best of MP2K's Best of 2018 | Album Tracks revealed

[Kiss It Better]

After The Storm  i ignored her too until Isolation came out 

[Tom Vercetti]

I think most of us gave Kali minimal attention before Isolation. I still haven't heard her ep in full yet actually   

cheribum, rosebud, rose in harlem, some of their best songs  

 

[MP2K]

 

20. Ciara, “Level Up”

Why is it important? 1) Diversity in R&B matters. An upbeat dance track with simple but uplifting lyrics is much needed in the current state of trap singing, the alternative/moody/whisper **** and the throwback sound remake movement we have going on. All in which I love just like the rest of you but need a break. 2) Ciara’s out here living her best life and these hoes on twitter are always up in fumes. So, she writes a song about them that they’re now twerking to at the clubs and making viral videos to. What kind of genius!?

 

19. Let's Eat Grandma, “Falling into Me”

Why is it important? With a band name like this I had no idea what to expect upon first listen. Looks like the girls have been defying odds by making the most original, finest sugar-sweet synth pop in 2018. “Falling Into Me,” a lengthy track that recalls early ‘90s pop/dance, blends trance, house, and disco and lives somewhere between Grimes and Chvrches.

Key Lyric/Bit: “We got this” *cues beat*

18. ROSALÍA, “MALAMENTE”

Why is it important? Rosalía used 2018 to reshape the way we think about flamenco and pop, it all started with “Malamente.” She pushes past traditional confines of genres and ventures into a realm of rule breaking, while still embracing the heart of the art she studied. The song is  low key yet still has a compelling feeling – and her visuals help too.

Key Lyric/Bit: Rosalía’s silky voice, the subtle hand claps, the fusion electronic, R&B and more.

 

17. U.S. Girls, “Pearly Gates”

Sounds like: If Madonna, Coolio and Nate Dogg had a threesome in the booth. ‘nough said, it’s a ****ing powerful bop!

Key Lyric/Bit: The choir outro.

 

16. Azealia Banks, “Anna Wintour”

Why is it important? Banks proves once again that she’s chameleonic enough to SANG (not sing), scream, spit rapfire, and be a hook maker. The bitch is ill.

Feels like: Azealia is back… but not back back...

Edited January 2, 2019 by MP2K

[SLIME]

Ciara is one of the best artists of all time

 

Quote

Feels like: Azealia is back… but not back back...

 

agreed. doing ok for a twitter meme

[MP2K]

15. Janelle Monáe, “I Like That”

Why is it important? Such a traditional urban-R&B sounding song coming from Janelle, but I was addicted and F with the message! You don’t need a huge production to get a message across. I LOVE a good set the record straight/call out my haters type of song. It’s such a laid-back groove too.

What’s it about? Individualism, being proud in your own skin and addressing rumors about her sexuality.

14. Snail Mail, “Pristine”

Why is it important? I knew this would be something special and anthemic to me from first chord and opening strums. I was iffy about rock this year, and maybe I was slacking, but this filled the void and stood out as one of the best rock songs of the year. Come back Paramore!

What’s it about? Ode to teen love, frustration and angst.

13. serpentwithfeet, “bless ur heart”

Why is it important? That “mmmph” sound you make when you hear or feel something take over your body… that’s what this does. You don't ever have to step foot in a church again thanks to this man's vocal ability and the way his music moves you.

Feels like: Emotions of Frank Ocean but with a better voice (sorry King, come back King).

12. The Internet, “Roll (Burbank Funk)”

Why is it important? This is so my speed. As repetitive it may be, this is such a laid-back joy. Steve Lacy debuting those hazy vocals on an Internet track finally, Syd with the smooth backings, and that slinky ass bass line appears at the same moment you hear the hint of a vocal melody. Woo! It’s a vibe.

Feels like: Summer time, heading down to the roller rink.

11. Mitski, “Geyser”

Why is it important? “Geyser” is Mitski exceling yet again another abstract song, makes a beautiful statement through those regal vocals, and creates a transformative build into a short amount of time.

Key Lyric/Bit: The buildup.

