The 20 Best Albums of 2018 (Part 1/2)
2018 gave us great albums, which some of them are now part of our favorite-albums-ever-personal-list. I have to admit that 2018 wasn't full of a lot of amazing albums; however, there were more than 20 best albums, but you know, I decided to chose only 20. As I always do, the following list is in date order, it means that, it isn't listed from best to worst or from my favorite to least favorite. I decided to ordenate them, according their released date.
I also want to tell you that I chose these 20 albums following the next points: because of its musical production, if they show an evolution musically (according the artists/band/and so on), and if I really liked it or not.
Without lossing more time, here it is the 20 best albums of 2018, according to JusSayingg:
Kacey Musgraves – Golder Hour
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Release date: March 30th, 2018
The first album from this list goes to the American country music artist Kacey Musgraves, with one of the most beautiful albums of the year and also more one of the most acclaim. Firstly, I have to tell you that I don't usually listen to country music, but this album cought my attention and I felt like I had to listen it and I did! "Golden Hour" has stunning melodies and harmonizations, well writen songs and Kacey has a smooth voice that I loved. Lyrically, Kacey said that this album sings about her 20s, so you'll listen to love songs, breakups, faith, empowerment, fears, and other issues. I really recommend you to listen to it even if you don't usually hear country music. My favorite song was "Lonely Weekend."
The Weeknd – My Dear Melancholy,
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Release date: March 30th, 2018
This "mini-album" made by The Weeknd was one of the first albums into pouring fire to 2018. "My Dear Melancholy," is the return to his roots, because it reminded me to his mixtapes's vibes ("House of Balloons," "Thursday," and "Echoes of Silence"), but showing us new beats and that his voice sounds better than ever. This album is brutally honest and we can listen to a hurting Abel singing about what his breakup and all of what it caused on his life. It's a darker, if we compare it to his previous album, but at the same time he explores a little of upbeat sounds, to make it a rollercoaster. My favorite one was "Wasted Times."Kali Uchis – Isolation
"Isolation" was one of the first albums to be "widespread acclaim from critics," it achieved 87 out of 100! And it was well deserved, because this album is not just one of the best debuts of 2018, but also one of the best revelation artists of the year. Kali Uchis is a Colombian-American singer and songwriter with a stunning voice and retro-style that I love. "Isolation" has 15 killer tracks, where she sings about her life, love, her lifestyle and other "bitchy" issues; believe me, this album is everything. "Tyrant" featuring Jorja Smith is my favorite track.Janelle Monáe – Dirty Computer
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Release date: April 27th, 2018
This list wouldn't be complete without Janelle Monáe's masterpiece titled "Dirty Computer." We all know that Janelle is one of the most complete artists from our era and this album proves it, each song is so well writen and produced that is impossible to hate one song. As it should be, "Dirty Computer" is very powerfull, because even when it's a conceptual album, it talks about real issues as sexuality, immigration, love, racism, violence, among others. My favroite track was "Screwed" featuring Zoë Kravitz.
Lykke Li – so sad so sexy
The Carters – EVERYTHING IS LOVE
Two giants from the music industry; Beyoncé and Jay-Z, finally together creating a powerful duet (in all aspects), we have to admit that we weren't expecting something like this, but we needed it! We also have to admit that "EVERYTHING IS LOVE" sounds like if Jay-Z would be a collaborator in Beyoncé's album, but that doesn't matter, right? This album in general is about their relationship, leadership and power. It's a well produced record and they let us know why they are who they are (in case you didn't knew it). "Boss" is my favorite song.Years & Years – Palo Santo
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Release date: July 6th, 2018
The English trio Years & Years did it again, after having an amazing debut album in 2016, they came back to present us their world "Palo Santo." The whole concept from this album is very creative and entertaining, making it as a whole experience not only to listen to, but also to watch in a short film they created. Musically, this album has less dark beats and it's more brigther, with upbeat songs and beautiful ballads. Lyrically, there are great songs about breakups, new love, confidence, sexuality, and relationships. My favorite one was "Hallelujah."
Capital Cities – Solarize
Nicki Minaj – Queen
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"Queen" is Minaj's first album in nearly four years and what an album! You could love her or hate her, but what you shouldn't deny are her skills as rapper. Through 19 tracks, Nicki Minaj throw some shades and "the generous queen" mostly focuses rapping about her leadership as one of the most successful female rappers of all the times. On the other hand, it sounds very fresh and there are great collaborations as in my favorite song, which was "Majesty" with Labrinth, featuring Eminem.
Ariana Grande – Sweetener
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Release date: August 17th, 2018
It's very exciting to witness the evolving of one of the most complete young artists from our times. Since Ariana Grande released her debut album in 2013, she has been gaving us just greatness and bops. "Sweetener" has a very interesting concept, which at first was a little confiusing and for some people "strange," but it's just an example of how Ariana likes to try new things. The album is very experimental and we weren't used to expect somethings like that from Ariana, but I'm so happy that she decided to venture out to explore a different "world." My favorite track was "breathin".