ALBUMS OF THE YEAR 2018

This is it folks, my official album of the year list! 2018 has been a phenomenal year for music, and to be honest, I don’t even know if I’m 100% confident with my 20 selections. There are so many records, including those on the honourable mentions list that were so close to making it on here. I could have done a top 30 list, and I might do that next year. I wanted to take this moment to thank every single artist who released music this year, and an extra special shoutout goes to those I have met personally who have shown love for what I do as a writer, I appreciate it a whole lot.

So without further ado, here’s my official list, in no particular order. 

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Billy Dukes – The Intervention

It’s the album I’ve listened to the most this year. It’s the album I’ve connected to the most this year. It’s the album that’s got me through the most this year. It’s the album that I’ve seen performed live the most this year. It’s the album of the year. Thank you GeeFree and Intalekt, for everything you’ve done this year. Presenting Billy Dukes’ amazing debut, The Intervention. REVIEW/STREAM

Scott Xylo – Find Us When You Get There

Leicester-based artist and friend Scott Xylo comes through with a sublime album this year that is incredibly diverse and soulful in sound. The talented artist provides us with a glimpse into the future. It’s an album I have listened to over and over again, never getting tired of the beautiful compositions he is able to create. Find Us When You Get There is the one, guys. REVIEW/STREAM

Louis VI – SUGAR LIKE SALT

There’s so much I want to say about this record and how it made me feel since its release but words won’t do justice. It’s meticulously created, with soul and utter passion. It’s something that can really be felt in Louis VI’s delivery and aura throughout this project, and it beautifully married hip-hop and jazz together, London style! SUGAR LIKE SALT is truly fantastic.  REVIEW/STREAM

Melo-Zed – Eleven EP

Melo-Zed is my favourite producer right now, and it’s due to this mesmerising and incredibly complex and futuristic project that combines broken beat, soulful melodies with angelic and spiritual overtones that bring you into a world of impressive futurism within music. Melo-Zed really is years ahead of his time, and it really does show on Eleven EP. REVIEW/STREAM

Mac Miller – Swimming

Mac Miller’s death was a tragedy to millions, and it was one that genuinely affected my mood for weeks, which is kind of rare. What I found even more disheartening is that Mac’s last album Swimming represented freedom, happiness, self-care and a genuine wish for bringing more positive energy to the world. He really broke free on this album, with this project being musically layered and dense with beautiful, soulful compositions that sound pure. A stunning self-aware and deeply introspective album that is an essential for this year. RIP Malcom. STREAM