[MP2K]

10. Travis Scott, “SICKO MODE (feat. Drake)”

Why is it important? I love the inconsistencies of this track. You know you’re that hitta if you can have not one but two switch-ups on one song and allow the listener to still appreciate all three parts before they change up. Just when you think you've caught the rhythm of where it's taking you, it changes directions. Travis Scott has an ear for haunting melodies, atmospheric beats, and sinister organs. The middle section of this song, Travis alone, is obviously the most popular and appreciated though.

Key Lyric/Bit: The samples from the greats…and Swae Lee.

09. Beach House, “Lemon Glow”

Why is it important? Seven albums deep in and the band hasn’t drifted away from taking us on an emotional dreamy pop exploration. Heartbreak, comfort, and love all through those keyboard, guitars and beautiful loops

Feels like: Hypnosis that you don’t want to get out.

08. Yves Tumor, “Lifetime”

Why is it important? With just one verse, a dominate chorus, the hypnotic chanting, the swirling horns and urgent drums, this song is so energetic but emotional as ****. Lyrics are so simple but some of the most painfully affecting I’ve heard in 2018.

Key Lyric/Bit: Drums.

07. Childish Gambino, “This Is America”

Why is it important? It just is, it’s brilliant. The videos notably juxtaposing images of violence with moments of outright joy and dancing – woo! The song itself, I appreciate the shift from the rap to a falsetto-led collection of soul and R&B. This is a political song sealed inside a summery sound. You can get down and be a woke intellect.

What’s it about? Gun violence, police brutality and the entertainment of the abuse of black bodies.

[potent]

Level Up is a bop, I Like That and This Is America are also great. US Girls' album is on my list to listen.

[Lazuli]

Falling Into Me, Malamente, Pearly Gates, Pristine (as much as people love to drag her), Roll, Geyser, Lemon Glow, This Is America  

[Wicked]

This Is America is the definition of fake woke to me but the video can't be denied. Or the inclusion of all the rappers.

[Kiss It Better]

Roll, Anna Wintour, Sicko Mode, I Like That, Level Up 

it took me a while to get into Roll 

[Pink Matter]

I enjoyed more or less everything I heard in the last few sets. I didn't know people didn't **** with/ignored Kali pre-Isolation  Glad I was blessed with Por Vida  

I kinda hate cherubim (I just hate the way he sings on it) but LOVE bless ur heart so at least the latter's higher on your list.

TiA's video>>>>song

Can't wait for your top 6

[Vilppu]

a lot of these are 10/10 amazing show stopping and all that jazz and this is america should absolutely NOT be above them x

[Legend E]

Malamente, Level Up  

[Dom]

this is america is so good, everything about it, the production, the choir part and damn that mv.. everything on point.

 

the fact that fkin havana won mv of the year at vma's over it is a fkin joke. mtv is a joke.

[lhdang2000]

This is America.  

 

[Jet]

Level Up, I Like That and Sicko Mode is a concept  

[TayRianaPH]

This Is America!  Anna Wintour + Level Up!  

[madonnas]

OMG yes, though Noid >> Lifetime.

Geyser being so close to the top 10  

All the others, ESPECIALLY LEVEL UP are great too.

Exeption is I Like That which I find to be the worst song on the album and beneath Janelle, though the message of the song is good. 

[MP2K]

I'll be updating soon, going to catch up on all your c/ds first

[MP2K]

06. Kendrick Lamar, “All the Stars (with SZA)”

Why is it important? Both Kendrick Lamar and SZA were coming off their biggest years to date, but I don’t think anyone thought the two would create a pop radio hit –

and yet still capture the spiritual theme for a Hollywood blockbuster, Black Panther. With SZA's lofty vocals and Kendrick's more grounded delivery, the two use their contrasting aesthetics to shine alongside each other. SZA proved that she could solidify herself as hook girl as she manages to elevate the songs melody in ways that wouldn't make sense for any other artist. What I thought initially was weak turned out to move me after listening to it more.

Key bit/lyric:

 

Love, let's talk about love

Is it anything and everything you hoped for?

Or do the feeling haunt you? (Haunt)

I know the feeling haunt you (Haunt)

 

05. Rina Sawayama, “Cherry”

Why is it important? “Cherry” is the sugariest earworm pop I’ve heard all year! This nostalgic pop & r&b ass bop. I feel like I’m in 2000 all over again with each listen. Rina has given us a pansexual anthem about the day-to-day love experience and the struggles that come with it.

