Top Ten Musical Moments of 2018
One of my favorite passions is music. I enjoy dissecting verses, listening for new melodies, and of course new artists. As 2018 comes to an end here are my personal top music moments of 2018.
Number 10: Childish Gambino, This is America
No song or video captured the political climate of 2018 more than Childish Gambino's "This Is America." It was critically-acclaimed upon its release for shining a light on gun violence, police brutality, and the black experience in the era of our current President. The video not only started a media craze of gifs and meme's but also added a visual to the struggles of being a black person in America.
Number 9: Bastille drops instant hit "Happier"
DJ and producer Marshmello and British band Bastille both hit new career highs with the drop of this fall single last year. Bastille hadn't had a Top 100 hit since 2013 with "Pompeii". The new track "Happier" discusses self care and happiness in an extremely transparent way. Paired with the video, "Happier" was easily one of my top favorite songs that addressed mental health and managed to hit you in the feels immensely.
Number 8: Carly Rae Jepson, Party For One
Carly's hit single "Party For One"is the perfect pop- girl power song for a girls night or karaoke session at a bar. This catchy sing along track is sure to be featured in upcoming feel good tv shows or movies. I'm loving Carly's new haircut and attitude I think it blends perfectly into her music and creates a unique sound for her.
Number 7: Jesus Christ Superstar Live!
NBC continued producing live musicals this year, the best yet was Jesus Christ Superstar Live. Starring John Legend and Sara Bareilles but the night truly belonged to Judas. Brandon Victor Dixon set the tone for his powerhouse role right from the top! All of his songs were instant hits, my personal favorite is "Superstar". I linked a video of his performance below. https://www.facebook.com/nbcphiladelphia/videos/10156584270416535/
Number 6: H.E.R
HER became a household name this past year. 2018 was really the year for RnB, and very big for HER who dropped two albums and two EP's on various streaming platforms, featuring hits like "Focus", "Let me in"and "Could've Been"(feat Daniel Caesar). Her approach to soul music not only comforts you but makes you feel the emotion of each song.
Number 5: Drake, Scorpion
Drake dropped Scorpion this past year and definitely lived up to the hype of the albums early on hits "God's Plan", "Nice for what", and viral sensation "In my feelings". Most importantly he gave us a Degrassi reunion with "I'm Upset". The "Im Upset" music video is my personal top video of the year. Not only did we get a chance to relive amazing characters most millennials my age grew up with, the song itself is a banger.
Number 4: JoJo's re-release
JoJo re-released her childhood hits from her first two albums right before the new year, shocking everyone. I personally listened to the entire album, then played the old tracks and compared. Hearing the growth and range in her voice was definitely an experience.
Number 3: Cardi B, Invasion of Privacy
The entire album was a bop, a hit, and a masterpiece. From the beats to the features, the entire album was put together flawlessly. My personal favorite was her track "I like it" featuring Bad Bunny and J Balvin. The way she linked her Hispanic heritage with her rap style was a good look for Cardi, and also showed a more diverse musical range. Chance the Rapper on "Best Life" comes in at a close second for my favorite on the album.
Number 2: Tobe Nwigwe, More Originals
Tobe became popular this past year with his "Get Twisted Sunday's" original freestyles that he performed while his wife, known as Fat, twisted his hair. His purposeful lyrics discuss a range of topics from his upbringing in Texas, to his Nigerian heritage, and most importantly his love for his wife. Tobe, his wife, and producer Nell work together in a creative partnership and have crafted a sound and visual aesthetic so unique that they're turning listeners heads. My personal favorite tracks are "I'm Dope", "Tabernacle", and "Growth".
Number 1: Black Panther
The soundtrack and original movie score were amazing. The original movie score explored different softer tone classical instruments mixed with RnB and Rap. The soundtrack was done by Kendrick Lamar and once again killed it with his raw and real content matched with his impeccable talent. The soundtrack when listened to from beginning to end it creates a beautiful visual of redemption through war and strife.