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Albums by Janelle Monáe, Arctic Monkeys, and Ghost round out the top-three of the 30 Best Albums of 2018 (So Far Revised).

On June 4, I released my initial 21 Best Albums of 2018 (So Far).  That list had some quality albums, but also, I commented on the fluidity of the list.  June ushered in a number of notable releases, which have shaken up the original list.  The list expands from 21 albums to 30, with just one album removed and placed into the list of albums ‘worth mentioning’ (sorry KYLE).  In this edition, while the top-two albums remain locked-in (again, for now), the rest of the top-five has been altered, including three stellar albums from June 2018.  Without further ado, here are the 30 Best Albums of 2018 (So Far Revised). 

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1. Janelle Monáe, Dirty Computer

Bad Boy

Previous Ranking: 1 ↔

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”

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2. Arctic Monkeys, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

Domino

Previous Ranking: 2 ↔

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”

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3. Ghost, Prequelle

Loma Vista

Previous Ranking: New*

Despite the fact that Swedish metal collective Ghost sings about medieval death via the plague, their melodic fourth album, Prequelle, is alluring and at times, quite beautiful. Prequelle is filled with gems including hard-rocking crowning achievement “Rats”, which commences with a pummeling groove from the start.  The rhythmic guitars sound athletic, while Cardinal Copia delivers clear, commanding vocals. “Dance Macabre” is clearly reminiscent of 70s/80s hard rock and metal sound, with a hint of dance/disco.  Penultimate number “Helvetesfönster” is a breathtaking instrumental featuring stellar synthesizer programming and soaring guitars. Ultimately, Ghost delivers a tight, well-conceived metal album with Prequelle. There isn’t a bad song or a truly weak moment to be found.

Must Hear: “Rats”

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4. Father John Misty, God’s Favorite Customer

Sub Pop

Previous Ranking: New*

After wowing with Pure Comedy in 2017 (landed at #4 on our 50 Best Albums of 2017 list), Father John Misty far exceeds expectations on his relatively quickly released, more accessible 2018 LP, God’s Favorite Customer. God’s Favorite Customer thrives off how authentically Josh Tillman presents his personal issues, specifically mental health and marriage issues. His ‘bread is buttered’ on the ballads like the gospel-infused “God’s Favorite Customer,” but he shows his entertaining, tongue-in-cheek side on surefire gem “Mr. Tillman”.

Must Hear: “Mr. Tillman”

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5. KIDS SEE GHOSTS, KIDS SEE GHOSTS

GOOD/Def Jam

Previous Ranking: New*

Kanye West thrived in June 2018, releasing his own album, Ye, and producing and co-producing albums for Pusha T (Daytona, #8 on this list), Nas (NASIR), and Teyana Taylor (K.T.S.E.).  His crowning achievement comes on his joint album with Kid Cudi, KIDS SEE GHOSTS, the most experimental, left-of-center project of them all.  Highlight “4^th Dimension” brilliantly incorporates a Louis Prima sample – a Christmas song! On the album’s best and most fun song, “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2),” West and Kid Cudi are free of a variety of things that have plagued and taken their toll on them.  “I don’t feel pain anymore / Guess what, baby? I feel freeee.”

Must Hear: “Freeee (Ghost Town, Pt. 2)”

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6. Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy

Atlantic

Previous Ranking: 4 ↓

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 not named “Bodak Yellow” or “Bartier Cardi” is the Latin-tinged no. 1 hit, “I Like It”, featuring latin standouts Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Must Hear: “I Like It”

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7. Ezra Furman, Transangelic Exodus

Bella Union

Previous Ranking: 6 ↓

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”

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8. Pusha T, Daytona

Def Jam

Previous Ranking: 5 ↓

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”

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9. MGMT, Little Dark Age

Columbia

Previous Ranking: 3 ↓

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”

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

Interscope

Previous Ranking: 8 ↓

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”

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11. Mike Shinoda, Post Traumatic

Warner Bros.

Previous Ranking: New*

Mike Shinoda puts his heart and his soul into his debut solo album, Post Traumatic.  Shinoda brilliantly captures his grief and pain, trying to continue living post-tragedy (the loss of friend and bandmate Chester Bennington).  Likely a difficult album to make, and at times a difficult, if incredibly honest listen, Post Traumatic is easily among the triumphs of 2018.  There are numerous highlights, including early gem, “Over and Over”: “Sometimes, sometimes you don’t say goodbye once / You say goodbye over and over and over again.”

Must Hear: “Over and Over”

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12. BØRNS, Blue Madonna

Interscope

Previous Ranking: 7 ↓

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”

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13. Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes

Island

Previous Ranking: 10 ↓

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”

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14. Jack White, Boarding House Reach

Columbia

Previous Ranking: 9 ↓

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”

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15. Florence + The Machine, High as Hope

Virgin

Previous Ranking: New*

Throughout the course of High as Hope, the fourth studio album by Florence + The Machine, the plight of love has frontwoman Florence Welch bogged down.  In addition to love problems, spirituality plays a role on the likes of standouts “Big God”, “Grace,” “Patricia,” and “100 Years.” There’s also sadness and reflection, highlighted by the superb closer, “No Choir.”  Four albums into the collective’s career, the resulting music from Florence + The Machine remains alluring. At 10 tracks clocking in at 40 minutes, High as Hope is a tight, impressive LP.

