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Brandi Carlile, Ella Mai, Hozier, Mariah Carey, and Shawn Mendes are among artists providing the soundtrack for “Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018.”

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. But here, we recap 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018. Among artists gracing this playlist are Brandi Carlile (“The Joke”), Ella Mai (“Easy”), Hozier (“Movement”), Mariah Carey (“With You”), and Shawn Mendes (“Why”).

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1. Brandi Carlile, “The Joke”

By the Way, I Forgive You • Elektra • 2018

The crown jewel of Americana singer/songwriter Brandi Carlile’s 2018 album By the Way, I Forgive You is “The Joke.” There’s nothing funny about the excellence that is “The Joke,” period. The under-appreciated and under-represented folks of the world have quite an anthem, which Carlile delivers with high-flying vocals and an indisputable authentic performance.

As masterful as the lyrics of the verses are, it’s the soaring chorus both vocally and instrumentally that seals the deal in all its glory.

“Let ‘em laugh while they can

Let ‘em spin, let ‘em scatter in the wind

I have been to the movies, I’ve seen how it ends

And the joke’s on them.”

2. Mariah Carey, “With You”

Caution • Epic • 2018

“She was full of such trepidation / There in front of the whole damn nation.” Hmm, definitely one of the more ‘intellectual’ moments that Mariah Carey serves up on ballad “With You”, surprisingly produced by DJ Mustard. For the majority of “With You,” she doesn’t do anything too ‘crazy’ with her voice. The melody sits in a comfortable range and register though by the end, there are savvy ad-libs and her signature, playful whistle tones. Perhaps the songwriting yields no ‘award-winning narrative,’ but there’s definitely a sexy vibe.

Also, she drops some pop cultural references (Bone Thugs and Usher’s Confessions), which is pretty cool.

“Ooh, shots of Remy

Playing Confessions, and our bodies blendin’

Oooh, I’m in love, it’s true

Yeah, damn, I fucks with you

And we all make mistakes sometimes

But we muddle through

I don’t know what I’m supposed to do (boy)

Oh, baby, I’m in love, it’s true

With you, you, you…”

3. ZAYN, “Good Years”

Icarus Falls • RCA • 2018

“I’d rather be anywhere / Anywhere but here… / I close my eyes and see a crowd of a thousand tears / I pray to god I didn’t waste all my good years.” “Good Years” gave British urban-pop singer ZAYN the thrilling ballad he needed during a suspect promo campaign for his sophomore album, Icarus Falls (the album tanked nonetheless). “Good Years” commences with ZAYN singing the aforementioned, excerpted chorus with powerful, passionate vocals, accompanied merely by piano. He goes on to deliver strong vocals on both verses, discussing the effects and downside of fame. He really shines on the second and successive iterations of the chorus, when vocal harmonies come into the picture, intensifying and propelling the emotion and the passion even further. His anti-fame, ‘keep me out of the spotlight’ message resounds, restated once more on the bridge.

4. ZAYN, “Let Me”

RCA • Icarus Falls • 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.

5. Ella Mai, “Easy”

Ella Mai • 10 Summers / Interscope • 2018

“I’ll fix the strings and play my part / I know the pain that’s in your heart / I’ve tread the distance, near or far / Just wanna be right where you are.” Throughout the course of her self-titled debut, British R&B singer Ella Mai gives R&B fans a reason to keep on believing. Filled with some awesome moments, among the best is “Easy,” a ballad that appears at the end of the LP. The melody is stunning with an equally beautiful backdrop to match. Mai sounds absolutely breathtaking as she asserts, “Love is easy, easy / So don’t you make it hard / Can’t you see me, see me, see me / Be easy with my heart.”

6. Josh Groban, “River”

Bridges • Reprise • 2018

Throughout the course of his 2018 album Bridges, pop/easy listening/classical crossover artist Josh Groban reminds us how awesome a musician that he is. He soars with the balladry of “River,” matching the grandeur of “Granted” and “Symphony” (the two preceding standouts on Bridges). It’s clear that Groban is a classically-trained vocalist given his masterful tone, but there’s nothing operatic or classical about this particular record. “River” remains idiomatic of the easy listening/vocal genre, but it’s also idiomatic of pop as well. Definitely among the stunning ballads of 2018.