Key bit/lyric: The Post-Chorus.

 

 

04. MorMor, “Heaven's Only Wishful”

Why is it important? Few male pop artists have charmed me with fine pop like the Toronto up-and-comer MorMor. “Heaven’s Only Wishful” is a soulful genre-bending indie pop song that borrows as much from alternative rock as it does from contemporary R&B. The moment he starts the song (“I’m just a boy-oy”) with that compelling sweet-voice, I was sold. Throughout the song about loss and tragedy in child youth, Mor takes me through different emotions with that delicate voice over those riffs and breathy moments on this track.

Key bit/lyric: The outro.

 

 

03. Janelle Monáe, “Pynk (feat. Grimes)”

Why is it important? Full of more cheeky moments and vaginal references than you can count. “PYNK” is a bold celebration of everything female from her own body to others and all who identify with being female. I also loved the diverse vocal abilities and range from the duo. They elevated the song to feel more like an anthem.

What’s it about? Janelle's pride and liberation, and the triumph of the feminine spirit.

 

 

02. Jay Rock, “King's Dead (with Kendrick Lamar, Future & James Blake)”

Why is it important? For a long time, this was my most played song. OBVIOUSLY, Kendrick Lamar kills it every time. He’s proven to have a voice good enough to carry one of the strongest hooks in Hip-Hop that year. After songs like “HUMBLE.” and “DNA” Kendrick doesn’t skip a beat from serving impassive rapid-fire bars and nostalgic K-Dot switch ups in flows during the last section of this song. Overtime you begin to acknowledge that Jay Rock is also a beast, and the world has been sleeping on his raw talent for too long. And Future? (Alexa play “Dead to Me”).

Feels like: A sonic representation of Killmonger’s momentary victory at the height of Black Panther‘s narrative build.

 

 

01. Ravyn Lenae, “Sticky”

Why is it important? Why it’s important? “Sticky” was a stunner upon its initial release. The guitar-lead opener, her incredibly unique vocal, the high notes (I think will be impossible for her to hit live) and the way Ravyn exudes sexiness all over the track. The sound itself may have been done before in the past, but no one in R&B is doing it NOW (in 2018). It has a wide range of appeal and extreme replay value. She put an interesting vibe on disco with that distinct voice and modern flare of production thanks to Steve Lacy. So many great moments of the year for me: The opening guitar, the organs in the back, the odd adlibs and backings, the high-pitched notes, the “You-ou-ou-ou”’s and “What did you do-oo ooo-ooo?”

What’s it about? A sticky situation. Attachment to a partner you keep breaking up with, then getting back together because you can’t get enough of them.

 

 

Edited January 6, 2019 by MP2K

[MP2K]

 

 

