Best Albums of 2018

Hey look at me getting my best albums of the year list in before the year is over! 2018 was a great year for music. There were so many fantastic albums released but believe it or not, for the first time, creating this list came relatively easy. The albums I’ve been addicted to this year just fell into place.

Before we get to the official list, let’s give some praise to the honorable mentions, all of which are wonderful in their own right:

Camila Cabello – Camila

Brandi Carlile – By The Way I Forgive You

Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes

First Aid Kit – Ruins

Mac Miller – Swimming

Years and Years – Palo Santo

Logic – Bobby Tarrantino 2/YSIV

Here are the Best Albums of 2018

Okay gang, here we go, my absolute favorite albums of 2018. I was pleasantly surprised when I realized how LGBT heavy this list is. It’s exciting to see these artists getting notoriety and exposure and making such great music. Super exciting.

…no more wasting time. Here you go!

-10-

Juice Wrld – Goodbye & Good Riddance

This one snuck up on me and I instantly fell for it. Great lyrics, great music. Just an immediate fan.

-9-

Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour

This album is a country gem. It really takes a step outside of a genre that has become a sort of cookie cutter-assembly line production of similar sounding music. Each song on Golden Hour is a gorgeous and inspiring entry in this wonderful album.

-8-

The Internet – Hive Mind

This is another album that snuck up on me. A friend of mine described this as “Sexy AF” and damn if she wasn’t right. You can definitely set a specific kind of mood with this one.

-7-

Christine and the Queens – Chris

French and English tracks and it doesn’t even matter. The mood, the meaning, the groove, the voice, it doesn’t make a difference what language the songs are in, they hit you just the same. Just a great great record.

-6-

Janelle Monáe – Dirty Computer

This is the album that made me a fan of Janelle. It just feels like a super personal album that just connected with me, and through listening to these 14 tracks I discovered just what a supreme talent she truly is. Do not sleep on this album – it is cover to cover bops and cements Janelle’s legendary status.

Garon Cockrell’s Best Albums of 2018 – the Top Five

Top Five! You ready? These albums are on constant repeat and have made their way to my vinyl collection so you know they must be something special.

-5-

Chvrches – Love Is Dead

Pure pop fun. Chvrches just keep getting better and this album is no exception. I just adore this one. I honestly could listen to Lauren Eve Mayberry sing virtually anything.

-4-

Blood Orange – Negro Swan

This album is a pure work of art. Lush, gorgeous, personal, just flawless and beautiful. Blood Orange is an artist you need to know and this album will be on repeat for weeks once you get it on your stereo or system. Just pure gold.

-3-

Trixie Mattel – Two Birds, One Stone

Technically this is two EPs and one of them was released last year but since Trixie released the entire thing together on vinyl recently, I’m counting it. Also this is my site so I make the rules. This is the best country album of the year. It’s track by track fantastic. It’s fun, touching, relatable, and I may have gotten a little choked up on a certain song. Just classic country sounds while simultaneously feeling fresh and new. This is an album to take seriously and appreciate as a true country gem.

Btw if my top two artists don’t do a collab I’m going to be furious.

-2-

Hayley Kiyoko – Expectations

I don’t know what I can say about this album. I love it. It’s one of those collections of songs that speaks to my life in ways I wasn’t expecting. I immediately fell in love with it and Hayley has become one of the artists I can’t wait to hear more from. She is a true talent putting everything on the line with this honest, gorgeous release. Bop to bop to bop, this album is superb.

-1-

Troye Sivan – Bloom

Troye took top album of the year back when Blue Neighbourhood was released and this year he did it again with the phenomenal Bloom. Troye holds nothing back and jumps into the spotlight with a stunning collection of songs. Both personal and fun, Bloom is packed with songs I can’t get enough of. I truly love this album and it’s on constant repeat since its release. Just another excellent example of just how talented Troye is. I can’t wait for more.

 

That’s it gang! 20gayteen indeed right? I’m proud to share these artists and fantastic albums with you. Go check them out and enjoy and let me know what you think! What are your thoughts? What are your favorites of the year? Leave us comments and share your faves!