7. Carrie Underwood, “Cry Pretty”

Cry Pretty • Capitol Nashville • 2018

Carrie Underwood exhibits superb musicianship on, “Cry Pretty,” the centerpiece of her 2018 LP, also named Cry Pretty. The pulse of “Cry Pretty” is initially carried by guitar, panned to the right. Drums and bass arrive later, confirming the lilting, six-eight meter. After showcasing restraint on the first verse, Carrie Underwood reaches a fever pitch on the powerhouse chorus. Complementing her soaring vocals is dynamic, ‘souped-up’ production work. This is country music (as opposed to country-pop) in the hands of one of its more skilled singers. Underwood shows off some incredibly sick vocals, incorporating falsetto, grit, runs, and whelps. By the end, Underwood ‘lets her rip,’ and it’s nothing short of glorious. You can feel the authenticity.

8. Hozier, “Movement”

Movement [Single] • Rubyworks / Columbia • 2018

Irish singer/songwriter Hozier delivers a superb, nuanced vocal performance throughout the course of “Movement”. Awesome songwriting, awesome vocals, and awesome production make “Movement” one of the best songs of 2018. On the verses, Hozier opts for a more tender approach, gradually growing more dramatic and powerful during the chorus. Complementing his restrained approach on the verses is electric piano accompaniment. By the chorus, the electric piano transforms into a more passionate, gospel-tinged backdrop that includes organ, and chilling choral vocals. The sound develops even more on the bridge, leading into the closing section of the record, which is backed by the most overt groove of the record. Here, Hozier digs even deeper into his chest voice, as well as sounding thoroughly impressive when he sings in falsetto.

9. Ariana Grande, “God is a Woman”

Sweetener • Republic • 2018

“… I feel it after midnight / A feeling that you can’t fight / My one, it lingers when we’re done / You’ll believe God is a woman.” Arguably, Grammy-nominated pop singer Ariana Grande made her boldest statement yet on “God is a Woman”. The urban-pop record isn’t about spiritual matters, but rather feminism and sex. At the beginning, she establishes a sensual theme on the chorus. She asserts she’s so good in bed that after making sweet love with her, you’ll believe that “God is a woman…” There’s more ‘sacrilege’ on the verses, including “Baby, lay me down and let’s pray” on the first, and “And boy, if you confess, you might get blessed.” The best moment of this soaring, slickly-produced urban-pop ballad comes during the outro. Grande delivers her best vocals, ascending to that next level. This heavenly number is among the crème de la crème of 2018.

10. Troye Sivan, “Animal”

Bloom • Capitol • 2018

Troye Sivan brilliantly concludes his sophomore album, Bloom, with the thoughtful, moving ballad, “Animal”. The production is superb overall, featuring modern, electro-pop cues mixed with the 80s vibes. The lushness is awesome. It never gets hurried nor feels overproduced. Sivan sounds fantastic, never forcing anything. His vulnerability is one of his overall selling points as an artist.

The chorus is absolutely golden:

“I want you all to myself

Don’t leave none for nobody else

I am an animal with you

No angels could beckon me back

And it’s hotter than hell where I’m at

I am an animal with you.”

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11. Avril Lavigne, “Head Above Water”

Head Above Water • BMG Rights Management • 2019

“And I can’t see in the stormy weather / I can’t seem to keep it all together / And I, I can’t swim the ocean like this forever / and I can’t breathe.” Canadian pop artist Avril Lavigne shines on her 2018 comeback single, “Head Above Water”, a powerful ballad that finds Lavigne thankful for surviving a scare with Lyme Disease. In terms of her career, “Head Above Water” is a welcome change of pace, dipping into CCM and religious music. Faith is key on this inspirational, uplifting record. On the first verse, Lavigne references being safe – surviving and weathering the storm.

She follows up with powerful vocals on the chorus, summarizing the deep emotions she’s been experiencing and petitioning God to help her persevere through.

“God, keep my head above water

Don’t let me drown, it gets harder

I’ll meet you there at the altar

As I fall down to my knees

Don’t let me drown, drown, drown

Don’t let me, don’t let me, don’t let me drown.”