Must Hear: “Big God”

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16. Kali Uchis, Isolation

Virgin

Previous Ranking: 11 ↓

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”

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17. J Cole, KOD

Dreamville / Roc Nation

Previous Ranking: 15 ↓

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”

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18. Kacey Musgraves, Golden Hour

MCA Nashville

Previous Ranking: 12 ↓

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”

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19. Lykke Li, so sad so sexy

RCA

Previous Ranking: New*

Following a four-year hiatus, Swedish alternative singer/songwriter Lykke Li returned to action on her fourth studio album, so sad so sexy.  Comprised of 10 tracks clocking in at 34 minutes, Lykke Li keeps things short, but incredibly sweet.  The crème de la crème comes on “deep end,” an instant hit with ‘pop’ written all over it.  She enlists the underrated Aminé on “two nights,” who plays the role of her unfaithful boyfriend.  There’s also the Illangelo produced “Best Alone,” where she honestly asserts she feels lonely despite being in a relationship.  It’s a pop-heavy affair, but an awesome one.

Must Hear: “deep end”

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20. The Carters, EVERYTHING IS LOVE

Columbia

Previous Ranking: New* 

The long-awaited joint Beyoncé and Jay-Z album finally materialized.  Credited to The Carters, there’s plenty to ‘love’ about EVERYTHING IS LOVE.  “APESHIT” is an unapologetic rap banger that finds Jay-Z dissing the Super Bowl, The NFL, and the Grammys (“Tell the Grammy’s fuck that 0 for 8 shit”).  On the quirky, Pharrell produced “NICE,” Beyoncé bites she could care less about streaming numbers, citing her Tidal exclusive album, Lemonade.  Giving both records a run for their money is “713,” with is fueled by its distinct, rhythmic piano-fueled production, not to mention the rhymes that go down.

Must Hear: “APESHIT”

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21. Marlon Williams, Make Way for Love

Dead Oceans

Previous Ranking: 13 ↓

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”

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22. George Ezra, Staying at Tamara’s

Columbia

Previous Ranking: 14 ↓

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”

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23. Dave Matthews Band, Come Tomorrow

RCA

Previous Ranking: New*

Following a six-year hiatus, eclectic rock band Dave Matthews Band came back in top-notch form on Come Tomorrow.  Throughout the course of the 54-minute LP there are some great performances, while the music itself is consistently excellent.  The 51-year old frontman doesn’t sound too shabby, particularly on the likes of “Idea of You,” “Again and Again,” and “Black and Blue Bird.” Notably, “Again and Again” is set in a compound meter, brilliantly shifting between minor and major, and featuring lovely orchestrations (strings and horns).

Must Hear: “Again and Again”

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24. Sofi Tukker, Treehouse

Ultra

Previous Ranking: 16 ↓

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”

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25. Yellow Claw, New Blood

Barong Family

Previous Ranking: New*

Dutch producer/DJ duo Yellow Claw (Jim Taihuttu and Nils Rondhuis) – known for “bass-heavy productions and riotous performances” – exhibit incredible versatility throughout the course of their third studio album, New Blood. Stylistically, there’s a little something for everyone, which keeps this 44-minute affair intriguing.  With no outright misses, the gems are ample including bangers “Fake Chanel” and “To the Max”, which brings some Latin flavor and Portuguese rap into the mix via two Brazilian MCs.

Must Hear: “To the Max”

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26. Leon Bridges, Good Thing

Columbia

Previous Ranking: 17 ↓

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”

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

Republic

Previous Ranking: 18 ↓

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”

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29. Anderson East, Encore

Elektra

Previous Ranking: 19 ↓

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”

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

Stax / Concord

Previous Ranking: 20 ↓

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”

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Worth Mentioning: Judas Priest, FIREPOWER; 5 Seconds of Summer, Youngblood; Lord Huron, Vide Noir; Hayley Kiyoko, Expectations; Panic! At the Disco, Pray for the Wicked; KYLE, Light of Mine (previously #21); Kanye West, Ye; Drake, Scorpion; Teyana Taylor, K.T.S.E.; Camila Cabello, Camila; James Bay, Electric Light; Tech N9ne, Planet; Bishop Briggs, Church of Scars; Toni Braxton, Sex & Cigarettes; Rich Brian, Amen; Franz Ferdinand, Always Ascending

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Photo Credits: Atlantic, Bad Boy, Bella Union, Barong Family, Columbia, Concord, Dead Oceans, Def Jam, Domino, Dreamville, Elektra, GOOD, Interscope, Island, Loma Vista, MCA Nashville, Republic, Roc Nation, Sony, Stax, Sub Pop, Ultra, Virgin, Warner Bros.

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