Saturday, March 30, 2024

[Favorite Albums Series] My Favorite Albums of 2018

 

Best Music of the Transfer days, after the break!


2024 Update:


There are a lot of words below! Doesn't help that I merged 26 different blurbs into one mega post. And those old posts had paragraphs of text. Written when my hands didn't hurt back then. 

Plus I had this passionate fire while watching Pa. That Buzzing Sound was gonna be the best it could be. After getting soft deleted by Tumblr, I moved all my hard work from 2017 & the first half of 2018 over to WordPress dot org. Building an entire webspace by myself (for the most part). Was extremely proud of that. Pity that webpage eventually became a pay-to-win. Websites shouldn't be like cable/streaming companies. Sad cause I saw "forever" when I first joined BlueHost. The world continues to get greedier and greedier by the day. I just wanted a free space to share things that I loved. Not for a price either. 

Oh well! If I had to remix this list, would probably include more of the honorable mentions cause I still listen to Pusha T, Rita Ora, Post Malone, & J. Cole over some of the original 25 in 2024. Still, a strong list of projects is featured. CHVRCHES would make the Top 10 too. 

Enjoy the next block of musical memories below!


Original Words (from December 2018):


 The Honorable Mentions


The amount of amazing albums this year was quite overwhelming, don’t you agree? No matter what pool of genre you swam in… the waterfall felt unrelenting. Still trying to find my way to the surface. By nothing feels better than being drowned in music.

This past  Top 25 Favorites list was my most difficult one in all my days so far. Cause for the first time in 8 years… I wasn’t living a normal 9 to 5 life, per se. Was a total home body. Most of my past lists were based on listening to albums at the office or on the road: to work, a concert, hiking up mountains, driving home, to hangouts, etc. Finding a new medium between my musical passion, guilty pleasure podcasts, and other distractions took a lot of focus. Getting easier 15 months later for sure. I’d be lying if I didn’t say it feels weird and unsettling for a recovering workaholic. One goal for 2019 is to calm down & pull the strings back. More on that later.

I love doing these Honorable Mentions roundups. Probably more than the top 25 because you get my honest “review-like” opinion that always seem so clean. For I try to avoid writing bad or hurtful words about someone’s art. Critical analyze has a problem being subjective despite sounding objective. Always try to focus on the most meaningful aspect whether I like or not. I’m no gatekeeper. Just a curator.

But here… I’m brutally honest. This post is XXXL while requiring Parental Advisory for Explicit Content. Enjoy! (Pardon any typos or broken structure… wrote this hella fast!)


  • Pusha T – ‘Daytona’


Probably the biggest “Why wasn’t this on your list” I got. For ‘Daytona’ topped a bunch of 2018 Best Albums lists. Great. Fantastic. Trust me… I love King Push. Been a fan for years. Still listening ‘My Name Is My Name’ on my classic iTouch before leaving the hour regularly. But 7-tracks, where. 4 of which were quite forgettable, didn’t last long my listening schedule. Sorry!

Felt more like an EP than LP, despite everyone telling us it was the later. 21 minutes isn’t terrible long. Sure my #2 record, Vince Staples’ ‘FM!’, clocks in at 22-minutes and Deafheaven’s ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love’ only has 7 tracks too… they definitely aren’t the same in my opinion. Vince told a story. Deafhaven presented an hour long epic. ‘Daytona’ showcases 7-singles. This longtime fan wanted much more. 

Sure “Hard Piano” & “Games That We Play” bangs. Loved his poison on ‘Infrared’ cause it finally put the public crowd on his head. And the critics praised the short, concise track list. Okay. Not sure if that is a compliment though. I take those words as they can only listen to Pusha for 7 tracks before getting bored. He’s such a intellectual behind the mic. ‘Daytona’ probably is his best written album to date, but always feel it’s missing something. Better beats? Hell… Maybe it’s me. 

Also, would be lying if I didn’t make it public that I avoided supporting my former music idol, Kanye West, in these red hat days as best I could. His personal philosophies & poor choices were just too much to handle. And I defended him many times in the past. This year was the breaking point. Not sure if I’ll ever go back his fanbase. 

I think it’s great Pusha T is running a music label while finding time for art. Look forward to more. Just make it longer. That’s all I’m asking. 


  • J. Cole – ‘KOD’

For someone who had great features all year long… J. Cole’s ‘KOD’ ended up kinda bland. Always expect multiple spins to connect with any project from Jermaine. Loved “ATM”, “KOD”, “1985”. That’s about it. Didn’t love the slower pace. Kept getting bored. ‘Born Sinner’ is my benchmark. Want that flow over older Cole.


  • Post Malone – ‘beerbongs & bentleys’


Now this is a switch! Funny thing is… this album was on my Top 25 for a second. Why did fall off? Cause other contenders knocked it off. Duh!

I don’t care if Post Malone wants to make “mediocre” tunes for the rest of his life. Look how it’s kept Maroon 5 alive. They made a full career off that mentality. He kinda nailed the blend between R&B and Pop here. I don’t consider anything you hear to be totally hip hop either. ‘beerbongs & bentleys’ is a new style R&B record. That’s how I see it.

You get a lot for your buck too: “Spoil My Night”, “Paranoid”, “rockstar”, “psycho”, “better now”, “Rich & Sad”, “Over Me”, “Blame It On Me” all have their special uniqueness to them. There are some cheesy lyrics, but a lot of choruses & hooks just fly man. It’s like eating the best, dirty, fast food on a late Friday night. You shouldn’t be enjoying it… but you kinda are. This is secretly my favorite album of 2018. Wish I was joking.


  • Lily Allen – ‘No Shame’


I love Lily. Always have. Always will. Currently listening to her 2018 memoir – “My Thoughts Exactly” – in Audiobook form. She was one of the 5 concerts I saw in 2018 too. She played & chatted about ‘No Shame’ before it was released at the El Rey. Was a wonderful night. The album rocked live too. She gets hella personal. Look forward to going back to it once I finish the memoir. Will probably unlock more meanings.

Why didn’t it make the list? Probably because I kept avoiding the darker side of the spectrum. 


  • Pistol Annies – ‘Interstate Gospel’


Glad the Pistol Annies reunited for album #2. The trio of Ashley, Miranda, & Angaleena always sound great. Recommend Ashley & Angaleena’s 2018 solo efforts too. Still enjoying this record at this moment. That’s why it is an honorable mention. 


  • Mitski – ‘Be The Cowboy’


Wish I could’ve had the same response the critics had about this record. Played track #1, got hit with a barrage of psychedelic synths, and just said… nope! Both times. They liked it, you should give it a shot too. I plan on going back soon.


  • Ariana Grande – ‘sweetener’


The hardest working pop idol of our day. Seriously. This was Ariana’s year: for good and bad. You probably dig ‘sweetener’ more than I do. The only track I love on this record is “breathin” . Perfect track with a great message. Ultimately… I’m not the audience for this album. And I’m cool with that. Never want to be “cool dad”. Ever!


  • Florence + The Machine – ‘High As Hope’


This is a beautiful record. Examining the positive messages from ‘High As Hope’ are insightful as hell. Recommend it highly. Florence + The Machine continue to layer their sublime art with so much depth that it just overwhelms. We always think love can’t be easy. There are too many factors. But when it works… everything seems so effortless. Hearing Florence experience the purest of these moments is so damn powerful. Happiness is a loaded gun as the dark days fade.

