Top 100 Music Albums of 2018
by 
babyBlueSedan 
Guess it's about time I make one of these. I've been pretty ambivalent about listening to music lately so I haven't listened to much from 2018, but I'll throw what I have heard here. If you want to know how this chart works check my other recent year charts because I'm too lazy to paste it here. Basically check out anything I rated 65 or above.
Now 45% less apathetic, with (mostly nonsensical) genres!
**Update 2/19/20: The first post-2018 update has arrived. Only messed with the stuff at 70 or higher
- Chart updated: 02/20/2020 01:45
- (Created: 03/24/2018 16:39).
- Chart size: 100 albums.
There are 4 comments for this chart from BestEverAlbums.com members and Top 100 Music Albums of 2018 has an average rating of 91 out of 100 (from 7 votes). Please log in or register to leave a comment or assign a rating.
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100/100
Rambler-songwriter
I wasn't super into A Crow Looked At Me, because as heartbreaking and touching as it was it was a bit of a painful listen. Not just because of the subject matter but because the songs didn't always flow very well. This one's got all of the touching sadness as well as some real songs.
Distortion is my song of the year so far and I could probably write a few paragraphs alone on why that song is so great. Instead I'll just say that the last verse is one of the saddest things I've ever heard and that Phil's description of death gets me every time:
"And then distortion
And then the silence of space
The night palace
The ocean blurring"
There's also the verse about how he almost got someone pregnant, which eventually ends up with him rambling existentially about how his ancestors will remember him and how his life is nothing but a series of events but then abruptly ends with "but she had her period eventually and I went back to being 23." But enough about that song. The title track is great because a lot of it is reflecting on his previous album and how such a dark piece of work got him the accolades that it did. It also has an out-of-nowhere chorus that I won't spoil if you haven't heard it but it's simultaneously the funniest and most shocking part of the album. [First added to this chart: 04/05/2018]
Rambler-songwriter
I wasn't super into A Crow Looked At Me, because as heartbreaking and touching as it was it was a bit of a painful listen. Not just because of the subject matter but because the songs didn't always flow very well. This one's got all of the touching sadness as well as some real songs.
Distortion is my song of the year so far and I could probably write a few paragraphs alone on why that song is so great. Instead I'll just say that the last verse is one of the saddest things I've ever heard and that Phil's description of death gets me every time:
"And then distortion
And then the silence of space
The night palace
The ocean blurring"
There's also the verse about how he almost got someone pregnant, which eventually ends up with him rambling existentially about how his ancestors will remember him and how his life is nothing but a series of events but then abruptly ends with "but she had her period eventually and I went back to being 23." But enough about that song. The title track is great because a lot of it is reflecting on his previous album and how such a dark piece of work got him the accolades that it did. It also has an out-of-nowhere chorus that I won't spoil if you haven't heard it but it's simultaneously the funniest and most shocking part of the album. [First added to this chart: 04/05/2018]
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
548
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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85/100
Reflective singer songwriter with rock out moments
There are some really great opening lines on this thing, like "Waiting for your short hair to grow back to the way you like it, I regret ever implying you could be better," which seems like it was written specifically for me to appreciate. Also "The first time I tasted somebody else's spit I had a coughing fit." The lyrics tend to cool off after this opening greatness, but that doesn't mean the songs aren't worth listening to. There's a lot of introspection here that really tickles my fancy, and the songs know exactly when to rock out. Night Shift is one of my favorite songs of the year, and the rest ain't too shabby either. [First added to this chart: 04/05/2018]
Reflective singer songwriter with rock out moments
There are some really great opening lines on this thing, like "Waiting for your short hair to grow back to the way you like it, I regret ever implying you could be better," which seems like it was written specifically for me to appreciate. Also "The first time I tasted somebody else's spit I had a coughing fit." The lyrics tend to cool off after this opening greatness, but that doesn't mean the songs aren't worth listening to. There's a lot of introspection here that really tickles my fancy, and the songs know exactly when to rock out. Night Shift is one of my favorite songs of the year, and the rest ain't too shabby either. [First added to this chart: 04/05/2018]
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
470
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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85/100
Glam country pop
I feel a bit disappointed by this only because everyone is raving about it and I think it's merely very good. It treads a weird place behind country and straight up pop, and at times I wish it leaned further in either direction. But there are some tremendous songs here - Space Cowboy is one of my favorites of the year - and I can see it getting a lot of plays from me. [First added to this chart: 05/03/2018]
Glam country pop
I feel a bit disappointed by this only because everyone is raving about it and I think it's merely very good. It treads a weird place behind country and straight up pop, and at times I wish it leaned further in either direction. But there are some tremendous songs here - Space Cowboy is one of my favorites of the year - and I can see it getting a lot of plays from me. [First added to this chart: 05/03/2018]
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
2,154
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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85/100
Country emo
If you haven't read the Pitchfork article about Evan Stephens Hall and the accusations against him, I highly recommend reading it. While the explanation doesn't really make me forgive him
(I'm not the person that should be forgiving him but I don't know what other word to use) I think it at least makes me feel better about continuing to listen to Pinegrove. At the heart of their music is a sense of trying to become better while still figuring life out, and Hall's response to the whole situation seems to fit in line with that theme. I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to Cardinal quite the same way again, but there's something to be said about an artist who knows they were in the wrong and are looking to make amends.
