2018 Favorite Albums (5-1)

And finally, my top albums of the year:

5. The 1975 - A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships

Brash, bold, insufferably pretentious, overstuffed, brilliant, and a record that is completely of its time.



4. Low - Double Negative

Low completely subvert their traditional slowcore sound on this astonishing record. Double Negative is a sinister, haunting look at the horrific state of the world, with the band's harmonies clouded and manipulated with electronic effects.



3. Half Waif - Lavender

Emotionally resonant synthpop. Nandi Rose Plunkett draws you in with her warm voice and insightful lyrics, while the dense layered keyboards and beats wraps you up and holds tight.



2. Yves Tumor - Safe in the Hands of Love

2018 was the year experimental pop made great strides. And no one was more brilliant than Yves Tumor, who crafted some of the most challenging and yet catchy music of the year. Safe in the Hands of Love dove straight into the abyss of toxic relationships and the dangers of modern living. I am still trying to catch my breath.



1. Rosalía - El Mal Querer

Rosalía's modern update of flamenco music is a witness to the future of music, and is my album of the year. El Mal Querer blurs the lines between pop, flamenco, R&B, hip-hop, and is the type of music that defies quick categorization and transcends borders.