If you have a moment, listen to the final two tracks. Then go back reflect on the rest. “No Choir” will be shared again on Monday BTW. 


  • Rita Ora – ‘Phoenix’


Pity this record didn’t drop sooner. A lot of the hits were presented in 2017 & early into 2018. So, I kinda had overplayed them by November’s release. And none of the back-end cuts compared to hit singles… “Your Song”,  “Anywhere”, “Let You Love Me”, etc. Appreciate her including “Lonely Together”, which is the dynamite collaboration with the late Avicii also. EDM usually brings out the best of Rita’s voice. 

Will say ‘Phoenix’ is Rita’s best album to date. You should give it a shot!


  • Mat Kearney – ‘CRAZYTALK’


This album BARELY missed the list. Really dug ‘CRAZYTALK’. Mat Kearney remains one of my favorite singer-songwriters. Injecting EDM into his folk hop-pop style makes his music soar. One his best albums in years because it blends a variety of styles. Listen to “Wanted Man”, “Memorized”, & “Sleeping at the Wheel”.


  • Shawn Mendes – ‘Shawn Mendes: The Album’ & James Bay – ‘Electric Light’


Like I wrote in the ‘Voicenotes’ blurb, Pop Soul had a great 2018. These two records felt like the same side of the dice. That’s why they are getting a joint post.

I didn’t like all the electric rock on James Bay’s sophomore LP. Brutal words. The constant shifts in style were chaotic. Which might or might not mirror your opinion also. What always speaks volumes to me is when an artist, who goes against their proven style, releases bonus tracks in their past form. James Bay  did that… releasing multiple acoustic versions of ‘Electric Light’ tracks after the album didn’t sell. *shakes head*. Guys… you can release two albums if you want. Gavin DeGraw, Frank Turner, Passenger, have included an acoustic LP of their albums alongside their studio version. He should’ve just stuck to the electric boy band going solo facade completely. The critics kinda dug it. 

Shawn Mendes’ self-titled LP was more fun to listen to in comparison. It almost made my list. Totally dig: “Nervous”, “Where Were You In The Morning”, “Like To Be You”, “When You’re Ready”, and “Lost in Japan”. The middle-back section of the LP felt the weakest. Yet, he understands the craft and will be a powerhouse the longer his career goes.


  • Breaking Benjamin – ‘Ember’


Another album that fell off my list at the last moment. Their last album was better. “Red Cold River”, “Psycho”, “The Dark of You” allowed me to scream… a lot!


  • Migos – ‘Culture II’


In 2018 we learned that too much Migos, can be a bad thing. ‘CULTURE II’ cements that fact. Too long. Over-bloated. Basically a mixtape being sold as a LP. Liked mostly the feature tracks with Drake, Post Malone, Nicki, Cardi, Gucci, & 2 Chainz. Shifts depending on the day. Now the guys are releasing solo stuff. Their domination has no end.


  • The 1975 – ‘A Brief Inquiry into Online Relationships’

Critics loved this album. I haven’t spent much time with it yet. Only bumped it once. Haven’t hated anything from The 1975. Will probably love it on multiple plays.

….

Whew! Love to rant. Pity my fingers don’t have enough strength to chat about everything. So here’s some MORE records you should definitely check out… that need no explanation!

Rap/Hip Hop/R&B/Jazz

  • Jacob Banks – ‘Village’
  • Maxo Kream – ‘Punken’
  • 03 Greedo – ‘God Level’
  • Buddy – ‘Harlan & Alondra’
  • 6LACK – ‘East Atlanta Love Letter’
  • Kali Uchis – ‘Isolation’
  • Brockhampton – ‘Iridescence’
  • Logic – ‘Bobby Taratino II’ & ‘Young Sinatra IV’
  • The Internet – ‘Hive Mind’
  • Anderson Paak – ‘Oxnard’
  • Mac Miller – ‘Swimming’
  • Gorillaz – ‘The Now Now’
  • Leon Bridges – ‘Good Thing’
  • Nicki Minaj – ‘Queen’
  • JD Allen – ‘Love Stone’

Indie / Hard Rock / Metal

  • Ghost – ‘Prequelle’
  • Mumford & Sons – ‘Delta’
  • Courtney Barnett – ‘Tell Me How You Really Feel’
  • Courtney Marie Andrews – ‘May Your Kindness Remain’
  • Ben Howard – ‘Noonday Daydream’
  • Bahamas – ‘Earthtones’
  • RHYE – ‘Blood’
  • Jack White – ‘Boarding House Reach’
  • Underoath – ‘Erase Me’
  • King Tuff – ‘The Other’
  • Hot Mulligan – ‘Pilot’

Pop / Dance / Country / Other

  • Chromeo – ‘Head Over Heels’
  • Clean Bandit – ‘What Is Love?’
  • Kenny Chesney – ‘Songs for the Saint’
  • MODA SPIRA – ‘Divorce’
  • Youth In A Roman Field – ‘Storm Conductor’

Soundtracks/Scores

  • Various Artists – ‘A Star Is Born Soundtrack’
  • Various Artists – ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Soundtrack’
  • Alexandre Desplat – ‘Isle of Dogs’
  • Nicholas Britell – ‘If Beale Street Could Talk’

EPs

  • The Weeknd – ‘My Dear Melancholy’
  • Dead Sara – ‘ Temporary Things Taking Up Space’
  • Open Mike Eagle  – ‘What Happens When I Try To Relax’
  • Hozier – ‘Nina Cried Power’
  • Black Thought – ‘Streams of Thought, Vol. 1’
  • Jorja Smith – ‘Lost & Found’

Spotlight Artists

  • Elesa Marmo – ‘Clear Blue’
  • Tony Njoku – ‘H.P.A.C.’
  • Freedom Baby – ‘How You’ll Grow’’
  • Second Hand Poet – ‘Songs For The Pyre’
  • Simon XO – ‘Covering’
  • Cubs Refrain – ‘Tell Me You Love Me’
  • Edenthorn – ‘Exist’
  • I2M1 – ‘Zoo’
  • NeoRomantics – ‘Homecoming’
  • The Rare Occasions – ‘Into The Shallows’
  • Personality Cult – ‘Personality Cult’
  • The Roamies – ‘We Got Love’
  • Rue Snider – ‘City Living’
  • Hannah Trigwell – ‘RED’
  • Callaghan – ‘Callaghan’
  • Brooks Thomas- ‘Poison’
  • Rhys Bloodjoy – ‘Love is a Fucked up Goddess’
  • Sam Hale – ‘Somewhere Between Love & Hate’


My 25 Favorite Albums of 2018


#25 - 'Sings His Sad Heart' by Matt Nathanson


“I’ve got a king-sized bed and a Ph.D. in the way it used to be”

Got quite excited when Matt Nathanson announced, via his wonderful newsletter that I’ve been a member of for over 10 years, ‘Sings His Sad Heart’. Much of the high points of my life have been soundtracked by his beautifully written anthems. The past few years hasn’t felt the same since he stepped away. Other artists filled the void, but definitely wasn’t the same. There’s only one Matt Nathanson… this album reminded me why that is.

