For some of us, 2018 was a rather strange year. But no matter what you were going through, there was always an album release around the corner to look forward to, and 2018 was jam-packed with amazing releases to get excited about!
We’ll be honest: the trials of every day life kept us from doing our best here at TDL this year. We’re a small team of three, but we are family, despite the distance between us. These albums bonded us together and kept us going when our motivation was dwindling. It was the excitement of these releases that allowed us to keep moving when all we wanted to do was just give up. We hope you’ve found some solace in these releases as well. Here’s to brand new year of new releases and excitement!
10. CHVRCHES – Love Is Dead
Released: May 25, 2018
CHVRCHES are truly a powerhouse within their own league and they once again made sure we are all aware of it. Love Is Dead broke us with the heartfelt honestly of its ballads but also mended us on the upbeat dance pop anthems. – Dóra Udvardi
Key Tracks: “Miracle” | “Graves” | “Really Gone”
9. Troye Sivan – Bloom
Released: August 31, 2018
Charming and gentle, delving between innocence and maturity, Troye Sivan’s sophomore album marked a milestone in his career. Delicate and empathetic, Bloom represents a record filled with universal feelings that everyone who gives this record a listen will find at least once song they relate to, and honestly, this is the kind of perspective we look for in an album. – Naty Cuéllar
Key Tracks: “My My My!” | “Bloom” | “Postcard” feat. Gordi
8. Fleurie – Portals
Released: August 17, 2018
We knew she had it in her and at long last, Portals – the indie-pop album of our dreams – has been unleashed. Taking us on a cosmic journey of love, loss, confusion, and hope for the future, Fleurie concocted a perfect blend of glittery synthpop and indie bliss to hold one captivated for life, making Portals a scintillating highlight in the singer’s career. – Tina Roumeliotis
Key Tracks: “Chasing Stars” | “Supersonic” | “Explosions of Grandeur”
7. St. Lucia – Hyperion
Released: September 21, 2018
St. Lucia have a way of reinventing their already-iconic sound with every album release. With Hyperion, their third, frontman Jean-Philip Grobler took things to the next level by isolating himself to create some of the band’s best material to date, proving that great albums don’t always need the help of a million hitmakers and producers. – Tina Roumeliotis
Key Tracks: “A Brighter Love” | “Walking Away” | “Gun”
6. LANY – Malibu Nights
Released: October 5, 2018
What was once a very public breakup turned into a fantastic sophomore release. LANY were never ones to shy away from raw emotion, and on Malibu Nights, singer Paul Jason Klein is at his most authentic as he shares his heart-wrenching journey of heartbreak and finding oneself all over again in the span of 45 days. We all know who this one is about, and we think it goes without saying that we are truly thankful for this unexpected piece of art. – Tina Roumeliotis
Key Tracks: “Thick and Thin” | “I Don’t Wanna Love You Anymore” | “Thru These Tears”
5. Pale Waves – My Mind Makes Noises
Released: September 14, 2018
Pale Waves sure made us wait an eternity for a debut album but it was worth it. Blistering 80s-inspired music with lyrics of love, loss and mental health, My Mind Makes Noises makes sure that there is something to enjoy here for everyone hungry for unique, modern pop with a throwback feel. – Dóra Udvardi
Key Tracks: “Eighteen” | “Drive” | “Television Romance”
4. Lovelytheband – Finding It Hard To Smile
Released: August 3, 2018
Once Lovelytheband came into my life, I felt less alone. Their stunning debut, Finding It Hard To Smile, is a nod to every person out there struggling with anxiety and depression as it breaks the stigma around mental health by adding in humor and a sense of togetherness in a cold world. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, and you’ll cry again as singer Mitchy Collins shares his truth with the world, as listeners turn his stories into their own. – Tina Roumeliotis
Key Tracks: “Emotion” | “Walk From Here” | “Broken”
3. Twenty One Pilots – Trench
Released: October 5, 2018
Without a doubt, this was one of the most anticipated albums of the year and while some people may agree that the band stepped out of the “mainstream” takeover, the Ohio pair absolutely served us well. Once again showing their capacity of putting together a cohesive concept, with Trench lead singer, Tyler Joseph, addresses important issues, ditches the metaphors in a couple of tracks and goes for something more straightforward. A more mature but still creatively energetic Twenty One Pilots definitely delivered one of the most important albums of 2018. – Naty Cuéllar
Key Tracks: “My Blood” | “Neon Gravestones” | “Nico And The Niners”
2. The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
Released: November 30, 2018
The third and very much anticipated album from The 1975 also brought their third #1 position on the UK album charts in a row during its first sales week (an accomplishment previously only held by Arctic Monkeys) and rightfully so. They are further pushing genre boundaries by masterfully blending smooth jazz with their signature synth-pop/indie vibes and keeping it real with lyrics discussing both societal and personal issues. – Dóra Udvardi
Key Tracks: “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” | “Sincerity Is Scary” | “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)”
1. The Aces – When My Heart Felt Volcanic
Released: April 6, 2018
If there’s a band we’re grateful for this year, The Aces are definitely it. From the moment we discovered them we knew they were keepers. Their debut album When My Heart Felt Volcanic feels like a warm summer road trip with friends. Mastering the art of the indie-pop genre, The Aces delivers exciting, witty and energetic melodies, setting the bar high and turning all eyes on them. – Naty Cuéllar
Key tracks: “Volcanic Love” | “Fake Nice” | “Last One”