Lost in the shuffle of Skylight being shelved and then coming out with tons more information on the Hall situation is that the album was completely written and recorded before the allegations were made public. So this isn't an apology record, and if you're looking for insight into what Hall learned you're not going to find it here. It's mostly just a continuation of Cardinal, though it feels much less focused on relationships and more focused on overcoming life's obstacles. For me the standout is Darkness, where hall sings about having darkness on his mind and hoping to find someone who understands. There's a great line about being angry and knowing that being angry is weak, which is the kind of vulnerability and self-awareness I loved on Cardinal. On Skylight Hall sings that "whatever you're feeling is natural" which has already helped me through a couple rough nights.
The thing that makes Skylight stand out a bit from Cardinal is that it feels very pieced together given that a few of the songs are only a minute or so long. But it really helps the album flow well, and one of those songs (Thanksgiving) is one of the best songs here and another (Angelina) is an old Pinegrove song that I'm really really glad found its way onto an album. [First added to this chart: 10/29/2018]
Country emo
If you haven't read the Pitchfork article about Evan Stephens Hall and the accusations against him, I highly recommend reading it. While the explanation doesn't really make me forgive him
(I'm not the person that should be forgiving him but I don't know what other word to use) I think it at least makes me feel better about continuing to listen to Pinegrove. At the heart of their music is a sense of trying to become better while still figuring life out, and Hall's response to the whole situation seems to fit in line with that theme. I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to Cardinal quite the same way again, but there's something to be said about an artist who knows they were in the wrong and are looking to make amends.
Lost in the shuffle of Skylight being shelved and then coming out with tons more information on the Hall situation is that the album was completely written and recorded before the allegations were made public. So this isn't an apology record, and if you're looking for insight into what Hall learned you're not going to find it here. It's mostly just a continuation of Cardinal, though it feels much less focused on relationships and more focused on overcoming life's obstacles. For me the standout is Darkness, where hall sings about having darkness on his mind and hoping to find someone who understands. There's a great line about being angry and knowing that being angry is weak, which is the kind of vulnerability and self-awareness I loved on Cardinal. On Skylight Hall sings that "whatever you're feeling is natural" which has already helped me through a couple rough nights.