We were gifted “Way Way Back”, “Mine”, & “Used To Be” as I headed to Newport Beach for a quick summer family vacation. Safe to say I spent each day, ass in the sand, playing those singles on rotation. Imagine staring at a setting Sun over the restless Pacific as “Used To Be” plays. Mind wandering: thinking of the ones that got away. Being happy they did. Hoping they never forget our time together. Definitely the kind of musical memory I love creating in my story. Kinda the same feeling as listening to “Suspended” back in 2008 driving down Gower St., staring at the Hollywood sign in the distance.

The now “mature me” totally relates to almost all the heartbreakingly warm songs here. “Different Beds” perfectly personifies this. Fun, sexy, yet quite sad. Spending that last night with love before saying goodbye forever. Haven’t we all be apart of something like that? Love remains the glue that holds this project together with Matt’s passion making everything soar.

Glad Matt Nathanson worked through his creative crisis. Can’t imagine 2018 or life without these songs in my life’s playlist. Hell, you can still find me at 24Hr Fitness on a treadmill with “Long Distance Runner” playing loud from my earbuds. Hasn’t left my iPod since the album released in October. All I can say is… “Thank you Matt!”


#24 - 'The Future and The Past' by Natalie Prass


Became mesmerized by Natalie Prass many years ago during SXSW 2015 after experiencing her Riot Act Media sponsored Cheer Up Charlies Showcase. She was supporting her buzzworthy self-titled debut at the time. Sweetly performing a handful of highlights in this crummy, overcrowded, hot box as I looked on from right next to a smelly restroom. Definitely a concert memory I’ll never forget. Probably because her distinct vocals made every irritating thing around me just disappear.

Yeah, that was something I needed in 2018. A means to vanish through song. Through a time machine perhaps?

Luckily Natalie’s sophomore effort, ‘The Future and The Past’, arrived back in June and I adored every second of it. Cleaner production, inventive stylistic fusions / evolutions, heartfelt ballads, and catchy toe-tapping anthems created this gorgeous listening experience that felt out of this world. Natalie really embraced the soulful aspects of her abilities… mirroring classic Janet Jackson at times. The increase focus on R&B, Soul, Jazz, even classic rock kept leaving smiles of my face as I listened. Totally unexpected from a proven piano songbird.

This album creates such a vibe. Gonna cherish tracks like “Never Too Late”, “Far From You”, “The Fire”, “Lost”, & “Ship Go Down” for ages. Thanks for the escape Natalie.


#23 - 'Vibras' by J Balvin


With the rise of the various streaming services, access to the world music culture has never been easier to touch.

An album like J Balvin’s ‘Vibras’ might not have been on my radar 10 years ago. Because I was sailing on a pirate ship in genre kiddie pools when nowadays I’m diving into the deep with a high-powered submarine every day. Exploring the vast sea with mermaids, mermen, & schools of fish speaking to me only in song.

J Balvin would’ve had to adapt the full record into English or drop a bilingual LP to even touch the mainstream back in the day. There’s no barriers like that anymore. Can kinda say the same about BTS, right? Aren’t you happy artists don’t need to jump through hoops like that today? I sure am! Just release it & see who digs.

Plus, Latin Hip Hop & Pop continues to proliferate everywhere. Heard Bad Bunny & Drake’s “MIA”, in full Spanish, on both Power 106 & The Real 92.3 over the weekend. Still hear J Balvin & Willy William’s “Mi Gente (Remix)” with that Beyonce feature from time to time. I might not understand every word, but music has always been the universal language. Feelings easily translated. Even though I know a kindergartners amount of Spanish.

So what makes ‘Vibras’ so special? It’s in the name. Yes… vibes baby! Pure, uncut, Colombian soul. That kind of musical experience that keeps the hips moving for hours. J Balvin built such a reggaetón opus that ‘Vibras’ defines what I expect from the modern day version of the evolving dancehall genre. A lot of the beats don’t overpower the production allowing for smooth caresses of bass to slowly burn the passion. Can’t say it enough. This album is hella sexy.

There will come a point, usually around “Cuando Tú Quieras”, where you’ll be fully engulfed in ‘Vibras’. Just embrace it. Let go. Enjoy the ride. For this album is for everyone.


#22 - 'God's Favorite Customer' by Father John Misty


I always wanted to be a Father John Misty fan. Have tried every couple of years since Tillman’s reinvention back in 2012. Still, I always felt there has been a little too much ego in his past conceptual material. Which definitely set him apart from many of the other indie singer / songwriters. Given. But I wanted to hear the man behind it. Desperately. His troubles, fears, and everything behind these projected personas. And with ‘God’s Favorite Customer’… I think we got it.

“Just Dumb Enough To Try” brought me into this album & never let me go. Kinda reflects my thoughts about love… and how little I know. For I love, love. Yet… continues to lie beyond my reach each time I confront it. Totally dumb enough to keep trying to touch it. One day. She will be mine.

I didn’t care that this wasn’t a concept album from the mind of a true artist. Just wanted to hear him bear his soul. So beautiful. All revealing. Can imagine myself at a NYC piano bar being starstruck by each note. Definitely try to experience this LP at night. Kinda perfect for this #LARain day within this quiet house.

When listening to ‘God’s Favorite Customer’, you will be partaking in your form own Tillman therapy. Because some of the best art happens while living in a hotel room for two months. The second you hit play… you’ll become a guest. Brace yourself.


 #21 - 'Scorpion' by Drake


But honestly, whether we controlled it or not Drake consumed are radios this year. Went a full car ride, jumping between local radio stations, hearing nothing but Drake songs. His originals & features. He kinda deserves the MVP trophy for how many “fun” moments he provided to us during these dark times. Him & Cardi.

Seems like every time I put Drake on my yearly list gotta, defend myself somehow. “Why Drake? Pusha’s album was better. What about SOB X RBE? I made a better record then him” Yeah, yeah. But there’s something about Drake’s vocal… whatever it is… it’s just nice to listen to. Hella soothing. He could be “rapping hard” or trying to steal your girl and it just sounds good ya’know? I think you do. Secretly you love parts of this record, just like I do. Admit it. “In My Feelings”? Y’all were doing the dumbass challenges. It’s fine to have Guilty Pleasures. Embrace them dammit.

Still ‘Scorpion’ is probably my 5th favorite Drake LP. Love last year’s ‘More Life’ way more. But there’s 12 tracks over the 2 sides that just made for a fun experience. Thus placing on my list. Drake recovered from bad press by showing his truthful side and it kinda worked. “Emotionless” is one of his best songs ever. That sample. So sexy. We can thank drama for it. But “Ratchet Happy Birthday” & “I’m Upset” are garbage IMO.

My sliced version of ‘Scorpion’ is precise, tight, & a blast to listen to: “Nonstop”, “Mob Ties”, “Blue Tint”, “In My Feelings”, “Emotionless”, “Nice For What”, “Summer Games”, “Talk It Up”, “After Dark”, etc. Double LPs are quite hard to pull off in general. But when you’re an artist who excels in singles, like Drake, as long as you provide content… the fans will grab onto it. We’ll never not take new music. We may love it or hate it, but all we want to do nowadays is consume it. Express our opinions about it. Hope it moves us.

Drake tried to push himself musically. He’ll learn from all our words. Or get new ghost writers (kidding) Personally… really wanted the radio exitlude from “After Dark” to be unifying theme on the romantic Side B. That’s something I loved about Vince Staples’ ‘FM’ (I’ll talk about, in a few weeks #spoilers). Stuff like that would’ve made ‘Scorpion’ a classic. Pity he kept revising & updating until the last minute.

