• 2018 hasn't been just an unforgettable year for some of us, but also for several new artists who had the opportunity to release their debut album.
  • 2018 gave us great albums, which some of them are now part of our favorite-albums-ever-personal-list.
  • 2018 gave us great albums, which some of them are now part of our favorite-albums-ever-personal-list.

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

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

Album cover
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, 

Album cover
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 

Album cover
Release date: April 6th, 2018
"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 

Album cover
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 

Album cover
Release date: June 8th, 2018
Four years passed in order to have something new by Swedish singer-songwriter Lykke Li. Her fourth album titled "so sad so sexy", where she let us know why she's one of the best "emo" girls. It shows a big evolution musically, without lossing her very unique style and melancholic lyrics; the whole record is very honest, raw, fresh, and dark. I really loved how she explore trap sounds, mixed with her indie vibes, I can describe this album as a "successful mixture of emotions and sounds." I have to admit that was hard to choose just one track as my favorite, but I'll pick "Better Alone" (all songs are iconic!).

The Carters – EVERYTHING IS LOVE

Album cover
Release date: June 16th, 2018
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 

Album cover
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 

Album cover
Release date: August 10th, 2018
The American indie-pop duo Capital Cities released their second album titled "Solarize" and I still can't get enough of it! They have a pretty unique style and they coulnd't make a bad song, even if they try to. I truly love how amazingly produced this record is and it's very fresh, without losing their essence. "Solarize" has 15 tracks, where you can sing about love, relationships, and there are some self-empowerment anthems. Musically, it shows an evolution and the result of experimenting with new sounds and instruments, it's very melodic, rhythmic and catchy. My favorite song was "My Name is Mars".

Nicki Minaj – Queen 

Album cover
Release date: August 10th, 2018
"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 

Album cover

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".

This is the end of the first 10 best albums of 2018, to see the other 10 click here


The 20 Best Albums of 2018 (Part 2/2)


This is the second part of the list of the 20 best albums of 2018 according Jus' Sayingg.
I 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.

Troye Sivan – Bloom 

Album cover
Release date: August 31st, 2018
Here it comes another fascinating young artist that has proven how great you can be when you really know who you are and what you want. As "universal acclaim" has been described "Bloom," which is Troye Sivan's second album, imagine how ahead is Troye from tha game, that in only a few years he has shown all of his talenten and how far he can go with her music. This record has beautiful songs about love, breakup, and sexuality. Musically, it has an 90s vibe pop and it's very catchy and enjoyable. My favorite track is "Dance to This" (featuring Ariana Grande).

Metric – Art of Doubt 

Album cover
Release date: September 21st, 2018
You could say that 2018 was just reggaeton or trap, but Metric came to save us from all that reppetitive stuff. "Art of Doubt" is the seventh studio album by Canadian indie rock band and it was one of the best albums that were released in 2018. Why? Because it has the great alternative rock and synth-rock sound, it's pretty fresh, catchy and it sounds somehow familiar. This album talks about different issues; such as, search of a new life, pain, love, obssesion, taking risks in life, among others. Metric did an amazing job with this album and it was a savior from all the same stuff from radio. My favorite track was "Love You Back".

Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – A Star is Born 

Album cover
Release date: October 5th, 2018
What Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper did with the original soundtrack for the film "A Star is Born" is pretty special; however, we won't talk about if the movie was good as good as the music, but the soundtrack is glorious. If you didn't watched the movie, you don't have to do it to love this album. Bradley blew my mind, because I didn't knew how well he could sing and well, all we know the amazing skills of Lady Gaga. "A Star is Born" soundtrack has fascinating songs, each track is a masterpiece; lyrically, musically, the production, the melodies and rhythms, their vocals, everything is on point. My favorite track by Gaga was "Is That Alright?" and by Bradley was "Out of Time".

twenty one pilots - Trench 

Album cover
Release date: October 5th, 2018
Let me tell you that the first time that I heard it, I wasn't sure about if I liked it or not; however, as I listened to it a couple of more times, I understood the whole concept and the "world" they created. "Trench" is the first album by twenty one pilots that made me emotional, because it's very honest and raw. Tyler sounds very vulnerable and he sings about personal issues, in a way that hits you hard with his vulnerability. Musically, it has explosive tracks, but most of the songs are type of ballads. My favorite track was "Bandito".

MØ – Forever Neverland 

Album cover
Release date: October 19th, 2018
After four years without releasing a full-length, the Danish singer and songwriter MØ came to let us know why she's one of the best artists from our times. "Forever Neverland" is the proof tha she's very multifaceted when it comes to re-creating herself. This new record sounds fresh and joyful, even when most of the tracks are nostalgic. MØ is a great singer and in this album, I feel like she's finally "boasting" her singing skills and as songwriter. My favorite track was "Red Wine" featuring Empress Of.

