Rhy Speaks: On Her Top-5 Albums of 2018
I found new music in 2018 to be relatively unimpressive. No one’s album release had me stanning this year; in fact, the album that probably got most of my spins was Kendrick Lamar’s DAMN, which came out in April 2017. Meanwhile, Drake had the entire 2018 on lock: it felt like every song on the radio was either his or included one of his coveted features. I cannot be mad at the hustle, but I can be annoyed by it. Scorpion was simply another Drake album: lots of bops, nothing special, nothing out of his ordinary. I truthfully didn’t have any anticipated releases for 2018 (I do for 2019, however, so I’m much more excited). My favorite artists were more or less on hiatus, except for Beyoncé (and her husband). No one worked harder than them, with two tour runs and a studio album. Long story short: pulling together my five favorite music projects of 2018 was a struggle. Hopefully you’re able to find something new.
5. Kali Uchis • Isolation
Kali released Isolation, her first studio album, in April, but I had no clue about until it at all until November. She is categorized as an R&B singer, but she gives more of a neo-soul-plus-reggaeton vibe through her music, which is right up my alley. I’m a sucker for chill, jazz club-type music and that is precisely her sound. Featuring guest turns from Tyler, The Creator and the infamous Bootsy Collins(!), this up-and-coming artist is creating her own musical lane through her exploration of various genres, creating a final product that fits my palate perfectly.
I am typically not a fan of Beyoncé and JAY-Z tracks, but EVERYTHING IS LOVE as a total project proved me completely wrong. It is black, fun, thoughtful, and Beyoncé is rapping. What more could I ask for? The album is only 9 tracks, but each one is a bop on its own. EIL seemed to be thoughtfully curated and features the strengths of both Bey and Jay. This album is a natural progression of each artist’s catalog, and for that reason alone it was pretty hard to resist. I talked mad trash about not wanting to see Beyoncé and JAY-Z live, but the joke’s on me, because I missed one of the best shows money could buy.
If there were an album that I actually anticipated this year, it was definitely this one. Quickly becoming one of my favorite artists, Bassy completely delivered on his third album. Milky Way’s first 5 tracks are all heavy-hitters, each one seemingly better than the last. This is one of those projects where your favorite song changes with each listen, so on any given day your opinion on the album’s best track could change. I purchased the actual physical compact disc; I’ve been riding around to it for a little while now, and I’ve been able to fully engulf myself in it. Unquestionably, Bas’s musical growth from where he started to now is amazing. Minus the presence of The Hics, this was the most complete album for me in 2018.
Somewhat similar to Kali Uchis, Alina Baraz has a neo-soul, lounge singer vibe about her music that I adore. The Color of You got the most plays, front-to-back, of any album from me in 2018. Not only does she make my favorite type of music; she included two duets with Khalid that are so lovely. Her voice is remarkably soothing, bright, and refreshing. If you listen to no other projects else on this list, please listen to Kali’s.
1. Mac Miller • Swimming
I won’t discuss my heartbreak with this one. In fact, I listened to Swimming in my car for three straight months just to ease my heartbreak. I love this album in all forms: Tiny Desk, Spotify Sessions, CD, streams, however. Mostly everyone sees Swimming as a melancholy album, an omen of Mac’s impending demise. But after spending so much time with it, I came to a completely opposite conclusion (save maybe two or three tracks). What I found most impressive and apparent throughout this project is Mac’s musical growth and emotional maturity. Even more, as a duo, Mac and Thundercat were something otherworldly, and it makes me incredibly sad that we will never experience them as a pairing again. Swimming continued Mac’s incredible trajectory towards making amazing, thoughtful, undeniable music, which is definitely why I enjoy it so much. Mac’s potential shines so bright on this album. Swimming was, by far, the best album of 2018.