I’m sure there will be another Drake project in a few months anyway. We’ll chat about it then. Still trying to drain these addictive poisonous ear-worms from the drums.

[PS: If you think this is something, wait until we reach the Top 10. Some very polarizing artists made it. Again, favorite albums. Not “best”. hehe]


#20 - 'Voicenotes' by Charlie Puth


“Cause everybody’s tryna be famous… And I’m just tryna find a place to hide…”

Yeah, pretty much sums up my 2018. No joke. Since leaving the day job back in September 2017, I’ve taken much pride in staying out of the Hollywood Spotlight. Charlie hit the nail on the head with the first lines of his album. Probably why ‘Voicenotes’ shined over all the amazing Pop Soul released in 2018. Maybe. The album was dynamite. One of the best R&B records of the year (IMO).

It was kinda crazy back in May when we had Shawn Mendes, James Bay, & Charlie Puth release new LPs almost a week apart from each other. This Pop Soul fan was all for it. Love those three artists equally. Shawn came close to making this countdown. But loved this record much more.

Charlie did start the trend first and ‘Voicenotes’ just clicked with me over the other two. Went on for awhile too. Every week I connected with a new track. Played them obsessively. He even kicked it old school with Boyz II Men & James Taylor. Made me feel like a kid again. Listen to 3:50 to the close of “If You Leave Me Now”. That shit was like musical crack in my youth. Unbelievable.

The only tracks I usually skip are “LA Girls” & “BOY”. Cliché for this kinda record. I’m totally not the demographic either. But everything else is simply amazing. Spent many nights hollering “Somebody Told Me” alone in the car. Probably directed at someone from my past. Just sayin’. Glad that saga is finally over (or is it?).


#19 - 'CARE FOR ME' by Saba


The last thing I wanted to do in 2018 was get stuck in my mind. Such a dangerous place for a hardcore introspective. Spent almost every day with my hand on the escape button as I trolled through the main lobby surrounded by all forms of media. Ignorance can be bliss. That all changed back in July, when a demon pulled me into the elevator & dragged me down the basement.

Around that same time I rediscovered Saba’s ‘CARE FOR ME’, an album manifested by tragedy and holds much of the same feelings I was trying to overcome in that scary basement. Saba digs deep… expressing his newfound heartbreak & disenchantment with the world around him after his cousin Walt was ripped away from this life. ‘CARE FOR ME’ reads like a cry for help that ultimately ends on a hopeful note. A faith re-defined through burning memories.

If I was making a “Best Albums of 2018” list, this one would probably top it. Definitely top 3. I think every should experience it once. Especially the mind blowing lo-fi hip hop-jazzy beats. The pictures Saba paints here are gigantic. Like looking at a vivid organic building mural from “the L” as the sun goes down. “Pain like a portrait”… as Saba screams on the final seconds of GREY. Totally sums it up.

Took me a few months racing up the stairwells of my mind maze to get back to where I was before. But things will never be the same. Just gotta keep smiling, praying, & phucking. Yeah… now that’s a life.


#18 - 'Runaway' by Passenger


“I’ve been lost for so long I forgot I could be found…”

I’ve been a consistent fan of Michael Rosenberg (aka Passenger) since “Let Her Go” came into our musical lives back in 2012. Haven’t really let him go since & I have dug pretty much all his solo efforts. 2014’s ‘Whispers’ also placed #18 on my Favorite Albums list of that year. Totally unplanned. But funny, nonetheless.

There’s a distinct “western” motif thematically tied to many of the country-Americana folk ‘Runaway’ has to offer. Allowed this listener, who lives in the “Wild Wild West”, to easily connect to it.

Spent much of my dusty desert summer road trip days fully engrossed in each & every track.  Cuts like “To Be Free”, “Eagle Bear Buffalo”, “Why Can’t I Change”, or “Heart To Love” silenced a lot of the chaos in my head on those rides. Can’t put a price on that. Try listening to the title track on the move. You might never stop. Played “Hell or High Water” while on gym treadmills…strange, I know!

But, the world really is Passenger’s canvas. His constant concert schedule / road life keeps bearing fruit despite bleeding out deep emotional personal pain. Talk about a double-edge sword. Know these feelings too well too.

Totally recommend the deluxe version (below) because you get a double dose of ‘Runaway’ love. Side A is all the studio versions… given… but Side B has its live cuts played in backwards order. Making the listening experience super symmetrical. Ended up spending more time on Side B overall. Why? Nothing compares to folk acoustics. They always steal my breath.

Take a look at the Side B’s track list sometime. Each location is quite calculated alongside the song being performed. “Ghost Town” sounds even more haunting played in Detroit around the shadowy husks of abandoned buildings down the road. You might even notice random noises… people’s voices, breezy oceans, birds… in the background as you listen. Or maybe it’s my imagination.

Anyway… not many artists can move me like Passenger’s guitar stories can. Just gotta find a quiet place, clear your mind, and focus on the brilliant lyrics. You’ll be gone in seconds.


#17 - 'Dan + Shay' by Dan + Shay


“Life is only getting faster…”

Have never hidden the fact that I love Country Music. TBS probably is one of the few music blogs that share their releases equally. Whenever they occur. Small pool = less to “fish” of course. And I loved Dan + Shay’s self-titled junior effort. From that first moment I encountered the lead single, “Tequila”, back in January. Apart of me knew this record would be making “my list”. And now here we are!

I did lose track of this LP after the summer. Probably because I spent so much of the first half of the year bumping the song above, “Alone Together”, “Speechless”, “All To Myself”, “Keeping Score”, etc. each week something new dropped. Was totally stuffed by the time we reached the album’s June release. They did a great job feeding the New Music Monster.

Whatever I was dealing with in 2018 helped me connect with every pleasant anthem this album presented. But yeah, played “Tequila” over a 100 times. Got me stupidly love drunk in my mind palace. Unhealthily thinking of “her”. Hard to fight it whenever the song plays. Same effect happens on “Speechless” too. Good thing “Island Life” acts like chaser. The honeymoon to a uncomplicated marriage of music & lyrics.

And “Keeping Score (ft. Kelly Clarkson)” is such a powerful track. Gives me chills even now. Puts life into perspective.

‘Dan + Shay’ personifies everything I love about the country pop genre. Fun to listen to. Quite uncomplicated. Their album is close to perfect because love is on the forefront of everything. “Feels” with sheer warmth. Give it a chance. You might like what you hear.


#16 - 'Camila' by Camila Cabello


We’re exactly a month away from the 1-year anniversary of ‘Camila’. Most modern pop records don’t have this kind of longevity out the gate nowadays. You can still hear 2017 single staples –  “Never Be The Same” & “Havana” – on almost every car ride as Camila’s new single “Consequences” slowly dominates this holiday season’s airwaves. 11 months later… I can’t seem to get enough of Fifth Harmony’s rebellious soul. She made one hell of a solo debut. And you & I know first impressions are quite important things.

Vividly remember being impressed by the production value of ‘Camila’ during my initial listen . You can consciously feel your body being takeover by the catchy beats, moving ballads, & lyrical ear worms. There’s nothing too complex or overpowered. The entire package blends together beautifully. Proof that the massive “music machine” still works wonders.

