best of Navyofbadgals' DiaRy of 2018 // TOP 10 SONGS

[Navyofbadgals]

10. Let’s Eat Grandma – I’m All Ears
[ART POP]
An incredibly enjoyable album from start to finish. With interludes that use cat sounds and telephone sounds, to songs named Donnie Darko and Snakes & Ladders; I’m All Ears is a lot of fun, but it’s not mindless fun.. fortunately. The album starts with the beautiful Whitewater and is followed up by the biggest bop of the album; the SOPHIE produced Hot Pink. Hot Pink is a great pop song but it’s not the highlight of the album. The album consists of two significantly larger songs; Donnie Darko & Cool and Collected. Both songs take their time and become beautiful and captivating songs. I’m All Ears is a great 2nd album and so much better than their okay debut.


9. Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
[COUNTRY POP]
Never did I expect to enjoy a country album this much, but here we are. It’s such a beautiful album and whilst it perhaps borders a little bit more on pop at times, there are still subtle country influences; giving the album its undeniable charm. With great lyrics and all around beautiful songs; but also songs that manage to combine both disco and country into one (and succeed), Golden Hour is a true triumph and a sign that one of the worst genres (sue me) can still be this enjoyable.


8. Kali Uchis – Isolation
[NEO-SOUL/R&B]
I have been on the lookout for Kali music since Por Vida; a very decent EP. My biggest criticism for that EP is that Kali often sounds bored or tired, and doesn’t utilize her unique voice in the right way (with the exception of Sycamore Tree). On Isolation, Kali sounds a lot more engaged, more active yet doesn’t lose her unique voice. Another strength from Isolation is that no song is even remotely the same. Kali glides through multiple themes, genres & sounds; nailing pretty much everything. A few months after its release I have found myself going back to a few tracks more than the others, but this is undoubtedly an incredible album for an artist who has finally shown her true worth.


7. Anna Von Hausswolff – Dead Magic
[NEOCLASSICAL DARKWAVE/DRONE]
Only 5 tracks short, yet still 47 minutes long. Dead Magic is one of the most captivating listens I’ve ever had. It’s an incredible dark record that often still finds the beauty in this darkness, but also finds the ugliness. Every track is its own adventure, often completed with brilliant usage of the pipe organ by ms. Anna. All tracks are pretty long (especially Ugly & Vengeful; with a span of 16 minutes), but no minute feels unnecessary. Every track slowly builds up to a climax so captivating, yet so haunting. Dead Magic is a unique experience like no other.


6. U.S. Girls – In A Poem Unlimited
[ART POP]
A groovy, danceable political record. Lyrically great, it’s also fun, fresh, catchy but in no way too mainstream. A unique pop record that’s incredibly solid from start to finish. In A Poem Unlimited is political (pop) music done right.

 

[Vilppu]

nvm it's next page already

 

all of these slay to varying degrees, isolation being #8 for both of us... power

Edited December 21, 2018 by Vilppu

[Navyofbadgals]

5. Kadhja Bonet – Childqueen
[PSYCHEDELIC SOUL]
I’ve already talked about her a bit on my EP list, but here she is again. I’ve completely fallen in love with her ever since I discovered her this year in July. I still remember the first song I listened to and where. It was a few minutes before my plane would leave to Italy, and I played the album closer, titled: …; the song only contains a stunning instrumental with Kadhja singing nothing but lalala. And yet that was already a beautiful experience. I wasn’t even sure if my music was on at first, and then I heard faint lalala’s in my ears, coming together creating a beautiful experience. The other tracks are wildly unique to Kadhja too. Childqueen could’ve been released now, but also could’ve been released 60 years ago and would still both fit in with the music scene and stand out. The album is unique Kadhja and no one else. Childqueen is an incredibly charming and beautiful experience.