100. A$AP Rocky, “Fukk Sleep (feat. FKA Twigs)”
99. Empress Of, “When I’m With Him”
98. Yuno, “No Going Back”      
97. Blood Orange, “Charcoal Baby”
96. Omar Apollo, “Ignorin’”
95. Taylor Swift, “Delicate”
94. Shawn Mendes, “Lost in Japan”
93. Victoria Monet, “New Love”
92. Lykke Li, “deep end”
91. The Carters, “APESHIT”
90. Tierra Wack, “Hungry Hippo”
89. Charli XCX, “Focus”
88. MorMor, “Waiting on the Warmth”
87. Hatchie, "Sugar & Spice"
86. Christine and the Queens, “Girlfriend (feat. Dam Funk)”
85. Daniel Caesar, “Who Hurt You?”
84. Christina Aguilera, “Like I Do (feat. GoldLink)”
83. Post Malone, “Psycho (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)”
82. SiR, “D'Evils”
81. Florence + The Machine, “Hunger”
80. Justin Timberlake, “Say Something (feat. Charles Chapelton)”
79. Pinegrove, “Intrepid”
78. Maggie Rogers, “Give A Little”
77. Shea Diamond, “Keisha Complexion”
76. Nilüfer Yanya, “Thanks 4 Nothing”
75. Childish Gambino, “Feels Like Summer”
74. Parquet Courts, “Wide Awake”
73. Nao, “Make It Out Alive (feat. SiR)”
72. Drake, “God’s Plan”
71. Jorja Smith, “February 3rd”
70. The Weeknd, “Pray For Me (with Kendrick Lamar)”
69. Ravyn Lenae, “The Night Song”
68. Troye Sivan, “My My My!”
67. LCD Soundsystem, “oh baby”
66. Snail Mail, “Full Control”
65. King Princess, “Talia”
64. Tirzah, “Holding On”
63. 6LACK, “Pretty Little Fears (feat. J. Cole)”
62. Troye Sivan, “Dance to This (feat. Ariana Grande)”
61. Maggie Rogers, “Fallingwater”
60. Jhene Aiko, “Sativa (feat. Swae Lee)”
59. Nicki Minaj, “Chun-Li”
58. Ariana Grande, “no tears left to cry”
57. Robyn, “Missing U”
56. Pusha T, “If You Know You Know”
55. Alina Baraz, “I Don't Even Know Why Though”
54. Natalie Prass, “Short Court Style”
53. J. Cole, “ATM”
52. Ella Mai, “Trip”
51. Migos, “Stir Fry”
50. BROCKHAMPTON, “BOOGIE”
49. Ariana Grande, “God is a woman”
48. Halsey, “Alone (feat. Big Sean & Stefflon Don)”
47. Childish Gambino, “Summertime Magic”
46. Bruno Mars, “Finesse (Remix) [feat. Cardi B]”
45. Robyn, “Honey”
44. Rosalía, “PIENSO EN TU MIRÁ - Cap.3: Celos”
43. Ella Mai, “Boo'd Up”
42. Amber Mark, “Love Me Right”
41. KIDS SEE GHOSTS, “Reborn”
40. Kamasi Washington, “Fists of Fury”
39. Ariana Grande, “breathin’”
38. Kimbra, “Human”
37. Janelle Monáe, “Make Me Feel”
36. Anderson.Paak, “Bubblin”
35. Teyana Taylor, “Gonna Love Me”
34. A$AP Rocky, “Praise The Lord (Da Shine) (feat. Skepta)”
33. Yves Tumor, “Licking An Orchid”
32. Mitski, “Nobody”
31. SOPHIE, “Immaterial”
30. Drake, “Nice for What”’
29. Normani & Khalid, “Love Lies”
28. Teyana Taylor, “Rose In Harlem”
27. serpentwithfeet, “cherubim”
26. Christine and the Queens, “5 Dollars”
25. Jay Rock, “Wow Freestyle (feat. Kendrick Lamar)”
24. Kali Uchis, “After The Storm (feat. Tyler, The Creator & Bootsy Collins)”
23. Lizzo, “Boys”
22. Chloe x Halle, “Happy Without Me”
21. U.S. Girls, “Rosebud”
20. Ciara, “Level Up”
19. Let's Eat Grandma, “Falling into Me”
18. ROSALÍA, “MALAMENTE”
17. U.S. Girls, “Pearly Gates”
16. Azealia Banks, “Anna Wintour”
15. Janelle Monáe, “I Like That”
14. Snail Mail, “Pristine”
13. serpentwithfeet, “bless ur heart”
12. The Internet, “Roll (Burbank Funk)”
11. Mitski, “Geyser”
10. Travis Scott, “SICKO MODE (feat. Drake)”
09. Beach House, “Lemon Glow”
08. Yves Tumor, “Lifetime”
07. Childish Gambino, “This Is America”
06. Kendrick Lamar, “All the Stars (with SZA)”
05. Rina Sawayama, “Cherry”
04. Janelle Monáe, “Pynk (feat. Grimes)”
03. MorMor, “Heaven's Only Wishful”
02. Jay Rock, “King's Dead (with Kendrick Lamar, Future & James Blake)”
01. Ravyn Lenae, “Sticky”

 

That concludes my Top Singles chart! Now it's time for my least exciting list... The albums and album tracks list to coincide. It wasn't the best year in the album department I'll be honest but I'll try.

Edited January 6, 2019 by MP2K

[Legend E]

Pynk, Cherry ? 

[madonnas]

What a beautiful #1!  Very on brand for you but also a very good song.

HOW is underrated on here, glad its so high for you! 

[Stevie]

Sticky is a slay!

[potent]

This is a great top 6, I like everything I know. All the Stars and Cherry would be my favorites.