But Camila adds such flair to each song. Making them totally hers. Take “Inside Out” for example, the switch to Spanish during its conclusion breaks the “normal” conventions. Transports you to Miami instantly. Urging you to hit the back button one more time to keep the love story going. Manipulating bubblegum pop should sound this fluid. The twists and turns are needed to keep it sounding fresh. Otherwise it gets stall, quick.

Spent much more time listening to mainstream radio over the course of 2018 that I wanted. Preferred hearing Camila’s voice over the rest. Quite excited to hear what comes next from this newly crowned princess of pop.


#15 - 'Ordinary Corrupt Human Love' by Deafheaven


Such a shame I don’t own ‘Ordinary Corrupt Human Love’ on vinyl yet. (Santa, can you hear me?) There’s probably not a better way to hear this 4th artistic post-modern metal blackgaze epic from Deafheaven in all its glory. Really have to isolate myself and let my mind go wandering within the hard hitting symphonic soundwaves. Something I can do easily when laying on my carpet, next to record machine, with headphones on.

Honestly, never know what to say when it comes to Deafheaven’s sounds & stories… and there are so many of them… you just gotta jump in & hope you like it. I certainly dug ‘OCHL’ out the gate. Even spent a lot of my extra time on GENIUS trying to translate the screams. Like what happened after hearing ‘Sunbather’ & ‘New Bermuda’.

My ignorant interpretations vastly didn’t match the meaning most of the time. Probably because I still tend to believe screaming constitutes something bad. Yet, the lyrics are beautifully heartbreaking. Poetic even.

Here’s an example from “Glint”:

Imagining us clasping hands in holiday
Imagining you growing older
Growing somehow more beautiful

George Clarke screams that. As loud as he possibly can. Love never sounded so devilish & corrupt, yet touching as hell. Doesn’t matter whether you understand the lyrics or not though. The driving force of this record is the band’s instrumental synergy. Makes for an out of this world experience.

Really wish this album was the soundtrack of a rock opera. Something noir-ish. Taking place in the city by the bay. The early passages from the lead track – “You Without End” – are directly quoted from “the short story ‘Black & Borax’ by Tom McElravey” from the recent Oakland Noir collection after all. Inspiration that is stranger than fiction, huh?


#14 - 'Love Is Dead' by CHVRCHES


Phuck what some of the critics said, I love this record. Probably my favorite – all around – CHVRCHES record so far. Selects from ‘Love is Dead’ are still sticking to my Apple Music playlist even now…almost 8 months after release. This is an album that bears it teeth while shining such revealing heavenly glory on the listener or… how I see it… distorted memories from corrupt electronic angels in search of love in a dying wasteland. If that makes any sense. Probably doesn’t.

Always want to add a little ‘concept album’ thoughts anytime I listen to ‘Love Is Dead’. Can’t help myself. Makes the anthemic-politically poetic stories even more epic. Lauren, Martin, & Iain’s chemistry has never sounded better too. Allowing every song fire on all cylinders. So close you can almost touch heaven… or hell. They really tried to stabilize & hone their evolving-addictive electronic pop musical style through other production lens. Some of the necessary chances definitely worked.

But when it all comes down to it, I needed a miracle in 2018 as my Pa continued to battle cancer. Will remember replaying “Miracle” on our walks around the hometown cul-de-sac on bright summer days. Using the song to silently pray as I made sure he didn’t fall. No matter what happens. ‘Love Is Dead’ will always mean so much to me. Because it’s laced with memories of him.

[PS: The acoustic ‘Sansa Session EP’ destroys me]


#13 - 'Negro Swan' by Blood Orange


There’s not many artists who make me feel like I’m in heaven while fully engulfed in their art. Dev Hynes, the mastermind behind Blood Orange, kinda always does. His last record – ‘Freetown Sound’ – was one of my top 5 favorite albums of 2016. So, definitely got excited when ‘Negro Swan’ was announced. Like I’ve said before… almost all my favs dropped records this year.

So why is ‘Negro Swan’ this low on the list? Wish I knew honestly. Competition mostly? This album definitely has a different vibe than ‘Freetown Sound’. Way more laid back. Totally soulful. Poetic. Full of revelations. Jazzy as hell. It’s basically sonic art. Which made it hard to listen in a variety of places where I bump my tunes. “Chewing Gum” had the longest shelf life. Loved playing the entire record on freeway night drives home. The moon mood adds such spice these inventive sounds.

If Blood Orange wanted Prince’s musical baton… he certainly made a powerful move towards it here. Can’t wait to listen to ‘Negro Swan’ while traveling down Manhattan streets. Some day.


#12 - 'Chris' by Christine & The Queens


Kinda calculated that our last couple of Favorite Albums have been these soulful, unfiltered, and flamboyant projects of pop. I’m such a sucker for them.

‘Chris’ takes everything up to “11” and sets the bar quite high for anyone coming to challenge the crown in 2019. The amount of outta control crazy, sexy, cool will leave you moved all night long. For ‘Chris’ oozes machismo. Drawing in you in, tempting, then removing your head after the climax. “Was it good for you? Certainly was for ‘Chris’.”

Héloïse, the embodiment of Christine & The Queens, took my breath away back at the Greek Theatre in 2015 opening for Marina & The Diamonds on their US tour. She hit that stage with such ferociously. Commanding our attentions with perfect synchronicity. We stayed on our feet throughout her set if I remember. Only can imagine her shows now. ‘Chris’ really lets the animal out the cage over the course of this record with techniques I haven’t heard since ’90s Michael Jackson. Bet that stage energy overwhelms nowadays.

The fact she is a multilingual vocalist doesn’t hold any of the feeling back. Side 2 has almost all the songs in her native French language with some additions & subtractions: “Feel so Good”, “Bruce est dans le brouillard”, & “Le G” are original entities with no counterpart. Nothing gets lost in the translation regardless. The changes adds spice to each side.

Is this the best pop record of year? Probably. If not, damn close. It’s mojo is undeniable. Blooms like a butterfly out the cocoon. Don’t believe me… just listen to “The walker/La Marcheuse” once. Absolute perfection with a wonderfully heartbreaking message behind it.


#11 - 'Dirty Computer' by Janelle Monáe


There’s an unbelievable amount of peeling in order to fully grasp the layers of ‘Dirty Computer’s’ complex themes, political cries, & metaphors. Something I’ve said many times before when discussing any record by Janelle Monáe. She’s always been ahead of the curve, out of the solar system, and in a whole another Matrix. Her music is art. Period. As the melting pot of genre & styles stews together seamlessly within each production. Sounds so crisp. Tastes wonderful too once it touches the eardrum. You’ll crave it in the middle of the night, like I do.

Same can be said for ‘Dirty Computer’ with one new change. The character Janelle plays is herself (labeled as “Jane”). Not Cindi, electric archangel of a dystopian Metropolis who fights a cold war. What we experience are Jane’s thoughts, desires, & fears upon balancing a hungry fame monster and her personal life in this scarily “great” America. For such a futurist… Janelle ain’t going back in time. She’s gonna help lead this revolution against stubborn fools. Just gotta sign the dotted line.

Luckily, the accompanied ‘EMOTION Picture’ really helps provide the concept album its context. Go check it out!

Only thing else I’d say is… Janelle’s hidden personality really makes this LP something special. She bears her soul & lets her sexy out . “Pussy cataracts”…  still can’t stop laughing at that line. Yeah, the middle portion of ‘Dirty Computer’ reaches dangerous territory in terms of pure, unfiltered mojo. Prince’s essence, who did help on “Make Me Feel” and was a friend of Monáe, can be felt every where. Especially during portions of “Americans”. Still the vulnerable moments towards the end – “I Like That”, “Don’t Judge Me”, “Afraid”, etc. – really stole the show for me. That’s the side I wanna hear more of.

