After poring through my personal Top Songs 2018 playlist on Spotify, here are my favorite cuts from the year that you should give a listen.
5. “Karaoke” by Big Freedia ft. Lizzo
The Queen of New Orleans Bounce dropped her first project since 2014 this year, and recruiting Lizzo for what is now her most played track looks to have been a good move to break her into mainstream popularity.
4. “My Real Girlfriend” by Pup Punk
The punk outfit formed at media giant Barstool Sports brings us and ode to awesome girlfriends that no one else has met. This jam plays like a blink-182 B-side and it’s twice as fun.
3. “Heart-Shaped Box” by Ramin Djawadi
Everyone knows about HBO’s sci-fi sensation Westworld, but not enough credit is given to composer Ramin Djwadi for the old-timey piano covers of modern music sprinkled throughout the series. His rendition of Nirvana’s “Heart-Shaped Box” is the pièce de résistance of Season 2’s mix.
2. “Volcanic Love” by The Aces
The all-female indie pop group released their debut album this year, and their lead-off title track is a great place to start exploring their anthemic sound.
1. “Prom Queen” by Beach Bunny
The Chicago act led by singer-songwriter Lili Trifilio uses pseudo surf rock vibes to tell a poignant tale about beauty standards. The contrasting tones of music and lyrics is almost jarring, but that only compels you to listen more and sing along.