Robyn – Honey 

Album cover
Release date: October 26th, 2018
This is Robyn's eight album and it was also released after eight years of hiatus! The wait was worth it, because "Honey" is full of her electro-pop style and it was "universal acclaim", scoring 89/100. Robyn has made a unique album that sounds very innovative, even when she's "reviving" the vibes of the disco and dance without letting her pop essence. I don't have anything more to say about it, because when something is well done, it doesn't need much explanation. My favorite track was "Send to Robin Immediately".

Rosalía - El Mal Querer 

Album cover
Release date: November 2nd, 2018
This is the first time that I decided to choose an album in Spanish, but believe me, it's totally worth it. "El mal querer" (English: Bad loving) is the second studio album by Spanish singer Rosalía and it's a masterpiece. This record has 11 tracks, where we can immerse ourselves in her flamenco-pop, synth-pop, seguidilla, tango, fandango, and alternative sounds. It's also the first time that I listen to this music genre, you know, I'm Mexican so I'm not used to listen to flamenco music. Lyrically, "El mal querer" is a whole story inspired by a book that she read, so each song tells a chapter of it. If you don't speak/know Spanish, it doesn't matter, you'll love it. My favorite track was "Pienso en tu mirá" (Cap. 3: Celos).

Mon Laferte – Norma 

Album cover
Release date: November 9th, 2018
Here it is another album in Spanish, but this time is by Chilean singer-songwriter Mon Laferte. "Norma" is her second name and it was chosen as the title for her fifth album, she also said that she thinks it's her favorite record up to date, because of all the things that she lived in the making of the album. I want to tell you, "Norma" was recorded at Capitol Records studio in Los Angeles without editing and done in one shot! This album is so beautiful and magestic. Musically, it's a mixture between salsa, mambo, danzón, cumbia, and pop. Lyrically, you'll find songs about love, breakups, relationships, and pain. I'll repeat it, even if you don't speak Spanish, listen to it! My favorite track was "Si Alguna Vez" featuring El David Aguilar.

Muse - Simulation Theory 

Album cover
Release date: November 9th, 2018
"Simulation Theory" is the eighth studio album by English rock band Muse and this is another example of a stunning re-creation of the band. This album could be described as synth-rock, alternative-rock and pop. Personally, I really loved this new one, because it sounds different, but not too different; you still know that you're listening to Muse. Evolution is necessary and that's what Muse is doing, they still have their unique style, amazing guitar solos, powerful lyrics, and that good stuff that they always give us. My favorite track was "Break It to Me".

Rita Ora – Phoenix 

Album cover
Release date: November 23rd, 2018
Surprisingly cohesive and consistent, Rita Ora came to present us her second studio album "Phoenix", after six years of wait. I have to accept that I wasn't waiting something as good as this album, but do not misunderstand, I love her style and music; however, her debut album released in 2012 wasn't that cohesive and consistent as this one. Certainly, Rita has reborn as a phoenix. Lyrically, it has great songs about the complexity of love, pain, breaukups, being lost, lovers, among others. Honestly, I loved it. My favorite track was "Let You Love Me".

These were the 20 best albums of 2018 according to me and I really would like to know what do you think about it. Have you every hear one of these? What's your favorite one? Do you agree with the list? Which othe album was missing according you? Let me know your opinion and don't forget to share this post if you liked it.

Click here to read the part 1 of this list

Click here to listen to the playlist I made in Spotify with the best songs from this 20 best albums of 2018

Thursday, December 20, 2018

The 10 Best Debut Albums of 2018


2018 hasn't been just an unforgettable year for some of us, but also for several new artists who had the opportunity to release their debut album. Personally, there wasn't a lot of amazing debut albums; however, these next 10 are the best from the best. Just let me tell you that women are leading it!
I also want to tell you that I chose these 10 albums because of its production, essence, style and if that artists is really giving us something new and fresh in this music industry full of similarities. Rememeber, these 10 best debut albums are according to me; Jus Sayingg!
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 like to ordenate them according their released date. 
So here it is, the 10 best debut albums of 2018 according Jus Sayingg.

Camila Cabello - Camila

Album cover
Release date: January 12th, 2018
"I decided to call it by my name, because this is where this chapter in my life ended. it started with somebody else’s story, it ended with me finding my way back to myself." Said Camila Cabello about her self-titled solo debut album. I have to admit that since the start, I knew that Camila was going to have the success that she's having, because she's one of the most charming and popular young singer from our times. "Camila" is an album with 11 carchy latin-tropical tracks, with lyrics about self-love, pain, her hometown, relationships and other life issues. My favorite song was "She Loves Control".

ionnalee - Everyone Afraid to Be Forgotten 

Album cover
Release date: February 16th, 2018
The Swedish singer and songwriter ionnalee released her but album as solo artists, after letting aside her electronic music and audio visual project iamamiwhoami. ionnalee came back to bless us with her original and magical style. If you haven't hear about her, let me tell you that "Everyone Afraid to Be Forgotten" is an incredible album where you will find raw and unapologetic lyrics, catchy chorus, stunning synth-pop songs, her beautiful and powerful voice. The album has tracks about her personal insecurities, solitude, love and other deep issues. It could be a complex album if it's the first time that you hear it, but with the time, you'll love it. My favorite song was "Not Human".

