2018 has been a groundbreaking year for music. From the debuts of Cardi B and Camila Cabello, to the genre-crossing “Golden Hour,” and to the record-breaking releases from Post Malone, music and pop culture in general have thrived. With thousands of new releases over the course of 12 months, 18 songs were compiled of all genres to round up an outstanding year. 9 of the eighteen were reviewed below, and linked below is a playlist curated of the best songs of 2018.

Best Songs of 2018- Complete Mix

1. Slow Burn- Kacey Musgraves
2. Light On- Maggie Rogers
3. Beyond- Leon Bridges
4. Nobody- Mitski
5. Small Worlds- Mac Miller
6. While You Still Can- Brothers Osborne
7. Sad Girls- Jillian Jacqueline
8. Fortress- Lennon Stella
9. Thank U Next- Ariana Grande
10. Don’t Matter To Me- Drake
11. Tequila- Dan + Shay
12. APESH**T- The Carters
13. Without Me- Halsey
14. Just Dumb Enough To Try- Father John Misty
15. Lost in Japan- Shawn Mendes
16. Charcoal Baby- Blood Orange
17. YOSEMITE- Travis Scott
18. Losing You- boy pablo

Slow Burn- Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves’ “Golden Hour” is one of the most talked about albums this year. Standout “Slow Burn” is an ethereal melody with clever and carefree lyrics. “Born in a hurry, always late, haven’t been early since 88.” With a new take on alt-country, it’s no wonder this album took home CMA album of the year.

Sad Girls– Jillian Jacqueline

The saddest songs can be the most dreamy, and Jacqueline proves that with the lead single from EP “Side B”. Accompanied by a simple acoustic guitar, Jacqueline spins a story that almost all can relate to, about feeling so small yet larger than life at the same time. At the rate she’s going, Jacqueline is well on her way to becoming the next Patty Griffin.

Don’t Matter To Me- Drake

Aside from all the records the rapper has broken, “Don’t Matter To Me” is reminiscent of older Drake songs, with a simple and effective production and the late Michael Jackson on background vocals.

Fortress- Lennon Stella

Coming off a six year stint from the ABC TV show Nashville and years of singing in a duo with younger sister Maisy, Stella put out her first solo project. “Fortress” is an indie-pop song with layers underneath of what she has learned from her time in the music city- the layered harmonies and the composition of the lyrics is straight out of Nashville. Her entire EP is incredible, and this song is no exception.

Small Worlds- Mac Miller

Before his tragic death, Miller put out one of the best hip hop albums of the decade. A standout song of his is “Small Worlds.” Not only are the lyrics so moving, but the production is specific but understated. It’s truly a shame he never got to put out more music.

Light On- Maggie Rogers

Rogers is one of the most sought after artists to launch in the past year, and her latest single, “Light On,” is bound to be a hit outside indie radio. With a poppy composition and inspirational lyrics, this song will get stuck in your head, and her voice will stay with you. Look out for her debut album “Heard It In a Past Life” out on January 18th, 2019.

Lost in Japan- Shawn Mendes

A breezy tune from the latest Mendes record, “Lost in Japan” is one of his best singles yet. While not as vulnerable as the rest of his album, it’s a fresh take on pop music and different than anything else he has previously released. And not just because he’s singing about flying to Japan for the night!

Losing You- boy pablo

Indie pop seems to be completely taking over the world these days, and “Losing You” is one of those songs that could easily cross over to mainstream radio. It’s not like anything else that’s out though; it’s completely original and so easy to get stuck in your head.

Beyond- Leon Bridges

The highly anticipated sophomore record from Bridges had so many standouts, and “Beyond” is one of them. The production is very retro and has a feel-good sound to it. The song is a letter to Bridges’ mom about introducing her to his hypothetical girlfriend and it’s very sweet. This song was one of the most popular on AAA radio this year.