The second verse is shorter than the first, but still meaningful and thoughtful: “Come dry me off and hold me close / I need you now, I need you most.” On the bridge (appears at the top of this review), Lavigne continues to confirm her fight to live despite adversity.

12. Leon Bridges, “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand”

Good Thing • Columbia • 2018

Soul enthusiasts will feel like they returned to their heyday listening to “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand”. The old-school shtick is alive, with harp arpeggios, glockenspiel, strings, and a lush backdrop. The production is perfect fuel for Leon Bridges’ fire, regardless whether he needed the extra spark or not. The falsetto is formidable, while his chest voice is incredibly commanding and emotional. Adding to the jubilance is the solid songwriting with an undeniably prudent message. Short and sweet, “Bet Ain’t Worth the Hand” proves to be a stellar opener on his sophomore album, Good Thing.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. Tori Kelly, “Help Us to Love”

Ft. The HamilTones

Hiding Place • Capitol • 2018

Tori Kelly asks God to “Help Us to Love” on her gorgeous, uplifting contemporary gospel single featuring The HamilTones, the official background vocalists for Grammy-winner Anthony Hamilton. Kelly never over-sings, packing a punch without doing too much. She amps up the intensity beginning on the dynamic bridge section yet remains in control. The HamilTones fuel her fire with stunning vocal harmonies, solidifying the contemporary gospel sound.

16. 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.

17. 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.’

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.

“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.”

18. 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.”

19. 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.

20. The Weeknd, “Call Out My Name”

My Dear Melancholy, [EP] • Republic • 2018

The Weeknd opens My Dear Melancholy, (EP) in moody fashion with “Call Out My Name,” which is also set in a minor key. The production work by Frank Dukes helps to establish the vibe, particularly the piano, dark synths, and the soulful drum groove. After exhibiting more poise and restraint on the first verse, the chorus soars, incorporating some distorted vocals, expanded vocal range, and more oomph all around. Listening to the opener, the authenticity and emotion shown by The Weeknd is indisputable.

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21. 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.”

22. 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.’

23. 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.

24. 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.”

25. 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.

26. 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.

27. 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.

28. 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.

29. 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.”

30. 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.”

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31. 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.”

32. 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.”

33. 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.

34. 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.”

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. 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.”

38. James Bay, “I Found You”

Electric Light • Republic • 2018

“I found you / I can’t believe I get to know you / Whoa, I can’t believe I get to show you / I had no one ‘til I found you / ‘Til I found you.” “I Found You” gives English singer/songwriter James Bay one of the most soulful songs of his career. This gospel-infused number may be the most pleasant surprise of Electric Light. That said, why should anyone be surprised? Bay broke into the game with a degree of soulfulness. Clearly, upon recording this cut, backed by choral vocals, he was listening to some soul. He slays on this ballad – that is all!

39. Alec Benjamin, “Death of a Hero”

Narrated for You • Alec Benjamin • 2018

“I tried to help but he said he was just too far from saving.” One reason why “Death of a Hero” is a magnificent record is thanks to the fact that rising pop musician Alec Benjamin is incredibly authentic. Another is the theme, in which Benjamin expresses his disappointment with a role model. We assume our role models to be saintly. Then, what do they do? Disappoint us, forcing us to regroup and rethink everything. Here, the singer/songwriter’s “Superman” exhibits his unflattering side, and the image of his hero is forever tarnished. “Death of a Hero” just might be among the best songs of 2018 that not enough music enthusiasts have heard.

40. 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: 10 Summers, Alec Benjamin, Bad Boy, Blonded, BMG Rights Management, Capitol, Capitol Nashville, Carlos Vara, Columbia, Def Jam, Domino, Elektra, Epic, FAMM, Fueled by Ramen, Interscope, Island, MCA Nashville, Mercury, Parkwood, Pixabay, Pexels, RCA, Reprise, Republic, Rubyworks, Sub Pop, Virgin, Warner Bros., Warner Music Nashville

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Recapping 40 Stunning Ballads from 2018 | Year in Review

Published by the musical hype on January 7, 2019January 7, 2019