The thing that makes Skylight stand out a bit from Cardinal is that it feels very pieced together given that a few of the songs are only a minute or so long. But it really helps the album flow well, and one of those songs (Thanksgiving) is one of the best songs here and another (Angelina) is an old Pinegrove song that I'm really really glad found its way onto an album. [First added to this chart: 10/29/2018]
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85/100
Nonchalant rock
I may be a cis white male but this album is pretty kickass. This is a so-easy-it's-lazy comparison but it really feels a lot like Exile in Guyville in places. Not so much because of the subject matter (Exile was much more about self-reflection and this album focuses more on society's gender norms and such) but because of the passionate yet not really dynamic vocals and nonchalant instrumentation. But it still carves it's own path, with some really memorable lines and catchy grooves. There's a bit of a dry stretch in the middle, but the closer more than makes up for that. [First added to this chart: 04/05/2018]
Nonchalant rock
I may be a cis white male but this album is pretty kickass. This is a so-easy-it's-lazy comparison but it really feels a lot like Exile in Guyville in places. Not so much because of the subject matter (Exile was much more about self-reflection and this album focuses more on society's gender norms and such) but because of the passionate yet not really dynamic vocals and nonchalant instrumentation. But it still carves it's own path, with some really memorable lines and catchy grooves. There's a bit of a dry stretch in the middle, but the closer more than makes up for that. [First added to this chart: 04/05/2018]
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80/100
Supergroup folk
What do you get when you add
1. My favorite new songwriter and creator of my 2017 AOTY
2. The creator of a top 3 2018 album
3. A songwriter I've never enjoyed
The answer is a pretty decent EP. I obviously enjoy Bridgers's song the best, but there isn't a dull moment here. Would have loved a full album though. [First added to this chart: 11/19/2018]
Supergroup folk
What do you get when you add
1. My favorite new songwriter and creator of my 2017 AOTY
2. The creator of a top 3 2018 album
3. A songwriter I've never enjoyed
The answer is a pretty decent EP. I obviously enjoy Bridgers's song the best, but there isn't a dull moment here. Would have loved a full album though. [First added to this chart: 11/19/2018]
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
401
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
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80/100
Awww shit, did he just say that? rap
Unlike Kanye's album, this does not feel hastily put-together. Mostly because Pusha T has some great lyrics that cover up the fact that some of the songs don't really go anywhere. The beats are great though, and there are some good hooks. The length is a bit disappointing though - I don't mind an easily consumable album but it never really feels like it gets going until it's over. [First added to this chart: 06/07/2018]
Awww shit, did he just say that? rap
Unlike Kanye's album, this does not feel hastily put-together. Mostly because Pusha T has some great lyrics that cover up the fact that some of the songs don't really go anywhere. The beats are great though, and there are some good hooks. The length is a bit disappointing though - I don't mind an easily consumable album but it never really feels like it gets going until it's over. [First added to this chart: 06/07/2018]
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
1,846
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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80/100
Afro party jazz
Hey, I like jazz now
Afro party jazz
Hey, I like jazz now
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
810
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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80/100
Drunken post punk
It would take a lot for me to say an Iceage album is better than Plowing Into the Field of Love, but this is still a solid try. Iceage is back with the slurred Danish vocals, which is the perfect addition to their shambolic version of post punk. Catch It is the best song here, there's really no weak track on this fist-pumping joy ride. [First added to this chart: 06/07/2018]
Drunken post punk
It would take a lot for me to say an Iceage album is better than Plowing Into the Field of Love, but this is still a solid try. Iceage is back with the slurred Danish vocals, which is the perfect addition to their shambolic version of post punk. Catch It is the best song here, there's really no weak track on this fist-pumping joy ride. [First added to this chart: 06/07/2018]
Year of Release:
2018
Appears in:
Rank Score:
299
Rank in 2018:
Rank in 2010s:
Overall Rank:
Average Rating:
Comments:
Buy album
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80/100
Female-fronted folk/indie rock
Painted Shut was an album that I liked upon release but got really into lately. Over the past year it's become an album I put on whenever I can't decide what to listen to, and as such I'd become really excited for the follow-up. I was initially a biiit disappointed, because this new one doesn't rock nearly as hard as Painted Shut. But I couldn't stop listening to it, and now I'm thinking it might be better. It's a much more detailed, nuanced album and tries a lot more interesting things.
Besides, I never liked Hop Along because they rocked out. I liked them because:
- Frances Quinlan is the best rock vocalist of the decade. This album doesn't change that opinion of mine.
- They right songs about really interesting things. Painted Shut contained songs about: the life of Jackson C. Frank, being visited by a Jehovah's Witness, seeing a father abuse his son and not knowing what to do, seeing your ex's new girlfriend while working as a waitress, and meeting a waitress in West Virginia who looks just like you. Very simple concepts, but they got very deep somehow. The songs on this new one aren't much different, though they're also not as easy to pin down. But there's a song about getting freaked out by a running fox and another that I think might be inspired by Something Wicked This Way Comes (Not Abel). But the best song is Prior Things, which starts with some amazing strings and this untouchable opening line:
"Just a few minutes after taking them I realized
Hundreds of buzzing flies were all over me" [First added to this chart: 06/06/2018]
Female-fronted folk/indie rock
Painted Shut was an album that I liked upon release but got really into lately. Over the past year it's become an album I put on whenever I can't decide what to listen to, and as such I'd become really excited for the follow-up. I was initially a biiit disappointed, because this new one doesn't rock nearly as hard as Painted Shut. But I couldn't stop listening to it, and now I'm thinking it might be better. It's a much more detailed, nuanced album and tries a lot more interesting things.
