you now, when you’re dying in LA… / Oh, the power, the power, the power / Of LA.”

20. Florence + The Machine, “Big God”

High as Hope • Virgin • 2018

“You need a big God / Big enough to hold your love.” On “Big God”, Florence + The Machine (Florence Welch specifically) struggles in the aftermath of being ‘ghosted’ in her relationship. “I still like you the most / You’ll always be my favorite ghost,” she sings at the end of the first verse. The brilliant single makes ample spiritual references, but the big picture isn’t about God. No, Welch is focused on being fulfilled by love, likening fulfillment to something the size of a higher power. After commencing with minimal production, by the song’s outro, horns and strings expand the sound.

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21. Father John Misty, “God’s Favorite Customer”

God’s Favorite Customer • Sub Pop • 2018

Listening to “God’s Favorite Customer,” the superb title track from Father John Misty’s 2018 LP, Josh Tillman’s religious past is perceptible through the musical arrangement, production, harmonic scheme, and the songwriting. The instrumentation plays a sizable role in the effectiveness of this number, incorporating electric piano, organ, and harmonica, in addition to the standard acoustic piano, acoustic guitars, drums, and supporting vocals (Weyes Blood). The supporting vocals are absolutely chilling. Beyond the gospel-infused cues, there’s also the spiritual lyrics of the chorus, even as Tillman is no longer “God’s Favorite Customer” as he was when he was an evangelical Christian.

“Speak to me / Won’t you speak, sweet angel? / Don’t you remember me? / I was God’s favorite customer.”

22. Ruel, “Younger”

Ready (EP) • RCA • 2018

Let’s cut straight to the chase. There are very few 15-year-olds that have the ‘chops’ that up-and-coming Aussie pop singer Ruel has. Mark my words – this kid is truly special. His voice oozes with expression, nuance, and the utmost soulfulness. He has a surefire, soulful-pop standout on “Younger”, a single from his EP, Ready. “Deep in my heart I / Know that it’s over… / So I can’t call you / Call you my brother / The way we used to / When we were younger, younger.” Ruel is on-point throughout the record, reminiscing back to a friendship from his youth that has since ceased. He’s clearly perturbed on the aforementioned chorus and goes on to sing about his efforts trying to rekindle the friendship sans success. Ultimately, the message he conveys is relatable to everyone – who hasn’t had a friend that they’ve lost contact with or grew apart from? The soulful, gospel-infused production is fitting given the yearning, regretful, and reminiscent nature of this record.

23. Lykke Li, “Better Alone”

So sad so sexy • RCA • 2018

On the rhythmic ballad “Better Alone,” Swedish alt-pop artist Lykke Li asserts, “I’m better alone than lonely here with you.” Lykke Li successfully imparts a tale of feeling like something is off in her relationship – she’s not fulfilled. Therefore, it’s better that she’s lonely by herself as opposed to being lonely with someone else. Ultimately, “Better Alone” is clever, relatable, and well-penned, not to mention excellent production by Illangelo.

24. Devin Dawson, “Dark Horse”

Dark Horse • Warner Music Nashville • 2018

“No, I ain’t no white knight / I’m a little more / Dark horse.” “Dark Horse” serves as the title track and concluding number from Dark Horse, the 2018 debut album from California country musician Devin Dawson. What stands out about “Dark Horse” is the honesty of the songwriting and openness of Dawson himself. Just as the aforementioned lyrics and title suggest, Dawson sees himself as a dark horse.

“No, I don’t go to church, can’t quote a bible verse / I couldn’t sing a song but that don’t mean that I don’t talk to Jesus / Girls say I push them off, that I can’t open up / But I ain’t afraid of love, when I say it I just want to mean it.”

25. Prince, “Nothing Compares 2 U”

Nothing Compares 2 U – Single • Warner Bros. • 2018

On April 21, 2016, the world lost an icon in Prince. The death of Prince ranks among the most shocking in entertainment history. But, despite the tragic loss, he left a vault full of unreleased music including, the sole studio recording of “Nothing Compares 2 U”. Matt Miller of Esquire Magazine describes “Nothing Compares 2 U” best, if profanely: fucking incredible. The original is EPIC, exemplifying Prince at his best. His vocal tone is distinct and pure, perfectly suited for his own melody. The overall vocal performance is nuanced, filled with emotion and personality. The falsetto – magnificent. Adding to the allure is the production, namely the beefy guitars, pummeling drums, the soulful saxophone solo (Eric Leeds), and the supporting vocals backing the masterful lead.

Photo Credits: Bad Boy, Blonded, Carlos Vara, Columbia, Dead Oceans, Def Jam, Domino, Elektra, Epic, FAMM, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Island, Mercury, Parkwood, RCA, Republic, Sub Pop, Virgin, Warner Bros., Warner Music Nashville

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25 Stunning Ballads from 2018 (So Far) | Year in Review

Published by the musical hype on July 18, 2018July 18, 2018