4. Janelle Monae – Dirty Computer
[R&B]
Oh yes, we will be rooting for this to take the AOTY grammy! (This or Kacey at least). Dirty Computer celebrates being black, being queer and being female and does so in witty and beautiful ways. Dirty Computer tries multiple genres and sees Janelle so obviously succeed in all of them. And whilst her opus remains ArchAndroid (mostly because that remains just a breathtakingly beautiful album), DC still holds a firm 2nd place. It’s current, powerful, enjoyable and sharp. DC gets some hate here and there for often being too poppy, but I’d argue that’s what makes the album fun sometimes. This is filled with bangers, bops and beautiful statements.


3. Rosalía – El Mal Querer
[FLAMENCO/ART POP]
El Mal Querer is an incredible work of art, that manages to be both current and effortlessly timeless. El Mal Querer is a conceptual album about a toxic relationship, based on a centuries old novel. The album feels like a novel too, being divided into multiple chapters. El Mal Querer also feels current, subtly using trap and pop influences over a flamenco sound. It makes smart use of a JT sample, but also smartly uses claps of people as a beat. It’s an ode to heritage and culture (flamenco) that is still so rewarding for today. The pop star we deserve. And if you want to know more about why Rosalía is absolutely brilliant, watch this vid:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgHXFTgaVT0&t=1548s




2. Christine and The Queens – Chris
[SYNTH POP/ART POP]
The follow-up from Chaleur Humaine. Chaleur Humaine is a brilliant and beautiful album that tackles queer identity and also reworks Kanye’s Heartless in a beautiful way. Chaleur Humaine was a solid debut, but Chris for me is undoubtedly superior. Christine manages to write incredible pop hooks that are catchy, beautiful and addictive, whilst also tackling gender identity, crisis situations, sex workers and other parts of her life and interests. Chris is a funky and radio-ready experience that you can’t miss out on. The best artist of France from today, without a doubt. And if you’re not into French music; Chris features both French and English versions of almost all the songs.
 

 

[Navyofbadgals]

And my #1…
 

 

 

 

 



AOTY/1. Mitski – Be The Cowboy
[INDIE ROCK]
I still vividly remember the Be The Cowboy thread. The album leaked and the majority of the posts were meltdowns because it was a letdown. But Be The Cowboy is in no way a letdown, rather, it’s a testament to Mitski’s undeniable talents as a songwriter. Be The Cowboy opens up with what’s without a doubt the strongest album opener of the year, with Geyser. Geyser feels like a Geyser, subtly starting, bubbling up towards a beautiful and rewarding climax. Geyser is all about feeling, something which Mitski so effortlessly portrays and let’s the listener experience too. Mitski is the voice of a generation, a generation of teens and young adults who aren’t the happiest. Sadness is beautiful here, but most importantly: multidimensional.
Be The Cowboy is Mitski at her most confident yet, but also not-so confident as she shows her flaws but also what she craves but can’t achieve. This is perhaps best shown on Nobody, a disco song that is lovable and addictive. It’s confident yet it’s about Mitski being not so confident. She’s alone, she has nobody and no matter what she tries she can’t get anybody. Similar themes are tackled in Lonesome Love, which also tackles the expectations from females in relationships.
Be The Cowboy has several statements about love, power(lessness), sadness and is beautifully closed off by Two Slow Dancers. A track about two old lovers that has a sad and somewhat haunting/traumatizing undertone to it. It feels anxious but also gives the listener the feeling about a moment that should last much longer; forever perhaps. Something that can be said about Be The Cowboy too. Most tracks are on the short side, being around 2 minutes long. Every statement Mitski makes here is powerful, feels needed. BTC is without a doubt my favorite album of 2018, dare I say Be The Classic.
 

[Wicked]

Dirty Computer is good for my mental health. The ATRL backlash for it

[Blue Rose]

The anti male agenda is real lol jk

Christine #2  

i Like That your top10 has girls from all nationalities 

[Navyofbadgals]

On 12/20/2018 at 8:15 PM, madonnas said:

I have  always heard of Melody's but idk why never really gave them a chance.

I like all of these except Tizrah which I found underwhelming and Saturn which I found to be a reductive version of her debut.

KTSE, Hunter, Primal Heart, 7, LDA :jonnY:  

I don't really find Saturn to be reductive (except for songs like Drive and Disconnect).

