What a dramatic year it’s been for Electronic Music. 2018 saw its handful of exceeded expectations as well as letdowns. Though, to no surprise, we were treated to another stacked year of albums. In this list, we compiled the highlights of the year, full-length studio projects that not only raised the bar but cemented legacies for these artists.
10. G Jones – The Ineffable Truth
After mesmerizing listeners with his unorthodox take on bass music, G Jones‘ debut album was one of the most highly anticipated releases to arrive in 2018. Rightfully so, The Ineffable Truth separated minds from bodies. The 11-track project lived up to the hype, and it delivered a forceful punch. G Jones has made his presence known and his music remains one of the most compelling movements in bass music right now.
9. What So Not – Not All The Beautiful Things
Tasteful. A word that perfectly the describes the art displayed in Not All The Beautiful Things. Contrary to its title, these 12 songs will send you into a whirlwind of emotions. Displaying his one of a kind sound, What So Not finally tackled the challenge of a full-length album and it’s a true masterpiece. We also finally got that 4-year-old collaboration with Skrillex.
8. Kasbo – Places We Don’t Know
Kasbo‘s debut album was effortlessly captivating and deserving of the appropriate attention. Released via Foreign Family Collective and making #8 on our list, Places We Don’t Know offered an enchanting listen. Delivering one of the most pleasant and uplifting records of the year, Kasbo has already garnered over 50 million streams across his luscious 13-track album.
7. Lane 8 – Little By Little
Tackling the task of his sophomore album, Lane 8 did not fail to impress with Little By Little. Transporting fans to paradise, the ethereal atmosphere carried within each of the 10 tracks is a trait that cannot be imitated. Melodic and breathtaking, Little By Little shines with Lane 8’s futuristic and meticulously crafted house soundscapes.
6. Medasin – IRENE
Medasin‘s debut album brought a refreshing record that opened the eyes of many. Investing his sound into a full conceptual project, the 20-year-old producer solidified his position as an artist. Irene was a brilliant expedition into the lighter side of future bass that combined breezy, airy synths and intricate percussion to craft melodic and emotional soundscapes. In the search of musical fulfillment, IRENE tells a story worth hearing.
5. Alison Wonderland – Awake
Amassing a giant and dedicated fan base, Alison Wonderland‘s sophomore album was arguably one of the releases we all had our eyes on. The Australian heroine flawlessly outdid herself with Awake as she crafted intricate, pop-scented trap and future bass hits. Surprising fans with star-studded features and collaborations, Alison Wonderland rightfully found herself soaring to new heights.
4. Getter – Visceral
Getter Getter, who made a name for himself with his crushing dubstep sound, has never been afraid to shy away from that sound to experiment with different sounds, and he did just that with Visceral. Giving his audience glimpses of how versatile his music can be, for years now, we’ve been waiting for another body of work from Getter. Visceral is a product of his emotions, inspirations, and anguish. These 12 tracks show you another side of the artist that will simply blow you away.
3. San Holo – album1
Album1 is best looked at as a celebration. This project is a culmination of San Holo‘s brand making it to the forefront of dance music. San Holo’s music has not only inspired a newer wave of talent but has bred some of the most creative producers through his imprint bitbird. They say a label is only as good as their leader and San Holo proved himself worthy with this collection of tracks. It’s pretty, catchy, energetic, and simply everything we wanted it to be.
2. Rufus Du Sol – SOLACE
SOLACE was cinematic, soulful, charging, and vulnerable all at once. Evoking emotion like no other album this year, this project really glued together as a cohesive unit. It delivers such an impactful listen that we find ourselves never being able to listen to just one track without going through the whole record in one sitting. Impressing fans and newcomers with a more polished sound than their debut “Bloom”, RUFUS DU SOL aims to tear your heart out with this one.
1. RL Grime – NOVA
The transformation of RL Grime has been exciting to watch. From trap music’s overlord to stern trendsetter, Henry Steinway has turned over a new leaf for what his music stands for. Aiming for musical freedom, NOVA separated RL from his past and will leave a lasting influence on the future of electronic music. RL Grime has simply evolved, and the artistry displayed within these 15 tracks is something we’ve yet to see from him. With that said, the importance of this project will continue to inspire his peers to seek artistic fulfillment of their own. Treating listeners to various flavors of the project, this incredibly versatile record lands at #1 on our list.
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