Hayley Kiyoko – Expectations 

Album cover
Release date: March 30th, 2018
"[Expectations are my biggest strength] because I set such high expectations for myself. But it also is my biggest weakness because I’m constantly let down by myself and other people." Told Hayley Kiyoko about her debut album titled "Expectations" and I have to tell you that it was well received from all her fans and critics, because of her production and great lyrics. This is a synth-pop album and each song has its own personality, so it makes it very chill and ecstatic at the same time. On the other hand, she stands as one of the most important artists for the LGBT community, because with her music she's opening the door for more artists as her. My favorite song was "Sleepover".

Cardi B - Invasion of Privacy

Album cover
Release date: April 5th, 2018
This list wouldn't be complete without one of the most successful and popular rappers from all the times, Cardi B with her debut album "Invasion of Privacy". In the streaming era, Cardi B started with one of the best decisiones that she ever could take, release her album just in digital (not in CD format) Carbi B is everywhere: TV, radio, internet, everywhere! I really like her "wild" style and how funny she is, I know that we're talking about her music and not about her personallity, but she embodied her essence in her songs. The truth is  "Invasion of Privacy" is a well produced album and that's why it's in this list. My favorite track was "Ring" featuring Kehlani.

Kali Uchis – Isolation 

Album cover
Release date: April 6th, 2018
"Isolation" by Colombian-American singer Kali Uchis, was one of the first albums from 2018 that received widespread acclaim from critics, attaining 87/100. Kali isn't only a great songwriter, but also an amazing singer, she has a beautiful-powerful-soft voice tone that give to the songs an "extra". "Isolation" has songs about how she has reached her goals, love, sexuality, about being bitchy, unapologetic, and ambitious. Believe me, the whole record is a masterpiece and it is just the start, I'm pretty sure she will keep blessing us with her unique style. My favorite song was "Tyrant" featuring Jorja Smith.

 Anne-Marie – Speak Your Mind 

Album cover
Release date: April 27th, 2018
British singer Anne-Marie released her debut album titled "Speak Your Mind" and that's a perfect title to describe the concept from the whole record. Anne-Marie could be well known as an amazing song collaborator, but as a solo singer she's even better! She has one of the best vocals and her style is very unique, because she's very sassy and honest with her lyrics; she really sing about what she thinks without any filter. "Speak Your Mind" is a pop album with tropical melodies and that kind of upbeat tracks that all we love. My favorite song was  "Can I Get Your Number".

Jorja Smith – Lost & Found 

Album cover
Release date: June 8th, 2018
Another new artists that we thank for her existence, because what Jorja Smith did in her debut album "Lost & Found" is glorious. We're in a great era for the R&B and Jorja is one of the best new exponents of this musical genre. What I really liked from this album was not only her vocals, but also the music style; it feels like the 90s R&B, you know, it's very sensual and ecstatic. "Lost & Found" has songs about selflove, relationships, breakups, solitude, and other personal issues. My favorite song was "On Your Own".

Bebe Rexha – Expectations 

Album cover
Release date: June 22nd, 2018
"I think I was kind of like…life is so unexpected, I was just happy, I was sad, I was just growing up and learning that in certain things in life you just never know what’s gonna happen, and that’s what this album is about." Said Bebe Rexha about her debut album "Expectations" and it was well described, because during the album Bebe sings about different life issues. Personally, I noticed a musical evolution if we compare it with the previous EPs that she initialy released. "Expectations" has amazing catchy tracks and I like that it has different rhythms, but at the same time is coherent. My favorite song was "Shining Star".

MNEK – Language 

Album cover
Release date: September 7th, 2018
One of the most underrated debut album from the year, yet one of the best. British singer-songwriter MNEK released his long-awaited debut studio album "Language" and what a body of work! The whole album is so brilliant and smarth, the production is on point and the lyrics are very sassy and catchy. One thing that I loved from it, is the way in which the songs are linked among them by great transitions. In this album, he's embracing his sexuality and relationships; it could say that they whole record is about discovering love and all the things that it includes. My favorite track was "Correct".

Ella Mai – Ella Mai 

Album cover
Release date: October 12th, 2018
Here it comes another talented British presenting us her eponymous debut album "Ella Mai". This is an R&B album and it is another prove that this music genre is growing in the new young artists, it's starting to become more and more popular again. Ella Mai has created an amazing concept with this album, because she uses her name as an acronym to convey the meaning of the album; each letter from her name is like a chapter. Her fresh sound, beautiful voice and skills as songwriter have made her to release one of the best debut albums of 2018. My favorite track was "Dangerous".

These were the 10 best debut albums of 2018 according to me and I really would like to know what do you think about it. Have you every hear one of these? What's your favorite one? Do you agree with the list? Which othe album was missing according you? Let me know your opinion and don't forget to share this post if you liked it.

Click here to listen to the playlist I made in Spotify with the best songs from this 10 best debut albums of 2018