2018 has been a predominately okay year for music so far. In terms of uniqueness, artistry, and energy, this year was not as impactful or mind-blowingly awesome as previous years to say the least.

Nonetheless, there are a handful of songs that have blessed the eardrums of humanity within the year. Consider them precious pearls, hidden away in a bed of musically off-putting oysters. Now, before I delve into this list I would just like to make it known that this is MY PERSONAL LIST.

So, if your favorite was somehow not included it does not mean that I think they’re less talented or anything of the sort. Truly, to each their own.

And for me, these 5 songs have been consistently on repeat in my music library and are hands down some of the most brilliantly pieced-together material of the year.  So, with that said I hope you enjoy the list. 

#5. Azealia Banks – Anna Wintour

Okay, I can already feel the hate comments flying in like a horde of mosquitoes whenever the power goes out.  However, I unapologetically stand by this listing. Say what you want about her obsessive twitter fingering or her multitude of social media feuds but, do not deny her talent.

With the very danceable and uplifting “Anna Wintour” Miss Banks delivers one of the hottest pop/hip-hop numbers of 2018. Having been inspired by moments where she has found God and a portion of one of her previous tracks “Ice Princess”, she cleverly crafts this runway-esque jam.

From the jump, the hypnotic pounding of drums bring you into a head-bobbing groove, giving you a heads up that this is truly shaping up to be an eventful track.

And sure enough, Azealia pulls throw immediately with sonically pleasing vocals “i’m so cold, I’m so grown, I’m so real life…” ,she sings as the beat continues to rhythmically pulsate in the background.

As the song nears its chorus, there’s a fiery fusion of techno and house vibes culminating with a slightly distorted backing vocal. At this point, you’re pretty much engrossed in the charisma of this song and expect Azealia to return with more steady vocals.

However, you couldn’t be more wrong because in the second verse she throws a curve ball and starts belting raunchy lyrics that work rather well. “YOUR DUUUUDE CAME TO ROCK FOR ME, HOT BODY YES, I GOT IT GOT IT!”, she chants in this rowdy rhetoric, completely contrasting her soothing vocals heard earlier in the song.

And if that were’t enough, she follows by effortlessly delivering a punchy rap verse (Which I have committed to memory at this point) that adds an extra pinch of pizzazz to the track.

Truly in this one-of-a-kind musical ensemble, Azealia Banks showcases her great lyricism, impressive vocal capabilities, and her overall versatility as an artist. And proves yet again why she’s Penthouse and her contemporaries may very well be Trap-house and rhinestones.

#4. Childish Gambino – This Is America

Having being someone who hasn’t really delved into Gambino’s discography, I did not know what to expect heading into this track. But, boy oh boy, was I truly impressed.

From the inception I’m instantly drawn in by the almost haunting backing vocals and subtle ad-libs that are reminiscent of sounds of cheering and mourning.

These sounds alternate continuously as Gambino starts to mouth his first set of words. “We just wanna party/ Party just for you” , he crows softly as you begin swaying to surrealism of the melody.

Then BANG! “This is America/ Don’t catch you slipping now” , Gambino spits coldly as the chaotic beat switch-up arrives in its full-on glory, advancing the song to an entirely new level.

Upon initial listen, your eyes almost cliff-dive out of your head due to shock. Truly, as the intensity of the chorus carries you though a series of head-bobs, you cannot help but tap into your subconscious, especially when more and more of the lyrics begin to settle in.

At this point, you now realize that this isn’t just another Hip-Hop banger; its layered with so many social, political, and cultural messages that reflect our harsh reality.

But, before you become completely consumed by your innermost thoughts, a choir section comes to lift your spirits in a soulful serenade “Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, tell somebody/ You go tell somebody”. The mental break ends soon enough as the chorus returns with its sinisterly-brilliant snare.

This pattern of breaking then returning to meaningful thought continues up until the song’s outro.  Where the ad-libs provided by Young Thug work perfectly with this cerebral siren sound that kind of reminds me of an alien abduction for whatever odd reason.

In any event, Gambino delivers one of the wokest songs of 2018. With each replay it proves itself to be more than a powerhouse track but, a message to the collective consciousness of humanity, one that truly proclaims, This is America.

It’s surely one of the best songs to hit the mainstream this year. And don’t even get me started on the music video. Well done, Gambino. Well done. 

#3. Wallows – Pictures of Girls 

Now, most of you may be wondering who the hell is this musical trio. Let alone, what in blue blazes is a Wallows? Nevertheless, some of you may recognize the front man of this band, Dylan Minnette who plays Clay Jensen in the critically acclaimed and oftentimes controversial Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why. Yes, ladies and gentlemen he acts and sings.

But enough about Dylan, this trio has been on the music scene for quite sometime now. Their “Spring EP” , was released April of this year and subsequently spawned 6 songs, the latter being its lead single “Pictures of Girls”. And I’ve got to say, it’s a tasteful tune.

From the start, the magnetic rifts of the guitar bring you to a place of nostalgia. Yet, you’re not entirely sure that this trip down memory lane is completely yours.

