My 2018 Top Albums

It’s that time again. 2018 is wrapping up and we’re all reflecting on the bests and worsts of the last 365 days. As I reflect on my last turn of the earth, I wanted to highlight my favorite albums that have come out this year. Here are my top six:

TRENCH by Twenty One Pilots, released Oct. 5, 2018:
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As a long-time fan of Twenty One Pilots, I’ve been waiting for this release for three years. I preordered a total of seven copies, so I put a lot on the line. While not initially what I expected, I wasn’t disappointed. The diverse assembly of rhythm in this album displayed a side of Twenty One Pilots that I hadn’t quite yet seen before. Still influenced by their underlying connection to emotion and relationships, the album became a concept collection that I really enjoyed. What the band did with this release was impressive. My favorites from this album are “Chlorine” and “Leave The City.”

Technology by Don Broco, released Feb. 2, 2018:
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Technology surprised me. I first heard Don Broco from “Come Out to LA,” which doesn’t necessarily carry the same vibe as the rest of this album. This band gets a little heavier than I normally go for, but this was a really nice release. Some of the songs on this album are the perfect jams to belt out on the way to work on a Monday morning. My favorites on this album include “Come Out to LA” and “¥.”

co.yh (Deluxe) by flor, released Feb. 2, 2018:
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Flor has been one of my favorite bands to follow. They’re signed to Fueled by Ramen, but I truly don’t feel that there’s any compromise of their artistry. This one is kind of a cheat, because it’s a deluxe version of their album that released a few months after the original, but the band makes good music. Flor’s nostalgic and inspirational tone mixes with their soft vocals to make something I can jam when I’m sad, motivated, or focused. My favorites on this album include “warm blood” and “overbehind.”

caer by Twin Shadow, released April 27, 2018:
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I first encountered Twin Shadow at an Alt-J concert earlier this year. I had heard his collab with HAIM, but I wasn’t sure who he was. After listening to him live, I threw my ears toward his full album, and I’m glad that I did. This album puts me in a good mood – usually dreamy and inspired, and you can always find a trace of this record in my new playlists. My favorites from this release are “Saturdays” and “Brace.”

A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships by The 1975, released Nov. 30, 2018:
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I don’t know if I can communicate my true feelings on this album, as it’s only been out for a month – so stay with me. The 1975 have always had a sound that makes you want to melt and fall in love. Nothing has changed with their newest release. Their ability to stay culturally relevant, too, holds true with lyrics like “thank you Kanye, very cool.” The band’s social commentary and smooth, dreamy vocals continue to make an album worth putting on repeat. My favorites on this album are “TOOTIMETOOTIMETOOTIME” and “Love It If We Made It.”

No Place Is Home by Welshly Arms, released May 25, 2018:
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I’ve only just started listening to this album (Thanks, Joelle) but I still think it’s brilliant. I’ve come to the conclusion (with the help of a friend) that this record is the perfect combination of Twenty One Pilots and Arctic Monkeys, while still creating their own unique balance of diversity. Each song is not a repeat of the former – the album is well mixed and keeps you listening. And let the record show: I’m not the kind of person who can listen through every album ever. My favorites on this album are “Unspoken” and “How High.”

Each year is a forward progression for the world of music. 2018 was great for my ears, and hopefully yours too. Cheers to 2018, and here’s to 2019.