I don't know about you, but I'm absolutely obsessed with music. I grew up listening to artists ranging from The Beatles all the way to Linkin Park (as you can tell, my parents had a very diverse music taste, and still do).
My Spotify Wrapped for this year told me that I listened to music for over 50,000 minutes. Absolutely insane, but not surprising since I listen to music every single day. Music makes me who I am. It's the reason I met some of my best friends, through our connection with a specific artist or album.
One thing for sure is that 2018 was a prime time for music. I'm going to share what I believe are the best albums to have been released this year, and I hope 2019 only brings more to the table.
Note: These are in no specific order (except for the last one, I do have a favorite), and yes, I'm aware I have a somewhat wide range in genres. Let's begin!
1. "Trench" by Twenty One Pilots
Trench by Twenty One Pilots
I was introduced to this band in eighth grade, and I've loved them ever since. Their music not only has a strong message, but super upbeat instrumentals as well. Since their last album and tour, Blurryface, they've gone on an almost two-year hiatus, and many thought they wouldn't ever come back. But eventually they did and trust me - it was worth the wait. I love almost every song on my album, and you can tell their style changed from their older work, but in the best way possible. Trench gives a perfect balance of songs you can scream the lyrics and dance your heart out to, to songs you can play while it's raining out and maybe cry a bit too. My favorite song on this incredible album is 'Morph.'
2. "Pray For The Wicked" by Panic! At The Disco
Pray For The Wicked by Panic! At The Disco
Such an iconic band with iconic songs. I used to watch the music video for I Write Sins Not Tragedies on VH1 when I was younger, and completely forgot about them until I began to get back into their current music. This album was a complete shock to many because frontman Brendon Urie released it unexpectedly online. Nonetheless, I fell in love with it right away and even got tickets to see them in July (it was SO much fun). This album is definitely one to blast in your room and dance around to. So many bops. My favorite song on this album is 'Hey Look Ma, I Made It.'
3. "iridescence" by BROCKHAMPTON
iridescence by BROCKHAMPTON
I'm absolutely obsessed with BROCKHAMPTON. I listen to their songs multiple times throughout the day, and I love reading their Genius tabs on Spotify because they're just absolutely, well, genius. Definitely the best boyband since One Direction, as they say. This album marked a new era for this boyband since their last three albums followed a trilogy theme titled 'SATURATION.' But, they still kept their hype beats and fresh lyrics. BROCKHAMPTON is starting to gain a lot of popularity, and rightfully so because they're incredible and just make me feel so many emotions while I'm listening to their music. This album is one you should blast on a long car ride home. My favorite song on this album is 'TONYA.'
4. "Suncity" by Khalid
Suncity by Khalid
I love Khalid. He's definitely one of my favorite artists and has one of my favorite voices of all time. I've just been starting to get into his work recently, but I wish I got into it sooner. This album consists of seven songs, and honestly, they're probably some of the best songs he's ever released. I can definitely see a switch from his previous album, this one appears to be more fresh and chill. It's an album that you can listen to no matter what mood you're in. My favorite song on this album is 'Saturday Nights.'
5. "Shawn Mendes" by Shawn Mendes
Shawn Mendes by Shawn Mendes
I might've saved the best for last... sorry not sorry. I can confidently say that this was my favorite album of 2018. I found myself constantly replaying it, and Shawn even ended up being my top played artist on my Spotify Wrapped, not a shock at all. I was always fond of Shawn Mendes but never listened to his music until this album. I love absolutely every song on this album, it's such a great one to play while you're cleaning your room, driving, exercising, etc. It's just perfect. While Shawn may seem like just another Justin Bieber (no offense, love you JB), he's much more than that. He brings much more to the table, and his genuine personality only makes it better. My favorite song on this album is 'Lost in Japan.'
I hope you all take the time to listen at least one of these albums because trust me, they're as good as I'm hyping them up to be. It's been a great year for music in 2018, and I can't wait to see what 2019 brings.
