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Albums courtesy of Janelle Monáe, Arctic Monkeys, Ghost, Father John Misty, and Pusha T round out the top-five of the 45 Best Albums of 2018.

That time has come my friends (Musical Hype-ians), to drop the final best albums of 2018 list.  This is always a daunting task, like any year-end, year-in-review list is. After a couple of different revisions throughout the year, and going back and forth about ordering, the final edition ends up with 45 albums that stood out to my ears. Unlike past years, there wasn’t necessarily that ‘definitive’ project, though you will notice, album number one, Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer, has remained my ‘ride or die’ throughout the course of revisions.  In addition to Monáe, the top-five also includes albums courtesy of Arctic Monkeys (Tranquility Base Hotel + Casino), Ghost (Prequelle), Father John Misty (God’s Favorite Customer), and Pusha T (Daytona).  Without further ado, the 45 Best Albums of 2018!

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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.

Janelle Monáe, Dirty Computer | Album Review 💿

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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.

Arctic Monkeys, Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino | Album Review 💿

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3. Ghost, Prequelle

Loma Vista

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.

Ghost, Prequelle | Album Review 💿

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4. Father John Misty, God’s Favorite Customer

Sub Pop

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”.

Father John Misty, God’s Favorite Customer | Album Review 💿

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5. Pusha T, Daytona

GOOD / 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.

Pusha T, Daytona | Album Review

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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.”

Ezra Furman, Transangelic Exodus | Album Review

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7. 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 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.

MGMT, Little Dark Age | Album Review

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8. Ryan Beatty, Boy in Jeans

Boy in Jeans

Openly gay pop artist Ryan Beatty is honest about love and sex throughout the course of his stellar debut album, Boy in Jeans. Boys cross Beatty’s mind more than a couple of times, whether he’s referencing European boys on “Euro,” or tying sex and religion on “God in Jeans.” An eclectic album, Boy in Jeans encompasses pop, R&B, and a dash of alternative. Throughout its course, it features excellent vocals, meaningful songs encompassing important social themes, and outstanding production work. Beyond the aforementioned highlights, the crowning achievement is arguably “Powerslide,” tailor-made for summer, embracing West Coast vibes, and highlighting the truly ‘lit’ relationship between Beatty and his boyfriend.

Ryan Beatty, Boy in Jeans | Album Review 💿

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9. 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, number one hit,  “I Like It,” featuring Latin standouts Bad Bunny and J Balvin.

Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy | Album Review

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10. Travis Scott, ASTROWORLD

Epic

Grammy-nominated Houston rapper Travis Scott puts forth his best effort on his third studio album, ASTROWORLD. Honestly, there’s plenty to love about this 58-minute project.  What makes ASTROWORLD shine is Scott’s left-field, experimental spirit, which is highly effective on this adventurous, colorful, and enjoyable affair.  There are numerous features, many of which are uncredited, and used uniquely. Among the most magical moments from the album include “STARGAZING,” “SICKO MODE,” and my personal favorite, “STOP TRYING TO BE GOD,” which makes a statement about god-status in rap.  

Travis Scott, ASTROWORLD | Album Review

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11. Troye Sivan, Bloom

Capitol

Taking his time to release his sophomore album, Bloom, South African-born, Australian pop artist Troye Sivan delivers a surefire winner with no major miscues.  The best record is arguably “My My My!”, which is groovy, honest, and sexy, featuring sleek, modern production work that perfectly matches the low key vocals of Sivan.  Despite a ‘calm, cool, and collected’ approach, the record packs a punch while lyrically and vocally, he gives off a sexy vibe. There’re also bright spots like the title track “Bloom”, which is both sexual and emotion, as well as the lush closing ballad, “Animal”. Love, particularly as an openly gay male, remains a big part of Sivan’s artistic script.  His authenticity, honesty, and vulnerability truly help to make him such a compelling artist and makes Bloom an incredibly special pop album.

Troye Sivan, Bloom | Album Review

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12. Twenty One Pilots, Trench

Fueled by Ramen

It only took Tyler Joseph and Josh Dun three years (sense the sarcasm), but the fifth Twenty One Pilots album, Trench, arrived in Fall 2018.  Despite lacking the hits reaching the caliber of Blurryface (“Stressed Out” chief amongst them), Trench is an equally captivating project that continues to find the band showcasing creative, conceptual, and stylistic restlessness.  Among the crème de la crème are the wildly ambitious “Jumpsuit”, blending conceptual narrative with self-consciousness and insecurities, “Levitate”, characterized by its potent rhymes, and “Leave the City,” a record of overcoming adversity, specifically mental health issues. This is easily among the most creative albums of 2018.

