As many of you know, music holds a dear place in my heart and and it's one of my greatest pleasures to discover, explore and share new music with you. Unlike Triple J's 'Hottest 100', I couldn't quite list my 'Top 10' songs of the year. However, I was able to come up with some categories that sum up my music favourites from 2018 quite well.
Without further ado, let's take a look...
Note: There are so many artists, albums and songs that adorned our ears in 2018 and so many deserving of praise. I wish I had time to give a shout-out to all of them, alas, this is a meticulously picked list. I apologise in advance, as my somewhat trashy music tastes will find it's way in this round-up.
Favourite Discovery of 2018
Picking a 'favourite' in any category is always difficult, especially when it comes to 'new' faces on the scene. The music industry is one that is forever flourishing with new and exciting artists, many of whom have an extraordinary talent that is often uninhibited, yet to be discovered and contained to a small crowd.
This is the particular case with my favourite discovery of the year, Peter Manos. Hailing from Nashville, this young man is as fresh to the scene as it probably comes. Having only released his debut single, 'In My Head', earlier this month I'm surprised he's slipped his way into this category.
That being said, I knew I had to put him in here. I've not been able to stop playing his music and I see great things to come from him in the near future. I am eager to watch this space and I recommend you do too.
Her raspy vocals, unique vision and lyrical ability is unparalleled to many her age & is reason enough to place her firmly in this category. I needn't say much more, just listen and you'll know.
Runner Up - Billie Eilish
For many, Billie came onto the scene a few years ago. Particularly making waves last year with her album don't smile at me, but personally it wasn't until this year when she released her single 'When The Party's Over' that I knew I'd hit gold.Her raspy vocals, unique vision and lyrical ability is unparalleled to many her age & is reason enough to place her firmly in this category. I needn't say much more, just listen and you'll know.
Local Flavour of the Year
It makes me very proud to support and see artists breaking out into their chosen industry. However, it makes me especially proud when those artists are from Australia. Obviously, I'm bias, but seeing artists from our little land down under making waves nationally and internationally is pretty freakin' awesome.
Which brings me to my chosen 'local flavour' of the year, Troye Sivan. I have been following along Sivan's journey for quite some time. From the funny, shy guy on YouTube to the guy who has now released an album coming in at #4 on Billboard's 200 record chart this year, I can proudly say it's been quite the year of successes for this young artist.
With hard work, an impressive baritone and a knack for poppy tunes, Troye Sivan has well and truly succeeded in putting himself on the musical map.
Which brings me to my chosen 'local flavour' of the year, Troye Sivan. I have been following along Sivan's journey for quite some time. From the funny, shy guy on YouTube to the guy who has now released an album coming in at #4 on Billboard's 200 record chart this year, I can proudly say it's been quite the year of successes for this young artist.
With hard work, an impressive baritone and a knack for poppy tunes, Troye Sivan has well and truly succeeded in putting himself on the musical map.
Runner Up - Kira Puru
Coming in hot with some absolute bangers this year and making herself known with confidence in her stride is Kira Puru.
As soon as I began listening to her music I found myself bopping my head along and coming up with all sorts of interesting dance moves to match the rhythm. She has an incredible vocal range, which captivates and asserts those who listen. Puru is not one to go with the status-quo and is all about representing the real Australia, which makes me love her even more and makes her worthy of good mention.
Breakout Artist of the Year
Breakout artists are some of my favourite people to talk about. They seem to just magically appear in an inferno of musical bliss, which sounds chaotic and unexpected, but it's one of the greatest gifts to music lovers everywhere.
My chosen breakout artist of 2018 has to be King Princess. The stage name alone is worthy of some kind of award, I mean the irony and juxtaposition is oh so relevant. Mikaela Straus, the artist behind the pseudo-name, is all about relevancy, LGBTQ+ awareness and writing lyrics that expose the reality of modern love, lust and life.
Make My Bed, has quickly become an album on repeat since its release and if you've yet to come across Straus yourself, my only question is 'what are you waiting for'?
My chosen breakout artist of 2018 has to be King Princess. The stage name alone is worthy of some kind of award, I mean the irony and juxtaposition is oh so relevant. Mikaela Straus, the artist behind the pseudo-name, is all about relevancy, LGBTQ+ awareness and writing lyrics that expose the reality of modern love, lust and life.
Make My Bed, has quickly become an album on repeat since its release and if you've yet to come across Straus yourself, my only question is 'what are you waiting for'?
Runner Up - Bazzi
It kind of annoys me to admit how I discovered Bazzi, but alas we live in a world where social media is just part of everyday life now. So, I guess I have to thank you Snapchat for having 'Mine' as one of the backing tracks to a filter, by doing so I found an artist I've come to really love and enjoy.