As the song progresses, the setting becomes more transparent as Dylan sings the opening verse with somewhat of a drag to his voice, “I see the end, you wait for nothing”. You’re now starting to realize that it’s the band’s nostalgic-trip you’re experiencing first-hand.

And with this newfound realization, you lay your mind to rest and enjoy the ride filled with succulent synthesizers and peachy percussion that bursts out of its skin at the right moments.

Now encapsulated by the song’s euphoria, you’re brought to a halt at the bridge. (Which is probably my favorite part next to the guitar) This is the part of the song where you fully feel the band’s lament for losing this friend, loved-one, or significant other.

 “You should be down in Hollywood, (You should be down in Hollywood)” , the trio sings interchangeably, creating a storm of emotions. The highly repetitive bridge which doubles as the outro works surprisingly well as you are now being coerced back into reality, exiting the band’s blast from the past. Only to quickly spam the replay button and relive the adventure all over again.

All in all, this band may not be the most vocally gifted but, they are surely getting better and are doing justice to the alternative/indie genre(s). And with “Pictures of Girls” they’ve not only made a promising mark in music, but surely proved why they should be down in Hollywood.

#2. Panic! At The Disco – (F**k A) Silver Lining

Arguably the second group entry on this list, Brendon Urie, Mr. Panic! At The Disco surpasses expectations with this zesty, zingy burst of musical genius,  which doubles as the “Pray for The Wicked” album opener.

Ever been lured into a false sense of security only to be shocked beyond recollection? Well that’s exactly how this track starts off. “Ode to the old, and to the new/ We rededicate this song to you”  mouths this seasoned voice, giving the impression that listeners should brace themselves for jaunty, jazzy melody only to be sucker-punched in the best way possible!

Indeed, Urie starts yelling expletives as the sounds of what appears to be a live band pick up the momentum and help deliver an upbeat chorus. As Brendon begins howling that “Only gold is hot enough” , you start to feel energized and oddly enough empowered by the saying.

As the very on-beat drums, sly guitar chords, and zappy horns work seamlessly together throughout the song , you can actually feel your endorphins kicking in . So much so, that you may not necessarily pay close attention to the lyrics during the first few listens, given the infectious groove. ( I know I didn’t) 

And at this point if you’re not completely won over, Urie expertly pulls off some ear-gasmic high notes and falsettos, which help elevate the song and your enjoyment of it to a brand-new atmosphere.

All you can do now is press replay as you sing and curse along to the accustomed awesomeness of this track. As time progresses, the lyrics will start to register and you’ll soon realize that complacency is limiting yourself and that giving your best is what truly matters. 

Ultimately, Brendon Urie showcased yet again why he is able to stand alone as a whole band; his vocal register is truly something to behold. “(F**k A) Silver Lining” is short, sweet, and to the point. In a word, I’d say it’s everything. And everything is cherries on top.

**Honorable Mentions**

  • Ella Mai – Boo’d Up

  • Cardi B – Get Up 10

  • Kendrick Lamar ft. SZA – All The Stars

  • Camilla Cabello – Never Be The Same

  • Ariana Grande – No Tears Left To Cry

 

#1. Janelle Monáe – I Like That

Not only has Monae delivered one of the better albums of 2018, she has found her way at the top of this list. Every single time this wonderful work of art starts playing, my immediate response is the throw my hands up like I’m in a divine worship service.

As the heavenly harmonies rush you into a world all your own, you start to feel as if you’re undergoing a supernatural experience. As you sway and even snap along to the soul-snatching goodness, Janelle’s lyrics begin to register smoothly and coherently.

“Walking contradiction, guess I’m factual and fiction/ A little crazy, little sexy, little cool” , she admits as she continues to emphasize the fact that she’s sometimes all over the place and difficult to read. These are some of the many series of oxymorons fostered throughout the song. In fact, they all work so beautifully together, you may start to wonder how could this experience become even more heightened?

Then it hits you.  Those wooing harmonies make their triumphant return as the song transitions into arguably its best part. “Oh me, oh me, oh me, oh my” , Janelle chimes calmly. The repeated simplicity of this section gives the song a playful and near-majestic flair all its own.

As you gladly consume the song’s themes of going against the norm, self-love, and self-acceptance, you may assume that the song doesn’t have anymore tricks up its sleeves.

But once again, it hits you. Particularly, the third verse where Miss Janelle Monae raps, addressing a past bullying experience. With lines like “I remember when you called me weird/ We was in math class, third row, I was sitting by you” ,the tune immediately becomes more relatable and dear to your heart, as most of us can recall moments of being teased and or bullied for being different in the way we looked or the way we dressed.

You somehow feel her story, all the frustration and torment she endured during that period of her life. Luckily, you also get to experience her resolution as she comes into her own, fully accepts her eccentricity, and rightfully puts all the haters on blast. “But even back then with the tears in my eyes, I always knew I was the shit”.

And the shit she is. Although criminally underrated, Janelle Monae proved once again that she’s more than fully capable of delivering the goods with this spiritually anthemic track. I mean, what else is there to say?  I Like That.

Did you agree with today’s list? What songs are your fave from 2018 so far? Let me know in the comment section below.

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