Top 10 Albums of 2018

As 2018 comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on what happened and what matters. In the past 12 months, there have been quite a few destructive events: more than 300 mass shootings, Facebook giving away our private information, Kanye wanting to abolish the 13th amendment, and the death of three United States service members in an IED attack in Afghanistan. However, there’s one thing that brought a positive light to everyone: new music. No matter what your taste is, 2018 brought something for you to enjoy. We at The B-Side have compiled a list of our top ten albums, which we hope can help you see the positivity in the past year, and the hope for the new one.

10. MGMT – Little Dark Age (February | Synth-Pop)

“Little Dark Age is fun, satirical, poppy, synthy, and yet at the same time lyrically pretty dark and enchanting. This album comes at an interesting part in MGMT career, some may even call it a pivoting point. They sing of disappearance, self-awareness, and nothingness — but also eating hearts. I was surprised with this album.” – Julius Miller, staff writer

9. Kamasi Washington – Heaven and Earth (June | Jazz)

“If you haven’t yet listened to Kamasi Washington, you’re missing out. And if you haven’t yet seen him live, you’re missing out even more. Kamasi’s second studio album has much more direction and inquiry than his previous works. This album takes you on an exploration to figure out what music can be, and how it should be. My favorites from the album are “Fists of Fury” and “The Space Travelers Lullaby.” I got to see him live at the Warfield in San Francisco this fall and I think I felt some sort of spiritual awakening. Never have I felt that way at a show before — seriously, see him.” – Josh Hauser, staff writer

8. Parquet Courts – Wide Awake! (May | Rock)

Parquet Courts stepped out of their comfort zone with their sixth studio album, Wide Awake!. Incorporating elements of funk and punk, the band created an album that balances joy and frustration in a new light.

“A short, tight, and danceable rock album without weak points.” – Everett Williams, staff writer

7. Pusha T, Kanye, Kids See Ghosts (Kanye & Kid Cudi) – Daytona, Ye, Kids See Ghosts (May, June, June | Hip-Hop)

“I hate to have to group these three albums together, but I can’t individually listen to one without listening to the other. It’s almost like the production on Daytona is Kanye’s ego, the dreamlike and visionary production and vocals on Kids See Ghosts is Kanye’s id, and Ye is the interlocking between all three psychic structures. Regardless of what Kanye talks about in the White House, these three albums again showed the conceptual ingenuity of Kanye West, as well as Pusha T, who delivers some of the best bars of 2018 in Daytona, and Kid Cudi, whose return to music has been glorious.” – Julius Miller

6. Blood Orange – Negro Swan (August | Alternative Pop)

British musician Dev Hynes (AKA Blood Orange) released his fourth studio album Negro Swan in August. The bedroom/alternative-pop album was preceded by the singles “Charcoal Baby” and “Jewelry.”

“I am a Dev Hynes stan first and a person second. While Negro Swan isn’t my favorite Blood Orange album (that title goes to Cupid Deluxe), it still was an incredibly strong and moving piece of art. “Vulture Baby” and “Orlando” are my favorites.” – Leka Gopal, Managing Editor

5. Mac Miller – Swimming (August | Hip-Hop)

Released just a month before his death, Mac Miller’s Swimming rose to be his most impactful piece. Singles like “Self Care” and “What’s The Use?” connect us to Miller’s pain and perseverance.

“A smooth, cohesive album in which Mac Miller captures an emotional, raw and captivating artistry.” – Sophia Leswing, marketing

4. Earl Sweatshirt – Some Rap Songs (November | Hip-Hop)

Earl Sweatshirt’s artistic and lyrical abilities shine through on this album, carrying on the legacy of his father and poet/activist, Keorapetse Kgositsile.

“Earl highlights his mental troubles and his relationship with his deceased father through an experimental rap album sprinkled with avant jazz.” – Everett Williams

3. The Internet – Hive Mind (July | R&B)

Hive Mind is the fourth studio album of The Internet, an R&B band from Los Angeles. The record received universal acclaim for its polished, tight conception and production.

“This album is so good that I have been able to listen it on repeat for months now.  This album shows how The Internet has matured as a group and finally harnessed their musical style.” – Tovah Popilsky, photographer

2. Anderson .Paak – Oxnard (November | R&B/Hip-Hop)

.Paak’s album was bound for success for a few reasons, one being that it was produced by the one and only Dr. Dre. The soul and funk we loved from his past albums returned on Oxnard, defining .Paak again as a rapper/drummer that can’t be categorized.

“A long awaited album with some INCREDIBLE features, Oxnard was the 2018 album I didn’t know I needed. Anderson.paak is one of the most talented musicians and artists of our generation. “Tints” and “Cheers” are my favorites.” – Leka Gopal

1. Noname – Room 25 (September | R&B/Neo Soul)

“I was waiting restlessly for Noname to drop this album. After two years of Telefone being the go-to car ride, homework, and painting album, I was ready for more. And she brought it. The album shows Noname’s growth and maturity in the past few years, but keeps  poetic lyricism and her hometown Chicago central to her stories. When the album cover artist was arrested for assault, Noname was quick to respond, saying she’s searching for a new cover. My favorite tracks from the album would have to be “Self,” “Regal,” and “Blaxploitation.” Noname has the voice that will comfort you when you first wake up, when you need a midday pick-me-up, and when you wind down for the night.” – Josh Hauser

Albums that didn’t make the top 10 (but still deserve the mention): Lush (Snail Mail), Astroworld (Travis Scott), Be the Cowboy (Mitski), Twin Fantasy (Car Seat Headrest), Isolation (Kali Uchis), Iridescence (Brockhampton), Tell Me How You Really Feel (Courtney Barnett), Veteran (JPEGMAFIA), KTSE (Teyana Taylor)

Article by Joshua Hauser