On 12/20/2018 at 8:17 PM, Vilppu said:

the 13 to 11 punching... you did that yes you did. teyana, anna and internet slay too

 

On 12/20/2018 at 8:39 PM, mokitsu said:

tirzah?

 



 

great top 20 except anna who idk  

melody's felt a little TOO crazy and all over the place for me but i still kinda liked it

 

the tirzah hate to me is so weird oajefpaei

On 12/20/2018 at 8:46 PM, Unoriginal said:

Not Tirzah

Most of these are serves tho. 7 and Bon Voyage are my faves from this set

Am expecting High As Hope × 10 tomorrow

well.. no High As Hope to be seen  I didn't enjoy that album at all, the pitchfork review was on point; sorrynotsorry! Tirzah also outtalented so you can keep the Tirzah hate  

On 12/20/2018 at 8:59 PM, TheWayWeWere said:

MDM and Ravyn  

stan

On 12/20/2018 at 8:59 PM, Chemical X. said:

@Navyofbadgals yes I’m from Chicago  but I had to google your reference  

 

For the top ten idk what to expect because I can barely remember what got released this year. 2018 was so weird

that reference is iconic omg. Also yeah 2018 was weird but 2019.. whew that really is going to be a serve

23 hours ago, Mark Rih said:

I liked MGMT album, plus I use some tracks from 7 and Kimbra's

 

not familiar with the others

 

Kali coming for that top 10

oh wow at you listening to MGMT and 7.. I did not expect that  you're evolving  

23 hours ago, ChapelHooker said:

a very meh album reveal so far imo

 

7, Primal Heart, Bon Voyage and Hunter are the only ones i enjoyed this year, and most of them weren't that special

 

that tirzah alberm, a cute sleeping pill i guess

 

 

wrong! and stop with the tirzah hate omg.. what did that poor girl do to you

23 hours ago, Tsareena said:

didn't like little dark age much
k.t.s.e was cute but needed more tracks
yaaaas Tirzallah 
Hunter omg an amazing album
oooh mis Nao... she did that. I loved Orbit but didn't like the title track much
Primal Heart... great pop album
 

stan stan stan

22 hours ago, Remmy said:

Primal Heart is great. Kimbra didn't have my attention until now, and it's well deserved because there's plenty of standout tracks to come back to.

 

Bitch you better run or YOU won't be alive! i'm discussted

same, never really cared for Kimbra but this album is so enjoyable

19 hours ago, Superpower said:

KTSE, Devotion, Hive Mind, Hunter

maybe you snapped

UMO and Beach House

maybe I did huh

19 hours ago, artangel said:

SUPER SUNSET WE DECIDED TO STAN

to stan forever

18 hours ago, volition said:

ignoring t*rzah, this is a solid update with highpoints little dark age, 7, and bon voyage (and primal heart i guess)

thanks ❤️ 

17 hours ago, Legend E said:

NAO  

talent

16 hours ago, Tom Vercetti said:

I overlooked nao this year, Kinda neat how mgmt somewhat repeaked this year. 
 

I tried with Hive Mind but it's no match for Ego Death. 

yeah, tea. A nice comeback for MGMT

15 hours ago, Pink Matter said:

Great set so far!

Wish I gave LDA more spins but I liked what I heard. Stan Hive Mind  (their collective minds amaze me)

Saturn is a cute girl and I get the complaints with it. I don't think I'd rank it so high though.

Beach House:

 

thank you

15 hours ago, potent said:

MGMT appearing in multiple lists lately

NAO and Beach House I heard a couple songs from and I kinda liked them but also thought they weren't quite my cup of tea.

well MGMT is talent (again, finally)

5 hours ago, Coklek92 said:

Spill that Top 10 real quick bitch...!!! 

wake up!