Hope Jane’s story continues to be this revealing. But we’ll see what character Janelle chooses next. Love this record/film & you will too.


#10 - 'Kamikaze' by Eminem


Crashing into the Top 10 head first!

Cause I don’t think I’m gonna win any hearts or minds with this post. I love Eminem’s surprise ‘Kamikaze’. Still do. Listen to it all the time. No joke. Sure there are a few flaws & style inconsistencies, it’s a modern day Eminem record after all, but that always makes Marshall’s poetry feel deeply personal & relatable. Chaos scattered over a blank canvas. Kinda how I think too. Except this time, Marshall picked up his rusty AK… dusted it off once more… and shot paint balls at mesh a collage of newspapers & screenshots of YouTube players in his dark basement while sneaking a sip of some “Venom”. The remix to Chloraseptic didn’t prepare us for ‘Kamikaze’. Not by a long shot.

Last year’s ‘Revival’ does feel tame in hindsight. Still kinda dug it. Marshall targets himself on most of it (with an exception of the few politically conscious cuts). A lot of people didn’t like it or they thought it was cool to try to bury a “rap god”.  Which got me thinking… has the cutting edge artists of my youth become oldies? Maybe. Staying relevant in music, after 40 years old, nowadays can be quite hard. It is a industry that feeds on the youth. Eminem as a well established, legendary rap god has luckily survived due to his Rihanna tag teams… but 2017 almost finally buried him. Being a private person doesn’t help either. He can’t stay relevant by releasing a above average “sorry I cheated” LP. Eminem has to response to a lost. Use their styles against them. Get that respect back. Mission accomplished.

So when Em attacked on ‘Kamikaze’, he kinda spoke for us hip hop fans who have watched the genre get over-bloated & saturated by this “worst generation”.  The Vloggers secretly loved it too because their egos were fed more content. And bunch of the stuff I read from the critics stated it was “Eminem’s best record in years… but I don’t like angry Marshall anymore.” Which makes sense in this PC age as a lot of Eminem’s fans are now parents. No longer rebellious high school students who hate their parents. Can’t imagine listening to ‘Kamikaze’ in a minivan either. Maybe ‘Revival’.

I do feel there is two different albums on ‘Kamikaze’: the diss record & “Nice/Good” guy record. Might have been better as two separate EPs honestly. The later probably would’ve been panned in comparison to the A+ disses. Still… how can you not love Eminem giving Jessie Reyez such a huge platform? She is such a breath of fresh air in hip hop with some vicious wordplay. Put her with Dre and magic will happen. Joyner’s feature stole the show too. “Lucky You” works because it is the perfect blend of Eminem & Slim Shady.

An album like this occurs when you poke the bear. Think we’ll all think twice about trying to battle “B. Rabbit”. We should’ve known the ending already. Hate it or love it.


#09 - 'Black Panther: The Album' by Various Artists


‘Black Panther: The Album’ spent almost the entire year on my iPod. Couldn’t get enough it. Felt like a live radio show curated by Kendrick Lamar honoring / fusing his African & American roots through his genius level musical lens. Still surprised Marvel Studios & Disney allowed such a groundbreaking concept to occur on their property. Felt like a breath of fresh air entering the year.

Kendrick Lamar, who has the platinum touch at the moment, seemed to have fun creatively presenting his Gemini-like “two sides” symbolized by African King T’Challa & Rebellious Revolutionary Killmonger. This original soundtrack kinda mirrors the plot points of the film in a way. Allowing for so… many…. layers to be critically analyzed while showcasing how addicting Afro-futurism can sound.

Whether you like the film or not, this album welcomed us to 2018. Giving us a preview of some of the year’s biggest hip hop artists who were gonna make a major impact like: Travis Scott, SOB X RBE,  Khalid, Swae Lee, Anderson .Paak, Jorja Smith, Jay Rock, The Weeknd, Vince Staples, etc. You could say this is the official “2018 Album Sampler”. Or the above artists knew they had to capitalize on the Black Panther buzz to ensure clicks. Who knows? Top Dawg Entertainment presented their best side. Proof that a great production team can help make all the difference.

As a man who grew up on & loves soundtracks… especially original ones… ‘Black Panther: The Album’ really brought some much needed attention & reinvigorated “the genre”. (Are soundtracks really a music genre? Hmm…) Kendrick made every one sound so great as he experimented with a fusion of afo-beats & hip hop styles. Sure it doesn’t expand or challenge “the wheel”. But is a hell of fun to listen to. A true celebration worthy for any member of royalty.

One thing remains the same regardless…

…at least for a few more days. Give Ludwig’s score a listen too. He’s my favorite modern day composer. No one is doing it better.

(Kendrick also gets +10 points for including 2 Chainz!)


#08 - 'Invasion Of Privacy' by Cardi B


Cardi B kicked off 2018 with “Finesse” and never let her foot off the gas. Even being pregnant didn’t stop the domination. Like the lyrics state, “she ran this s#!t like cardio” with no end in site. Don’t believe me? They just announced the deluxe edition of ‘Invasion of Piracy’ with even more tracks yesterday. Arrives in a few weeks.

Both mainstream radio & the critics loved embracing this rising star as the fans remained divided. Me, I understand both sides of the Cardi argument but ended up siding with the critics this time around.

Why? Because ‘Invasion of Piracy’ will always be one of those debuts that we’ll bring up in music history. Whether she gets destroyed by the machine in a few years or survives for the next 100… this album kinda defines the women’s rap revolution that ‘Queen’ Nicki Minaj began over a decade ago: lyrically smart, glamorous, pu$$y powerful, no holds barred, with some tenderness and dope features.

Pity Cardi & Nicki have so much beef, together they’d do some amazing things. Well… they kinda are. Never thought we’d get a female “Jay-Z / Nas” war. Competition is always good for business. Will keep us talking about both artists in 2019.

Funny thing is… we were all ready to crucify this album as the anticipation climaxed in April. But Cardi’s debut totally “bopped”. Chalk it up to the 30+ producers who came together to make everything so damn catchy. It really took a village. Started by loving “Best Life (w/ Chance The Rapper)” and then totally connected with the emotional tracks like “Ring”, “Thru Your Phone”, “Be Careful”, that spoke to her complicated relationship with Migos’ Offset. Hard to fake those kinds of feelings… unless this drama is one big PR stunt. Cause it’s kinda drawing us in.

Again, because I spent a lot of 2018 listening to popular radio, couldn’t escape Cardi’s hits. They kept me entertained on our multiple drives to hospital every couple of weeks. Gotta give mad props for including a track like “I Like It”. Though it is stylistically different from everything on ‘IoP’, her Bad Bunny & J. Balvin collaboration will probably be remembered fondly for years to come. No other track on the record can compare to it. Total powerhouse.