Twenty One Pilots, Trench | Album Review 💿

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13. 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.

Shawn Mendes, Shawn Mendes | Album Review

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14. KIDS SEE GHOSTS, KIDS SEE GHOSTS

GOOD / Def Jam

Kanye West thrived in June 2018, releasing his own album, Ye, and producing and co-producing albums for Pusha T (Daytona, #5 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.”

Kanye West & Kid Cudi, KIDS SEE GHOSTS | Album Review 💿

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15. 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 is one of the best albums of the year that few have heard.

Marlon Williams, Make Way for Love | Album Review

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16.Jack White, Boarding House Reach

Columbia

12 time-Grammy winning alternative darling Jack White released 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”.

Jack White, Boarding House Reach | Album Review 💿

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17. 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.

Kali Uchis, Isolation | Album Review

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18. 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.

Kacey Musgraves, Golden Hour | Album Review

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19. Paul McCartney, Egypt Station

Capitol

Legendary rock/pop musician Paul McCartney returned in 2018 in utterly superb, potent fashion on his seventeenth solo album, Egypt Station. Listening to Egypt Station, it’s clear that the magic is still alive within McCartney, a testament to his musicianship and iconic status.  Among many highlights is “I Don’t Know”, which lyrically focuses on life’s troubles, inquiring, “What am I doing wrong,” and, “Where am I going?”  He never delivers answers, but on the chorus, McCartney doesn’t seem to worry the person most important to him with his problems.  Other bright spots include the likes of the youthful-sounding, upbeat “Come on to Me” and the three-part, seven-minute “Despite Repeated Warnings.” Ultimately, Egypt Station is a well-written, well-produced effort from Sir Paul.

Paul McCartney, Egypt Station | Album Review 💿

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20. Years & Years, Palo Santo

Polydor

British synth-pop band Years & Years returned with a compelling sophomore album on Palo Santo, masterfully incorporating social issues, sexuality, and spirituality. “Sanctify” is a perfect example of the fusion of sexuality and spirituality, backed by bright, exuberant production work. Of the highlight, Olly Alexander was inspired with experiences with straight guys, telling Attitude Magazine, straight guys were “struggling with their sexuality.” On another gem, “If You’re Over Me”, he sings about a previous relationship where his ex-boyfriend doesn’t seem to be over him.  Title track “Palo Santo” isn’t really about fragrant wood from South America, but rather a “fictional universe that we’ve created”. Underrated, Palo Santo is easily one of the most intriguing albums of 2018.

Years & Years, Palo Santo | Album Review 💿

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21. 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.

Kendrick Lamar, ‘Black Panther the Album’ | Album Review

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22. Alice in Chains, Rainier Fog

BMG Rights Management

Throughout the years, iconic rock band Alice in Chains has endured a lot, with the death of frontman Layne Staley leading the charge.  Despite their fair share of trials, the music has continued to be top-notch, as is the case with their sixth studio album, Rainier Fog. Filled with plenty of hard-rocking moments, “The One You Know” is among the most accomplished.  Enigmatic and foreboding to the nth degree, AIC conjure up some truly ‘off-kilter funk’ instrumentally, carried by hellish, menacing bass and guitars.  There’s clear-cut dissonance, amplifying utter darkness, with the unsettling nature of “The One You Know” making it truly alluring.  The highlights don’t end there, with the title track, “Drone,” “So Far Under”, and “Never Fade” all earning high marks.

Alice in Chains, Rainier Fog | Album Review

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23. Ariana Grande, Sweetener

Republic

On her fourth studio album, Sweetener, Grammy-nominated pop artist Ariana Grande returned in daring fashion, at least to some extent. Sweetener finds Grande amplifying the hip-hop and R&B.  There are plenty of worthwhile moments throughout the course of the album, with the bold “God is a Woman” leading the charge encompassing feminism, spirituality, and of course, sex. There’s also the uplifting “No Tears Left to Cry”, which served as the promo single and first new music from Grande since the Manchester terror attack.  There’s plenty of deliciousness to be experienced throughout the course of Sweetener.  Grande doesn’t aim for the highest of notes as she has in the past, but she continues to shine as one of music’s most elite vocalists.

Ariana Grande, Sweetener | Album Review 💿

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24. 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’”).

J. Cole, KOD | Album Review

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25. BROCKHAMPTON, iridescence

RCA

LA-based hip-hop collective BROCKHAMPTON captivate on their major label debut album, iridescence (their fourth album overall). The LP incorporates a wide array of ideas, styles, and goes against the grain of the standard hip-hop script. Sure, there are gems that shine brighter than others, but none of the songs on the LP ‘miss the mark.’  Among the bright spots are the jam-packed opener “New Orleans,” the shallow (but infectious), money-centric “Where the Cash At,” and the killer banger, “J’ouvert,” where Joba in particularly is on-point (“Got issues with these motherfuckers / Looking down from they pedestals / From that petty view, on that petty shit”). Throughout the course of iridescence it’s safe to say that BROCKHAMPTON absolutely kills it.