5 hours ago, theblackestday said:

the indieheaux JUMPED out

 

love sex & food, little dark age, 7 and bon voyage

hunter and primal heart were also good, ktse was cute, hive mind was a snooze, and tizrah is garbaj

 

the tirzah hate has got to stop but eaux wow at me being an indieheaux now

4 hours ago, World Eater said:

Little Dark Age, Devotion, Hunter (need to revisit it huh), S&F and 7  Talent jumped out

whew tea, maybe they snapped

 

4 hours ago, Remmy said:

2016: Life of Pablo Starboy and ANTI Lady Wood Dangerous Woman + Lemonade  || 2017: Lust for Life + Dua Lipa Tell Me You Love Me, BLUE LIPS, MASSEDUCTION Rainbow Melodrama

TLOP hate has got to stop, esp considering it's better than the things Kanye released this year(not counting his producing work)

4 hours ago, Lazuli said:

slay a bit  

well thank you king

1 hour ago, kelly-clarkson said:

RIDE was #1 on your 2017 list? Taste

Tell Me You Love Me, Here, Dua Lipa and Dangerous Woman are great  

Yes RIDE is amazing  

8 minutes ago, Vilppu said:

nvm it's next page already

 

all of these slay to varying degrees, isolation being #8 for both of us... power

our minds.. it amazes me sometimes

2 minutes ago, Wicked said:

Dirty Computer is good for my mental health. The ATRL backlash for it

same foaejofpaeoif, so uncalled for. I wonder if people were actually expecting something like the ArchAndroid after Make Me Feel nn

[Navyofbadgals]

Songs list starting maybe sunday or after christmas; so on the 27th. Thx for all the comments so far~

[madonnas]

Very good top 5.  All the albums on it are good and place high on my list.

 

10-6 is great too omg  

Makes me wanna listen to Anna more....

 

[Vilppu]

really like what you had to say about BTC... considering it's also the only write-up of mine i'm satisfied with ig you can say it was the most creatively stimulating album of 2018 oh wow

 

lovely list overall, can't wait for songs

[Remmy]

I feel like I've said this in 325932 threads so far but I just listened to Golden Hour for the first time days ago and it's really great! I heard High Horse months ago but it didn't impress me so I just paid her dust after that until I finally gave in. Dirty Computer is fantastic She really snapped in all possible areas. We are definitely hoping one of them wins AOTY (since they're basically the only deserving ones.)

[TheWayWeWere]

that top 10

LEG album has some bops :jonny: Hot Pink is my favorite probably

Golden Hour  

Dirty Computer  

Christine and the Queens so high yaas!  I always been a fan of her, so happy with her success and aritst grow

Be the Cowboy  amazing winner

[Unoriginal]

10 - 6 is pure talent oh wow  3 - 1 as well  this is SUCH a solid top ten you really served here (apart from D*rty Computer and #5 idk her)

[Cloröx]

I peed myself looking at the Top 10. It's too feminine. 

[Navyofbadgals]

3 minutes ago, Coklek92 said:

I peed myself looking at the Top 10. It's too feminine. 

And what about it

[Legend E]

I have not really listened to Mitski. I should check her out more!

GH  

[Dom]

daddy bagels, i never knew you had this kinda taste, indie taste. i don't know like huge chunk of this, wtf. you out here vibin like that. anyways janelle is amazing.

[kelly-clarkson]

I need to re-listen Golden Hour. I've seen the album in most of the lists  

[Jet]

Dirty Computer, Isolation and Golden Hour are the only ones I know but I thoroughly approve  

[Tsareena]

oh wow a top 10!

I'm all ears really grew on me... a great listen
yas Kacey musgraves did THAT, Isolation  

omg dead magic was really cute... only listened once but I need to revisit

a poem unlimited... an album
omg childqueen  

dirty computer el mal querer  chris  

be the cowboy ? 
 

[volition]

christine is surprisingly very high, maybe i do need to check chris out after all

the indieheaux jumped out indeed

[potent]

Golden Hour, Dirty Computer, Chris  the slayage

 

I might have put Golden Hour above DC though  

Edited December 22, 2018 by potent

[Lazuli]

LEG, Kacey, Kali, CATQ, U.S. Girls

Mitski #1? bagels serving taste for once? Am shocked! 

[Maddox]

Wheww amazing top 10  almost all of them are my favs!

[World Eater]

Bottom half of top 10 is amazing  Top on the other hand...  But I stan your top 3 and have to admit that BTC really grew on me