BEST MUSIC 2018

It’s time to celebrate all that was noteworthy and beautiful in the musical realm for 2018. Each year the list gets shorter and the search points get wider and more obscure. As such, I have pulled some amazing cuts from many random places, playlists, blogs, and serendipitous intervention. I listen to releases on a weekly basis and I update my list daily, always excited for the latest and greatest new song. All year my friends and I shared tunes, drinks, laughs, and car rides chatting late into the evenings about “Who’s going to be your number one!? Oh, ____should definitely make the list!” It’s like a secret club we are all a part of comparing lists, sharing new songs, and trying to be the first to hear the coolest stuff.

I was really floored with my number one choice this year based on sheer emotional attachment to the video. I broke into tears on the first view and I knew there was something special about it. For that, I had to hold it up as a work of strength emotionally, musically, and lyrically. It presses all the right buttons for me while still being succinct and honest.

My second choice is a complete contrast entirely. This song infused humor, dead pan wit, and sarcasm into a straight-shooting romp with virtually no melody, just speaking. It’s a timeless classic to me because of how free it feels. The hipster is dead and I believe this is going to be a new trend in the musical future – simply not caring. We need more of that now at a time when everyone is pouring over their social media feeds obsessively seeking validation overly concerned with what everyone else thinks of them. Its time to let go of the external judgment and embrace being ourselves.

The list is comprised of mostly new and unknown indie artists, which is refreshing. Most of the usual suspects didn’t make the rounds this year and it’s lovely to have such a diverse offering from very young and eager new acts. As always it is a testament to my musical discovery adventures to share the gold with you all and expose the next breed of those who might not get a chance to be heard otherwise.

Enjoy the list!