 

BROCKHAMPTON, iridescence | Album Review 💿

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26. BØRNS, Blue Madonna

Republic

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. 

BØRNS, Blue Madonna | Album Review

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27. Ella Mai, Ella Mai

10 Summers / Interscope

It’s totally not surprising that “Boo’d Up” earned a Grammy-nomination for Song of the Year when the 2019 Grammy nominations were unveiled.  That said, Ella Mai, the self-titled debut by British R&B singer Ella Mai is much more than her breakthrough hit single.  All in all, Mai delivers an enjoyable, well-rounded contemporary R&B album that’s chocked-full of superb moments. Among those NOT named “Boo’d Up” are the feisty “Good Bad,” the spot-on, basketball referencing “Shot Clock”, and the lush ballad, “Easy,” which sports one of the most beautiful melodies of the entire album. Ella Mai provides assurance that R&B music still has a viable future.

Ella Mai, Ella Mai | Album Review

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28. Mariah Carey, Caution

Epic

Following a rough patch in her illustrious career – specifically the 2010s – Grammy-winning R&B diva Mariah Carey returns with her best LP in years, Caution.  The rollout for Caution featured four stellar advance singles including the unapologetic “GTFO” (“How ‘bout you get the fuck out?”), the brilliant ballad “With You”, the super-slick, synth-driven ballad “The Distance”, and the feisty “A No No”. Other gems gracing the album include the ultra-soulful “Giving Me Life” and the super-sexy “One Mo’ Gen.” Caution as a whole is a project that Carey should feel extremely proud of, particularly this deep into her career.

Mariah Carey, Caution | Album Review 💿

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29. Florence + The Machine, High as Hope

Virgin

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.

Florence + The Machine, High as Hope | Album Review

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30. 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.  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. 

George Ezra, Staying at Tamara’s | Album Review

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31. Anderson .Paak, Oxnard

Aftermath / 12Tone Music

Arguably, Oxnard, the third album by rapper, singer, and producer Anderson .Paak is ‘all over the place.’  Even so, Oxnard – named after the city in California – manages to be a truly compelling album.  Single “Tints” is among the crème de la crème, finding Paak referencing the effects of fame.  It doesn’t hurt that Kendrick Lamar guests.  Beyond “Tints,” other highlights include flex-track “Who R U?” and the soulful, two-part gem, “Smile / Petty”, where Paak both sings and raps. Though it runs a bit long, even at 56 minutes, there’s lots to praise and sink one’s teeth into.

Anderson .Paak, Oxnard | Album Review 💿

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32. 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.

Leon Bridges, Good Thing | Album Review

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33. Hozier, Nina Cried Power (EP)

Rubyworks / Columbia

Following a four-year hiatus, Grammy-nominated, Irish singer/songwriter Hozier, known for he his breakthrough hit “Take Me to Church”, returned with a strong, four-song EP, Nina Cried Power (EP). The crème de la crème is none other than modern-day, gospel-soul-infused protest anthem “Nina Cried Power” itself, which features the legendary Mavis Staples.  Notably, “Nina Cried Power” was selected as the second-best song of 2018.  Follow-up track “NFWMB” (aka “nothing fucks with my baby”) is strong it in its own right, embracing an alt-folk, singer/songwriter vibe.  Short but sweet, Nina Cried Power (EP) is a must-hear.

Hozier, Nina Cried Power (EP) | Album Review

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34.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.”

Anderson East, Encore | Album

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35. Cody Jinks, Lifers 

Rounder

Some of the most successful modern country artists – the Chris Stapleton(s), Sturgill Simpson(s), and Cody Jinks – have embraced the past, incorporating vintage country and rock.  Jinks keeps things ‘traditional’ throughout the course of his eighth album, Lifers, with consistent and utterly incredible results. Among the standouts is “Must Be the Whiskey”, where Jinks blames the whiskey for his “head and heart” being “at least a million miles apart.” On another magnificent showing, ballad “Somewhere Between I Love You and I’m Leavin’,” He’s experiencing conflicted feelings about the state of the relationship – sometimes he’s all in, and at others, he’s ready to call it quits.  Besides the relatable subject matter, his vocals are nuanced, rich, and sincere. Picking favorite songs from Lifers is tough, considering Jinks never misses the mark.

