2018 has been a great year for music already, the past few weeks alone have seen a surprise Beyonce and Jay-Z album, new Drake, new Florence + The Machine, there’s even a Paul McCartney album coming. But with so much incredibly exciting music being released, it’s easy to let a few good albums slip past your earholes.
To help you out, I’ve put together a small list of some top quality releases from this year. It’s definitely not an exhaustive list, but it should keep you busy for a few hours of listening.
Let’s Eat Grandma – I’m All Ears
The second album from Jenny Hollingworth and Rosa Walton, I’m all years shows the 18 and 19 year old artist’s music maturing at a rapid pace beyond their years. With Production from David Wrench (Bat For Lashes), and Sophie (Charli XCX, Vince Staples, Madonna), the album finds them experimenting more than ever with their music. It also sees them more confident than ever in their own sound.
Kota Banks – Prize
Signed to Nina Las Vegas Records, Kota Banks has had a whirlwind 8 months since her first single “Holiday” was released at the end of last year. Now fresh off a national tour with What So Not, she has released her first mixtape, just in time for her national tour and BIGSOUND debut.
It’s all killer, no filler, beginning to end bangers. Try your best to hold yourself back from bopping.
Lily Allen – No Shame
Lily Allen has had a rough few years to say the least; divorce, a stalker breaking into her home and threatening her, and constant online abuse. 2018 finds her in her most confident state yet when it comes to music and media. Her recent album addresses all these things. More personal and intimate album than any of her previous albums, the honest songwriting and simple production makes it the album everyone wanted instead of Sheezus.
Snail Mail – Lush
Another incredible 19 year old on the list. Snail Mail started as the solo project of Lindsey Jordan in 2015. After two EPs, Jordan signed to Matador records last year and released one of the most exciting indie rock debuts of 2018 with Lush.
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Now touring with a two-piece band, hopefully she comes to Australia soon so I can have my heart torn apart hearing “Speaking Terms” live.
King Princess – Make My Bed EP
At this point, the number of artists on this list that are younger than me is making me feel like I’ve achieved nothing with my life. Luckily King Princess has the perfect melancholy-pop to listen and sulk about yourself to.
The debut EP from the 19 year old is a stunning beginning to her career, and also a great start for Mark Ronson’s record label Zelig.
Tove Styrke – Sway
In the past six months Tove Styrke has managed to open for Lorde and Katy Perry on tour, make it out to Australia for two shows, get in the top 50 most played songs on Triple J of 2018 so far, and release her third album. Not a bad effort at all.
The album is short but sweet, full of well written infectious pop-bops. At only 8 tracks, it leaves you wanting more, but that can only be seen as a good thing really.
Rae Morris – Someone Out There
Released earlier this year, Someone Out There is the sophomore album by UK singer/songwriter Rae Morris. More electronic than her debut, the album still manages to let Morris’ songwriting and voice shine through.
The album is an exciting step for the singer. Whether it’s the poppy tracks like “Dip My Toe”, or the more laid back songs such as “Dancing With Character”, every song holds it’s own.