Fun fact - Andrew [Bazzi] started out on Vine in 2013 and from there has gone on create his debut studio album, Cosmic, and go on tour with Justin Timberlake. I'd say he has made a quick and impressive start to his musical career. I look forward to what's next...
I also think it's worth mentioning that Khalid have a little shout-out too for the amazing music he has put out this year. This guy has some really smooth vocals and poppy beats that definitely need to be added to your regular playlist.
I also think it's worth mentioning that Khalid have a little shout-out too for the amazing music he has put out this year. This guy has some really smooth vocals and poppy beats that definitely need to be added to your regular playlist.
Guiltiest Pleasure of 2018
Guilty pleasures are guilty for good reason. They do not always represent the kind of music you are proud of recommending or are the works of a lyrical genius, but sometimes they are too damn catchy and addictive to dismiss.
So, I really don't think it comes as too much of a surprise when I say that Cardi B is my guiltiest pleasure of 2018. The woman knows how to put together a selection of really catchy tunes (in fact I really like Invasion of Privacy) that get most people on the dance-floor. I actually think I've probably hurt myself with the moves I try and pull dancing to her songs.
So, thank you Cardi B for bringing us your delightfully quirky sense of self and producing songs that will have people 'twerking' well beyond 2018.
I apologise to my family, especially my mother, who has had to endure these lyrics as they were blasting from my bedroom.
So, I really don't think it comes as too much of a surprise when I say that Cardi B is my guiltiest pleasure of 2018. The woman knows how to put together a selection of really catchy tunes (in fact I really like Invasion of Privacy) that get most people on the dance-floor. I actually think I've probably hurt myself with the moves I try and pull dancing to her songs.
So, thank you Cardi B for bringing us your delightfully quirky sense of self and producing songs that will have people 'twerking' well beyond 2018.
Runner Up - Tyga
Under this mention you should see in really tiny subtext "I do not approve this message". Tyga is known for his songs that have a limited lyrical capacity, a.k.a mentions money, sex, drugs and alcohol. That being said, I give credit where it's due and he has released quite a few tunes this year that have been played more often than I'd like to admit.I apologise to my family, especially my mother, who has had to endure these lyrics as they were blasting from my bedroom.
Music Video of the Year
I've always been a huge fan of music videos. I think it stems from growing up and watching rage first thing in the morning on a Saturday as a kid. To me it's one of the ways artists can further express their creativity and convey a message. It's also an excuse to see some of your favourite artists create iconic looks that then become the next best Halloween costume or trend for the year.
For me it was pretty easy to pick my favourite (and arguably the best) music video of the year, with This Is America by Childish Gambino (a.k.a Donald Glover) coming in with guns blazing (pun intended).
This video is filled to the brim with cultural, political and social messages, making this film clip not only relevant, and as a result controversial, but incredibly important in times like this where a lot of people remain ignorant to the very real issues that surround them.
I highly recommend you check out the YouTube clip here that breaks down the many layers of meaning this music video has. Childish Gambino well and truly set the bar high with this clever piece of artistry.
For me it was pretty easy to pick my favourite (and arguably the best) music video of the year, with This Is America by Childish Gambino (a.k.a Donald Glover) coming in with guns blazing (pun intended).
This video is filled to the brim with cultural, political and social messages, making this film clip not only relevant, and as a result controversial, but incredibly important in times like this where a lot of people remain ignorant to the very real issues that surround them.
I highly recommend you check out the YouTube clip here that breaks down the many layers of meaning this music video has. Childish Gambino well and truly set the bar high with this clever piece of artistry.
Runner Up: thank u, next - Ariana Grande
On a much lighter and less political note, Ariana Grande came in hot at the end of November with the highly anticipated music video for thank u, next. To be quite honest, I can't fault Grande a lot for the releases she has made this year and this video clip is no exception.
I think most people of my generation will agree that the cultural nod to iconic films of the early 2000's and late 90's was something we didn't know we needed but feel blessed to have been brought back to life. It's a fun video clip, executed with class and sass - it's simply iconic. I mean it's already amassed 219+ million views - just wow.
Soundtrack of the Year
I don't think it comes as a surprise to anyone that I picked this soundtrack as my favourite of the year. I remember first hearing about the A Star is Born movie remake and thought "meh, a third remake is probably going to be a flop". I was so pleasantly surprised and excited when Lady Gaga was announced to be on board and as a result the A Star is Born soundtrack has quickly become one of my all-time favourite albums.
These songs are so raw and full of emotion, it just pulls at every heartstring. I remember first listening to 'Always Remember Us This Way' and just bawling my eyes out. This is a newer territory for Gaga, delving more into country/folk roots, but she pulls it off - which is no surprise.
However, I was the most surprised with the incredibly talented Bradley Cooper. With no formal music training behind him and no previous experience in a studio environment, I think he has surprised many with his performance. I am seriously wanting him to get into the studio and release his own music - I'd buy it!
