Can I just say, I am LOVING and also LOATHING how many artists are going on tour and making new music because I simply can’t afford to see everyone I admire live….unless I create a go fund me and I’m sure no one wants to give me money to see an artist basically every week until 2019…..right? I mean….I wouldn’t complain. Anyways, I am constantly checking the “New Music Friday” playlist on Spotify every week because it seems like everyone is doing the damn thing in 2018. I figured this blog is the perfect place to show everyone all the new tracks out within the beginning of the year that I am loving.
Below you will find 10 songs that have been released since January 1, 2018 that I’ve beaten to death by replaying over and over again. There is no specific genre or boundary or rule I’ve put into this list. It’s eclectic but everything is great. I have so many lists coming your way, but it was important to me to get this one out first. If there is someone on this list you haven’t thought about researching or thought I’d be into, I strongly suggest taking the time to check it and them out. These are in as much of a chronological order I could make, but don’t look at it as good to great…more like from least amount of instant replays to non stop back to back.
10. Shawn Mendes- Lost in Japan
I honestly never thought I’d consider myself a Shawn Mendes fan not because I don’t find him talented but because his musical style was just personally not something I could vibe with well. It always seemed too sugar coated for my liking. To some, Lost in Japan is probably still incredibly poppy, but this track just makes me feel really good. It just screams summertime, happiness, and adventure. It definitely helps that Shawn has a pretty damn good voice.
9. Manchester Orchestra- No Hard Feelings
This is actually a cover of an Avett Brothers song, but I really love this stripped down and emotional track. It really hit me hard, and even though it has such a somber and depressive feel, it was pretty much all I listened to today at work.
8. James Bay- Us
I. EFFING. LOVE. JAMES BAY. He is so talented and his voice literally sounds exactly the same live or on a record. I plan on doing a post dedicated to James Bay once his new album comes out later this year. Until then, enjoy this little track that was released literally hours ago. I’m over the moon he’s released new content.
7. George Ezra- All My Love
This artist looks nothing like I imagined him. His voice is powerful and rich and it makes this such a beautiful and romantic track. If you love his songs Budapest and Barcelona, I really recommend looking into this one because it’s a bit different from those. With that being said, almost all of George Ezra’s content brings me intense happiness and warmth. I can’t help but smile when I hear this one.
6. The Fratellis- Sugartown
The Fratellis is an artists that tragically slips through the cracks for me. They’re a post-punk revival band that is probably most notable for their Chelsea Dagger track. I almost broke my work computer when I saw they came out with a new album, and guess what? Every song is phenomenal! Sugartown is my personal favorite, but this album is definitely worth sitting down and listening front to back.
5. Rebelution- City Life
Tue Life: I saw Rebelution the summer of 2017 and passed out from dehydration and only saw them perform 1 song before leaving. Yes, I’m mad about it, and you best believe I’ll be seeing them this summer when they come around my neck of the woods. Until then, I’ll be listening to this song because not only is it chill and easy to listen to, I also relate heavily to it. As a society, we tend to be swept up in the bustle of the city, or social media, and need to take a step back. It doesn’t really matter what setting I’m truly in; whenever I listen to Rebelution I go to my happy place
4. Logic- Boomtrap Protocol
Okay truly, Logic is probably my favorite current hip hop artist right now. He seems like a decent dude and his content is fire. I’ll have a list of my favorite Logic tracks out veeeeeerrrrrrrry soon but until then check out his latest track Boomtrap Protocol off his new album Bobby Tarantino II. I love it because as much as his last album really hit everyone in the feels, this one is great for some great hip hop. Hip Hop and rap is definitely not a ride or die genre for me, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love listening to music about pussy, money, and weed here and there. This one is my favorite off his new album but I just simply love the lyrics. The beat is a plus, but I always crack a smile and laugh when I rap the lyrics “Drive up with the new new in the drive way/ so fresh I double park that bitch sideways”.
3. Justin Timberlake feat. Chris Stapleton- Say Something
I’ll be frank, I personally am not jumping out of my boots over Justin Timberlake’s new album Man In the Woods #NoTeaNoShade. I did however love this one with Chris Stapleton. I think it’s really relatable, and Stapleton really adds something with his voice. I really enjoy Chris Stapleton, and Justin Timberlake will always have a special place in this 90s baby’s heart. Say Something is really easy to listen to, and a great driving song.
2. James Bay- Wild Love
If the artist below this didn’t finally come out with a genius album, James Bay’s Wild Love would definitely be #1 on this list. I know it seems heinous to have 2 James Bay tracks on this list since so many bands have new releases, but hear me out! This was his first new single since his debut album that released 3 years ago. I personally enjoy the acoustic version of this song more, Wild Love really hit me hard. I’ve listened to this every single day driving to work, and to my best friends damn near every Friday night. It’s such a beautiful song and fills me up with such happiness. If you’ve written James Bay off as a generic mainstream artist, back up, clear your head, and listen to this track. You won’t regret it.
1. Jack White- Corporation
Jack White is hands down my favorite guitar player of recent times if not ever. He’s experimental but always falls back on Rock roots with bluesy and classical playing. It seems like every album is completely different from the last, and his new and much anticipated album Boarding House Breach made my pulse race a million miles an hour. When he released this single from it I went into instant chills, and just thought “Wow that hiatus was really worth it”. Corporation’s intro is so fun to listen to. I am always dancing to it, and listen to it multiple times a day. Jack White is one of a kind, and I really respect him in all aspects one can for an artist. If this one is a little too much for you, check Connected by Love or Why Walk a Dog? They are classic Jack White, but quite frankly, you won’t be disappointed by his new album release.
So there you have it! My favorite 2018 releases so far. I really want to know what your favorites are or what your thoughts are on any of mine. 2018 seems to be a very big year for music, and I am more than looking forward to what is to come. Stay tuned!