I just love that we’re getting amazing female MCs once again in the mainstream. Grew up on Lil Kim, Queen Latifah, Salt N Pepper, Mc Lyte, Foxy Brown, TLC, etc. Hope Cardi can keep the steam going. We’ll see…

[PS: 21 Savage’s verses on “Bartier Cardi” are some of my favorite rhymes spoken on a rap feature all year. He had many of those in 2018. #Spoilers]


#07 - 'ASTROWORLD' by Travis Scott


Unlike 2016’s ‘Birds in the Trap Sing Brian McKnight’ (which was my #3 record of that year)… Travis Scott’s ‘ASTROWORLD’ immediately connected with me. He really pushed his evolving style to its limit here. Producing an album with no skips. There isn’t “boring moments” because Travis doesn’t let a song drag on too long. The beats & style constantly switch while dipping high and low like… pardon the pun… a rollercoaster ride. Travis finally sounds like the star he’s always been in my mind.

Of course we love “SICKO MODE” & “STARGAZING”, but the softer moments (“STOP TRYING TO BE GOD”, “R.I.P. SCREW”, basically the middle section of the record) bring so many experimental blends of genre that it truly shocked me. The features on “…GOD” alone are minding blowing. James Blake, Kid Cudi, Philip Bailey and Stevie Wonder on the same record? Absolutely genius, especially if you account for keeping all the features secret on the track list. Still one of my favorite new trends. Surprises all the listeners during the joint Twitter listening party.

No matter which friend showed up to the musical theme, Travis keeps being the Walt Disney of his intoxicated, inebriated, intercourse filled dreamland.

A lot of tracks on ‘ASTROWORLD’ have these soft interlude to set the sexy mood wonderfully before bringing the rage hard. My favorite example of this is “5% Tint” into “NC-17 (ft. 21 Savage)”. Get the picture we’re at a party, meeting two souls, before watching them reach the highest pleasure principle through a expensive crystal chandelier. Keep finding a variety of stories each time I listen. Plus, 21 Savage’s feature is quite amazing. Clever, quotable, lyrics to be found all around this fun park. Don’t believe me? Pop on “HOUSTONFORNICATION”.

So what holds it back from being in my top 5? Not enough “STRAIGHT UP!” ad libs. Haha… kidding. Competition mostly. Honestly, for a moment, ‘ASTROWORLD’ was set up to be my #1 Favorite Album of 2018. Until I heard our #3 pick. Everything ended up so close overall. Think what it comes down to is… still love ‘Birds in the Trap…” slightly more. Had more personal moments to me.

All we can hope is Travis keeps pushing himself post ‘ASTROWORLD’. He’s on his way to surpassing Kanye. He shouldn’t let up.


#06 - 'Heaven and Earth' + 'The Choice' by Kamasi Washington


Always find Jazz hard to explain. Just gotta feel it. Let it move through you. And I felt every moment of Kamasi Washington’s double disc sophomore effort – ‘Heaven and Earth’. He wrote the meaning about the album’s core message on Facebook when the album was announced:

“The world that my mind lives in, lives in my mind.” This idea inspired me to make this album. The “Earth” side represents the world as I see it outwardly, the world that I am a part of. The “Heaven” side represents the world as I see it inwardly, the world that is a part of me. 

Did I feel that while listening? Totally!

This was somewhat my first encounter with Kamasi’s solo works as I knew him best for some of his past sideman features with Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat, Flying Lotus, and countless other artists. Totally missed his studio debut, ‘The Epic’, back in the day. Felt it was a good introduction as I listened to it over the summer. But was missing all the spice this album provides with its simple shifts in tone.

This record feels more thought out, calculated, while allowing for such back and forth between all the instruments & vocals. Sets such a mood while exploring everything I love about usually forgotten & evolving Jazz genre. Studio synergy that happens once in a lifetime. Kamasi’s 10+ years in the business finally reached its creative peak it seems.

‘The Choice’, the secret bonus EP attached to ‘Heaven and Earth’, acts like mellow end of the night dessert to a simply favorable full course meal. It’s not necessary listening material, but will satisfy those who love expanded/deleted scenes & outtakes with their art.

Did I have a favorite personal moment with this record? Many, but the one that stands out is when I picked up one of my NoHo friends… who is a jazz fiend too btw… for a beer run. “Space Travelers Lullaby” was blaring as he got in the car, and he didn’t even say hi before jumping in and shouting: “What is this? It’s wonderful.” That’s the reaction a curator like me wants when we show up at your door. Every… damn… time.

One of 2018’s best. Hands down. And it’s a double LP! Heaven forbid.


#05 - 'Be More Kind' by Frank Turner


An album like ‘Be More Kind’ is necessary in uncertain & scary times like these. You may feel people are losing their humanity behind electronic screens & digital personas as the world goes bonkers all around us, but hope is not all lost. Everything begins with a little kindness. Stand up. Take action. With the purest of hearts.

Frank Turner channels all his anger into his 7th Studio LP, picking up his guitar and soapbox to make some glorious, heartwarming, politically savvy, statements that left a mark on me. Because he’s so passionate about everything. That’s one thing I’ve always loved about Frank’s music. Brutal honesty reflecting a real human being who knows if we don’t change now, we’re in deep trouble.

As the chorus of “Blackout” states:

Are you afraid of the darkness?
Are you afraid of the darkness?
I’m afraid of the darkness too
We’re all caught in the blackout
Trying to feel our way out…

Ultimately, all Frank asks in the song is to meet him in the middle with a burning candle. Literally and figuratively, which basically is the core theme ‘Be More Kind’. Don’t freak out if you feel powerless. “Little Changes” can move mountains. Even change minds.

Remember: we’re in this together. That’s how we rebels will survive this testing time. Use kindness as a weapon. Might even come out of this stronger than before. Try to be a beacon of love shining on all those poor souls who desperately need it. All you gotta do is shine that bright smile. Sounds simple?

Throw your fists in the air and rally behind Frank Turner’s passionate songbook. You might end up finding your resolve again. Like I did.


#04 - 'Golden Hour' by Kacey Musgraves


If you’ve been keeping track of everyone’s “best” albums of 2018 you probably noticed that Kacey Musgraves’ ‘Golden Hour’ usually ranks pretty high… if not, claiming the #1 spot… on almost all of them. For good reason of course. Kacey’s honesty continues to speaks volumes as she pays tribute to the country music genre she loves while sprinkling some 21st century magic pixie dust all over it. If this is the future, I don’t wanna come down either.

What I absolutely loved about this record is how it blooms over the course of its 13 tracks. Pacing remains slowly gorgeous until you reach the end where Kacey turns up the “funky” charm before bringing it back down again. Feels like riding a rainbow to a pot of gold. Nothing overpowers the listener… allowing to easily connect with Kacey’s romantic wordplay.

Makes sense that Kacey got engaged / married while making ‘Golden Hour’. This is an album about a woman committing to the purest love for the first time in her life. Something you can hear in almost all tracks. “Butterflies”, the lead single from the record, was written about Kacey’s early courtship with her now husband – Ruston. This album reflects more than I’ll ever know about Kacey’s life… and that’s totally okay! She sounds so smitten. Her loves becomes our love, touching all whom listens to her story. Bearing the fruit of a happy newlywed in her romantic “Golden Hour”.

“Space Cowboy” & “High Horse”, two of my favorite tracks, don’t follow that trend though. And I connected with the former so much. Because I have always been “the wild horse” who breaks out of the gate and runs away. Was part of my instinctive nature. Spent much of the past few years trying to fix that part of me. Even now when confined this house like a prisoner, still get the urge to jump in my car and just run away. But I can’t… gotta fight. Read the story behind “Space Cowboy” here. Kacey commits to her feelings.

