Another year has passed by and I guess that means it’s time for my yearly music highlights from the past year. As always, I’ve put all my favourite music together in a playlist on Spotify. I hope you find something in there that you like too.
Have a listen for yourself:
That’ll keep you at it for 12 hours and 16 minutes apparently.
Highlights
There are a few bits and pieces from 2018 that are worth singling out.
Janelle Monae – Dirty Computer
An amazing album from an amazing artist. I was blown away by this album and listened to it over and over again. It wasn’t just an album either, there was film that went with it and some fantastic music videos too. What a talent.
The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
I’ve been a fan of the The 1975 ever since their first EP. This album really is something and it is a real pleasure to see how this band have continued to grow and strive to push further and further with each record they make. This record is stunning from beginning to end.
Oh it is so good to finally have some new music by Robyn at last, and she certainly didn’t disappoint. The title track is hypnotic and wonderful.
I guess it wouldn’t be me unless I managed to slip in something Icelandic. I had the very great pleasure of seeing Ólafur live at the Royal Albert Hall this year and it was a magical concert.
Childish Gambino – This Is America
Music video of the year, no question. I watched it over and over again. It really is a work of art.
Christine and the Queens – Chris
It’s amazing to see an artist that is so in control of their identity. The first album was already one of my highlights back in 2016, so I was delighted that this album was also fantastic.
The greatest super-group ever? It is certainly shaping up that way and this collaboration between Labrinth, Sia and Diplo is bringing the best out of each of them and they haven’t put a foot wrong over the four songs they have released in 2018. Album please!
Really loved this EP and I’m really excited about what the future holds for him.
What a talent Sigrid is. I think I have loved everything she has released so far and she just seems to be getting better and better. I am very excited about her debut album which is coming in 2019.
Absolutely loved this album. Every one of the songs is fantastic and I think this might be my favourite thing she has ever done.
I got very addicted to this song and video and I played it relentlessly through the summer.
Rae Morris – Someone Out There
I wrote in 2017 about how massively addicted I was to the single Do It and I’m very happy that the album turned out to be smashing too.
Joji – SLOW DANCING IN THE DARK
Stumbled across this great track late one night on YouTube. I love the song and in particular the great big wall of synth that builds and builds during the choruses.
George Ezra – Staying at Tamara’s
This album has been everywhere this year – and for good reason, it’s catchy as hell. I noticed Joel Pott’s name on the credits, which might have something to do with it as I was a big fan of the band Athlete. I must also say that I much prefer his lyric videos to the proper full blown ones. The DIY approach works much better for me.
I’ve been following this band for a while now and have really enjoyed their EPs and singles. However for this fantastically retro track that have made one of the funniest videos of the year. I also find it very amusing how much the lead singer’s 80s styling looks almost exactly like my brother (sorry Anthony).
So there we go, that’s 2018 over with. I hope you found something musical or otherwise that moved you in some way during the year. Here’s to great things in 2019, which will hopefully include some more of my own music – including an album and a soundtrack too. Exciting!
Stephen.
Stephen Caulfield 