Perhaps when one gets older, and they hear enough music, they begin to realize there isn’t much that’s new.
It’s like that with any industry. In an interview I had with fashion maven Jeanne Beker, she mentioned there really hasn’t been anything done, recently, that she hasn’t seen before.
Unless you do a deep dive into the recesses of authentic, independent music, you’re not going to get that, because mainstream means it’s safe for those putting the money in for investment.
Some of the ditties I did hear reflected the influences of Parliament, Prince and the hair metal of the ’80s. There would be Kali Uchis, Janelle Monae and Ghost.
Still, I have to admit, I dig Monae’s “Make Me Feel for all its Prince-ness. And I find “Wide Awake” by Parquet Courts a decent little tune.
Without further ado, however, here are my five favourite songs from 2018.
| 5. | |
| Song: “Say Something” Album: Man of the Woods Artist: Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton Release: January 25, 2018 Why: Hip hop, pop and the twang of Chris Stapleton’s guitar. My wife is the J.T. fan, but there are some good tunes. This is one of them. The other being “Drink You Away”. |
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| 4. | |
| Song: “Feels Like Summer” Album: Summer Pack Artist: Childish Gambino Release: July 11, 2018 Why: The video is a tip of the hat to the hip hop and R&B world. Great rhythm. Great use of ambient noise plus mixing the acoustics with the vocals. |
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| 3. | |
| Song: “Gold Rush” Album: Thank You For Today Artist: Death Cab For Cutie Release: June 13, 2018 Why: The echoing “Gold rush” from the background vocals really give this tune from veteran rockers Death Cab that haunting resonance. |
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| 2. | |
| Song: “High Horse” Album: Golden Hour Artist: Kacey Musgraves Release: March 30, 2018 Why: Disco and country. Is this a serious mashup? You bet and Musgraves really rides into it on her high horse. |
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| 1. | |
| Song: “Body Talks” Album: Young & Dangerous Artist: The Struts Release: October 26, 2018 Why: I prefer the original, Kesha-less, version of this song. Though either way it kicks the strutting rooster, Freddie Mercury raw energy, up another octave. |