Still dig the mood, which mirrors (at times) that feeling of experiencing the most beautiful “Golden Hour” sunset. Such a overwhelming warmth. Silently racing back into your head for a introspective piece of meditation. Do a lot of that on the beach. Listened to these songs during one of those Santa Monica sessions this year. Made for a perfect night.

Kacey produced such a classic record, painting a picture of when love finally stopped “Wonder Woman” in her tracks. It’s country, pop, disco, funk, soul, and everything in between. Will make you have such a good time.

[PS: Didn’t know “Golden Hour” was also a medical term for “the first hour after the occurrence of a traumatic injury, considered the most critical for successful emergency treatment”. Adds a whole another layer to this album. Love cuts deep. We all have the scars to prove it.]


#03 - 'Encore' by Anderson East


Pretty sure my jaw dropped when listening to ‘Encore’ back in January. Probably because it was so unexpected. Felt that feeling of jubilation whenever Anderson East’s bluesy southern soul blared through my car speakers in the months that followed. All my friends and family loved the vibe ‘Encore’ set on our treks. When I was alone with it, the world all around me burn brighter as chills remained raised on skin for hours. This record presents pure passion at its finest. Love it so much.

Go read my 1st Song of January 22nd. Predicted ‘Encore’ would be appearing in this Favorite Albums countdown back then. At least, I hoped. When you experience an amazing record… you hope it sticks to your ribs like BBQ sauce. Was expecting  to be served a country record. Not soul food. Took my breath away. Exactly what I needed.

Anderson’s vocals matched with classically presented rock n’ roll blues took me to church on every track. All I wanna do is howler and shout at the top of my lungs throughout the 40-minute run time . Even during the low moments. My musical heart wants to feel the pain Anderson projects. Pick up my own pieces that lay scattered on the ground. Did a lot of that this year.

You don’t hear records like this anymore. Well, at least they come out every blue moon. Felt Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Billy Joel, Aretha Franklin, Bruce Springsteen, even Blues Brothers influences laced all over this thing. The saxophone on “House Is a Building” or “This Too Shall Last” ‘s guitar turns me on so much. Each song milks the perfect amount of soul from each note. The background players graciously lift Anderson up too while soaring to the heavens together. A total team effort all around. Sounds quite organic.

Never imagined Anderson had these blues hidden within him. Love must’ve hit him hard. Lyrics burst like dynamite every time he opens his mouth. Glad he let them out. Had me saying, “yeah, I felt that” a lot.

‘Encore’ took my 2018 to a whole another level. Soundtracked every high moment in the first half of the year. Ended up adding every lyric to my life’s musical songbook… especially these ones:

If life is a lesson, love is an action
If pain is a weapon, sorrow’s attraction
If you got our heartbeat, you know you got me
If a house is a building, home is a feeling…

Always.


#02 - 'FM!' by Vince Staples


Vince Staples could give a rat’s ass if his clever album, ‘FM!’ landed on my Favorite Albums of 2018. That’s why I dig his style. Unfiltered. Experimental. Pushing the limits on every release. He’s a true artist. Love all the progress he’s made since his debut. And he only gets better. But Vince… and we… know that. Ultimately this record really oozes “FUN”, for the artist, his craft, and us West Coast hip hop fans.

‘FM!’ honors mainstream radio, thus the name… duh, by encasing the entire record as a 22-minute “Big Boy’s Neighborhood” segment. The same program I’ve basically been listening to my entire life. Vince made it a piece of his art! You can only imagine how big my smile was when Big Boy, his team, and that infamous cowbell appears before “Feels Like Summer”. The title – ‘FM!’ – made instant sense and I was hooked. By adding features/interludes from E-40, Tyga, Earl Sweatshirt, Buddy, etc. throws curves balls while adding to the “FM” legitimacy. You might feel like you’re on the wrong (or right) station. The kinda experience you can only get on the wonderful West Coast!

Vince doesn’t over complicate anything either. All the tracks are slim, tight, and lean. Makes the musical experience incredibly fast pace. His signature experimental EDM-hip hop beats add to the package’s precision beautifully. So fresh, so clean. But the way he plays with his lyrical style on “Don’t Get Chipped”, “Relay”, or ‘FUN!” really takes the cake. What Vince does from 1:05 to 1:44… basically the whole second verse of “FUN!”… is the most clever wordplay I heard all year.

For an artist who’s kinda always been considered “not radio friendly” due to his multi-genre experimental inventions & deep stories… they sound pretty amazing on a mock radio program, don’t they? Could listen to it all day & night. Just makes me even more excited for Vince’s other planned 2019 albums! Keep them coming. But what do I know?


#01 - 'Ultraviolet' by 3LAU


First off… wanna say congratulations to 3LAU for being the 1st EDM producer to ever claim my favorite album of year! DJ Snake came really close back in 2016, but barely got picked behind Chance The Rapper. It’s no easy feat to beat out thousands of wonderfully subjective pieces of art. For the album of my year must really engrave itself onto my boyhood soul like past victors (Rick Ross, The Civil Wars, John Mayer, Fall Out Boy, Future Islands, The Weeknd, Chance The Rapper, Kendrick Lamar, etc.) all have before. I am instantly taken back to those moments, like a time machine, whenever those albums enter my ears.

‘Ultraviolet’ did all those things and more. Not only was it a truly wonderful album that sends the listener into a crystallized universe of distorted electropop the second you hit play… it also represents two key aspects of 2018 for me: the huge leap I took in evolving That Buzzing Sound & the year long break watching my ill father. Cause every time you played ‘Ultraviolet’, you helped fight cancer. A meaningful message that spoke right to my heart. Still not out of the fight. But this album felt like the battle cry I needed.

The quote below sums it up: 3LAU spoke to Dancing Astronaut back in February about how surprisingly dark ‘Ultraviolet’ ended up being:

“It’s very emotional and talks about being lost in friendships and relationships. It’s about all of the positives of feeling lost, because you can feel invincible when you are on your own. But there is also this disconnection, so the album is a parallel of the struggle you feel when you feel alone.”

Yeah, I felt that…

Luckily, Ultraviolet light reveals everything. Good and bad. You can’t escape how beautifully tragic these dance-able EDM anthems sound and feel. I didn’t care if some of the singles were released years ago. These sounds felt so fresh experiencing it during our Spotlight sessions. All I wanted to do is stay. Forever and ever.

Chalk it up to the expansive instrumentals & stellar pop sirens… made up by Carly Paige, Oly, Luna Aura, Emma Hewitt, and the rest who are given the spotlight to shine over addicting bears. Just transports you. Cause I really embraced the happy-sad lyrics that reflected some personal feelings about the star crossed girl that I let get away. We just fell outta touch. Oh well… #ThankUNext

Owe a huge thank you to my gigantic inbox, that I normally complain about, for putting ‘Ultraviolet’ on my radar too. If I wasn’t doing TBS every day probably would’ve missed out on this perfect record. Grateful this is the life I lead now. Makes every day feel like Christmas. Truly.

What more do I have to say? THIS. ALBUM. IS. SOOOOOOOOOO. F’N. AMAZING! Play it loud and enjoy every second! GOES BEYOND… PLUS ULTRA!!!! (hehe) Thank you 3LAU for making my 2018 sound so good!

BTW: ‘Ultraviolet’ hasn’t left my iPod since it dropped. Still drifting away constantly 9 months later. Absolute bliss.