Besides, I never liked Hop Along because they rocked out. I liked them because:
- Frances Quinlan is the best rock vocalist of the decade. This album doesn't change that opinion of mine.
- They right songs about really interesting things. Painted Shut contained songs about: the life of Jackson C. Frank, being visited by a Jehovah's Witness, seeing a father abuse his son and not knowing what to do, seeing your ex's new girlfriend while working as a waitress, and meeting a waitress in West Virginia who looks just like you. Very simple concepts, but they got very deep somehow. The songs on this new one aren't much different, though they're also not as easy to pin down. But there's a song about getting freaked out by a running fox and another that I think might be inspired by Something Wicked This Way Comes (Not Abel). But the best song is Prior Things, which starts with some amazing strings and this untouchable opening line:
"Just a few minutes after taking them I realized
Hundreds of buzzing flies were all over me" [First added to this chart: 06/06/2018]
Total albums: 100. Page 1 of 10
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Top 100 Music Albums of 2018 composition
| Artist | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| Pinegrove | 1 | 1% | |
| Robyn | 1 | 1% | |
| Teyana Taylor | 1 | 1% | |
| Big Red Machine | 1 | 1% | |
| U.S. Girls | 1 | 1% | |
| Tropical Fuck Storm | 1 | 1% | |
| Nas | 1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
| Country | Albums | % | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|||
| |
69 | 69% | |
 |
13 | 13% | |
 |
6 | 6% | |
 |
5 | 5% | |
 |
3 | 3% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
 |
1 | 1% | |
| Show all | |||
Top 100 Music Albums of 2018 chart changes
| Biggest climbers |
|---|
| Up 7 from 14th to 7th Daytona by Pusha T |
| Up 5 from 10th to 5th How To Socialise & Make Friends by Camp Cope |
| Up 1 from 12th to 11th You Won't Get What You Want by Daughters |
| Biggest fallers |
|---|
| Down 8 from 8th to 16th Double Negative by Low |
| Down 7 from 21st to 28th Room 25 by Noname |
| Down 5 from 17th to 22nd Veteran by JPEGMAFIA |
| New entries |
|---|
| Your Queen Is A Reptile by Sons Of Kemet |
| 2012-2017 by Against All Logic |
| Joy As An Act Of Resistance. by Idles |
| Leavers |
|---|
| The Honeybear by Hampshire & Foat |
| Dream Songs by Devon Welsh |
| Hive Mind by The Internet |
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babyBlueSedan has created 71 other 2018 year charts - click here to explore them all.
Top 100 Music Albums of 2018 ratings
Average Rating = (n ÷ (n + m)) × av + (m ÷ (n + m)) × AVwhere:
av = trimmed mean average rating an item has currently received.
n = number of ratings an item has currently received.
m = minimum number of ratings required for an item to appear in a 'top-rated' chart (currently 10).
AV = the site mean average rating.
N.B. The average rating for this chart will not be reliable as it has been rated very few times.
Showing latest 5 ratings for this chart. | Show all 7 ratings for this chart.
| Rating | Date updated | Member | Chart ratings | Avg. chart rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ! | 01/12/2021 11:19 |  Larcx13 | 1,145 | 86/100 |
| ! | 10/31/2020 10:26 | TheKing | 78 | 90/100 |
| ! | 02/21/2020 02:12 | DJENNY | 4,365 | 100/100 |
| ! | 12/31/2018 04:21 | asyty7 | 14 | 81/100 |
| ! | 12/13/2018 10:30 |  Arthurknight | 382 | 89/100 |
Top 100 Music Albums of 2018 favourites
Top 100 Music Albums of 2018 comments
Showing all 4 comments |
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From TheKing 10/31/2020 10:26 | #259989
Mattdup took the words out of my mouth. I really enjoy reading your comments.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From asyty7 12/31/2018 04:22 | #228362
Nice album diversity and personal insight into rankings.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
Mattdup279 12/08/2018 04:21 | #226490
Mattdup279 12/08/2018 04:21 | #226490
I could read your write-ups all day
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | 0 votes (0 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
From 
travelful 09/05/2018 19:51 | #220618
travelful 09/05/2018 19:51 | #220618
Thanks for the Whitney Ballen rec...this shit is amazing.
Helpful? (Log in to vote) | +1 votes (1 helpful | 0 unhelpful)
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