These songs are so raw and full of emotion, it just pulls at every heartstring. I remember first listening to 'Always Remember Us This Way' and just bawling my eyes out. This is a newer territory for Gaga, delving more into country/folk roots, but she pulls it off - which is no surprise.
However, I was the most surprised with the incredibly talented Bradley Cooper. With no formal music training behind him and no previous experience in a studio environment, I think he has surprised many with his performance. I am seriously wanting him to get into the studio and release his own music - I'd buy it!
Runner Up: Black Panther: The Album - Various Artists
I cannot express enough how much I love this album. I think it comes down to the fact that my favourite rapper, Kendrick Lamar, is the mastermind behind the original songs featured on this soundtrack. That and the fact that Black Panther is one of the few Marvel films that showcased the incredible diversity of the acting world - it was one hell of an empowering thing to see.
Originally the soundtrack was only meant to feature a few songs produced by Lamar, but after much discussion, Lamar and Ryan Coogler (the creator of the original score) knew that to fully capture the cultural significance and importance of the film it needed a full track-list of songs to match. What a result!
Album of the Year
Having one of the best and worst years of her life, Ariana Grande deserves some form of medal for dealing with all the sh*t that has come her way the past 2 years.
After the horrendous event that occurred in Manchester last year, the last thing I was expecting from Grande was the album Sweetener. The album is a musical ode to fighting through the hard stuff and finding something a little sweeter - a lesson in strength in the midst of adversity.
With great maturity, courage and talent, Grande has put together an album that has become critically acclaimed, full of bangers and something that can put a smile on your face in the midst of hardships.
I have a whole lot of respect for this woman and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for 2019.
After the horrendous event that occurred in Manchester last year, the last thing I was expecting from Grande was the album Sweetener. The album is a musical ode to fighting through the hard stuff and finding something a little sweeter - a lesson in strength in the midst of adversity.
With great maturity, courage and talent, Grande has put together an album that has become critically acclaimed, full of bangers and something that can put a smile on your face in the midst of hardships.
I have a whole lot of respect for this woman and I cannot wait to see what else she has in store for 2019.
Runner Up: Bloom - Troye Sivan
I've already expressed my love for this artist above, but it's worth mentioning how bloody great Troye Sivan's second studio album, Bloom, is. His first studio album Blue Neighbourhood was a beautiful start to his career but Bloom, as the name suggests, is a transitional album emblematic of growth, maturity and showcasing the beauty of love.
It seems that Sivan has found his sound and, as a result, himself during the process of putting this album together and it shows with songs like 'Animal' and 'Bloom'. The video clips that have come as a result are also worthy of so much praise. Keep on slaying the game Troye, it's paying off!
Song of the Year
Picking a song of the year, I imagine, is like picking a favourite child. You secretly know you have one but you also know that saying it out-loud could lead to public scorn. There were so many incredible releases this year, and I could probably do a 'Top 5' songs from every genre, but I've decided against that to really challenge myself.
My appreciation for Ariana Grande this year goes above and beyond this post, but I think awarding her song thank u, next as my top song of the year says a lot. As soon as this song came out I knew the music world was going to go nuts. It's the clap-back of the year and who doesn't love a sassy clap-back from pop royalty?
I don't know whether to thank Grande for this track or the trail of exes in her past, but either way I think it's fair to just say 'thank you, next' bitch. 😜💁
So, there you have it - my favourites from this year all wrapped up in one post. I hope you've enjoyed taking a look back at some of the gems I enjoyed in 2018 - I would love to hear what you've been listening to and what you would pick for each category. Feel free to comment or check out my Instagram where you'll be able to answer and interact to each category too!
Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Stay safe xox
See you in 2019!
My appreciation for Ariana Grande this year goes above and beyond this post, but I think awarding her song thank u, next as my top song of the year says a lot. As soon as this song came out I knew the music world was going to go nuts. It's the clap-back of the year and who doesn't love a sassy clap-back from pop royalty?
I don't know whether to thank Grande for this track or the trail of exes in her past, but either way I think it's fair to just say 'thank you, next' bitch. 😜💁
Runner Up: SICKO MODE - Travis Scott (feat. Drake, Swae Lee & Big Hawk)
I will be completely honest here and say that this song took me by complete surprise. Having not listened to a whole heap of Travis Scott's work in the past, I didn't really have any set expectations for his highly anticipated album ASTROWORLD or any of his other releases this year.
That being said, I am going into 2019 with a greater appreciation for Scott, as 'SICKO MODE' has become one of my most frequently played songs of the year. In fact, the entire ASTROWORLD album deserves a shout-out, as it's a psychedelic trap trip, that like the name suggests, is an amusement park for the 'kids' of our generation. Who can argue with that?
Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Stay safe xox
See you in 2019!
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