Cody Jinks, Lifers | Album Review

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36. Logic, YSIV

Def Jam

On his fourth studio album, YSIV, Logic remains on ‘autopilot,’ dropping incredibly agile, tough-minded rhymes.  Throughout YSIV, the rapper’s best attribute is on display – his flow.  He has no shortage of confidence on the likes of “Everybody Dies” (“I am not top ten, more like top three / I am not two ‘cause, nobody could top me”), “The Return” (“Bitch, I’m here to win it now / L-O-G-I-C, I’m feeling free, I’m finna bring it now”), or the hella groovy “100 Miles and Running,” featuring Wale.  Did we mention the epic “Wu-Tang Forever,” which features every member of Wu-Tang Clan? Sure, Logic lacked a hit the caliber of the Grammy-nominated “1-800-273-8255”, but YSIV does pretty well for itself nonetheless.

Logic, YSIV | Album Review 💿

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37. The Carters, Everything is Love

Columbia

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.

Beyoncé & Jay-Z (The Carters), EVERYTHING IS LOVE | Album Review

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38. Dave Matthews Band, Come Tomorrow

RCA

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).

Dave Matthews Band, Come Tomorrow | Album Review

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39. 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. “Fuck They”, the uplifting “Baby I’m a Queen”, and the hella friendly “Best Friend”.

Sofi Tukker, Treehouse | Album Review

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40. 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.”

The Weeknd, My Dear Melancholy, (EP) | Album Review 💿

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41. Lykke Li, so sad so sexy

RCA

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.

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42. Jon Bellion, Glory Sound Prep

Capitol

Unafraid of being ‘left of center,’ alternative pop musician Jon Bellion delivers a quirky, yet incredibly unique sophomore album with Glory Sound Prep.  Bellion’s decision to ‘go against the grain’ truly pays off throughout the course of the album.  He kicks things off intriguingly with “Conversations with my Wife”, which sounds modern, yet also integrates 80s cues.  Non-traditional in form – more nebulous than concrete – helps to keep things unpredictable. Another standout, “Adult Swim,” is among the most innovative, somewhat bizarre numbers from Glory Sound Prep, finding Bellion providing a heaping does of his rapping skills, including bars referencing Kenan and Kel, Hannibal, and Prada, among other pop cultural nuggets.  All said and done, there’s never a dull moment on this adventurous, underrated affair.

Jon Bellion, Glory Sound Prep | Album Review 💿

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43. YUNGBLUD, 21^st Century Liability

Geffen

“They tried to put me on Ritalin / Visions of calming me down / They tried to put me on Ritalin / Hopin’ I don’t make a sound.” British alternative newcomer YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison) infuses “fresh blood” into the music game with his thrilling debut album.  He may be a self-described 21^st Century Liability. The ‘tortured soul’ is no liability when it comes to making cool music. What stands out about YUNGBLUD as well as 21^st Century Liability itself is the eclecticism and uniqueness.  A prime example from the project comes courtesy of the penultimate record “California”, which successfully fuses alternative, hip-hop, and, punk. To some degree, the energetic “California” seems to be about older generations, pointing the finger at the uncouthness and sheer rebelliousness of younger generation.  Beyond “California,” other gems include “Day for the Hype” and “21^st Century Liability”.

YUNGBLUD, 21st Century Liability | Album Review

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44. JMSN, Velvet

White Room

Texas-born, Michigan-bred R&B singer Christian Berishaj – better known as JMSN – dropped an enjoyable, well-rounded R&B album with Velvet in 2018.  What makes Velvet stand out is how Berishaj maintains the soulfulness of the R&B and soul of old, while also remaining fresh and, well, contemporary.  Among the highlights of this underrated gem includes opener “Levy”, promo single “Talk is Cheap”, and another top-notch sexy, advance single, “So Badly”. No, JMSN may not reinvent the wheel on Velvet, as he looks to the past to fuel his fire, but the results are damn good.

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45. Alessia Cara, The Pains of Growing

Def Jam

Following an impressive debut album (Know-It-All), Grammy-winning pop artist Alessia Cara returned in 2018 with her highly-anticipated sophomore album, The Pains of Growing. Despite the three-year hiatus, Cara comes back strong on The Pains of Growing, which is well worth the wait.  Among the highlights are the honest “Growing Pains” (“And I’ve always been a go-getter / There’s truth in every word I write / But still, the growing pains, growing pains / They’re keeping me up at night”), The short, sweet, and potent “Not Today,” and the hella clever “Nintendo Game.”  Despite a tepid debut on the Billboard 200, the under-appreciated The Pains of Growing is easily among the crème de la crème of 2018.

Alessia Cara, The Pains of Growing | Album Review

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