2018 was an amazing year for music. From big artists who
dominated the year’s musical discourse to up-and-comers who really made an
impact, there was no shortage of great tunes out there for our listening
pleasure. And now that we only have a few more days until 2019 begins, this is
the perfect opportunity to step back and remember the music that really stood
out.
As 2018 comes to a close, Vinyl Bay 777, Long Island’s music
outlet, is taking a look back at some of our favorite songs from the past year.
From hip-hop and pop to indie and rock, here are eight songs that we hoped you
loved as much as we did.
1.
Childish
Gambino, “This Is America”: I’m not even a fan of today’s rap style and
this is a great song. “This Is America” harnesses the power of words to make a
bold, powerful statement about our culture. It makes itself well understood,
using pacing to make its message digestible. The song also had one of the best
videos this year and really got people talking. (video)
2.
Superorganism, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous”: Low
key and unassuming, “Everybody Wants To Be Famous” was a breakout single for
Superorganism this year. The song’s mild tempo, minimalist feel and
confident-yet-odd lyrics are a testament to the band’s off the beaten path
aesthetic and is made for the internet age. (video)
3.
Courtney Barnett, “Nameless, Faceless”: Courtney
Barnett isn’t afraid to “tell it like it is” in her lyrics. “Nameless, Faceless”
is proof of that. Backed by a psychedelic-ish guitar melody, the song serves out
a perfectly worded response to the differences men and women face out in
public. During the verses, she doesn’t back down as she nonchalantly reprimands
a guy for putting her down and wonders what happened to him to make him say
something like that. (video)
4.
Death Cab For Cutie, “Gold Rush”: Everyone can
relate to the feeling when everything around you seems to be changing without
you. Death Cab For Cutie captures that perfectly in “Gold Rush.” Written by Ben
Gibbard about how the neighborhood he grew up in has changed, he paints a vivid
picture of his feelings through metaphor and melody. It’s far from the melancholy
days of “I Will Follow You Into the Dark,” but just as emotional and grabbing.
(video)
5.
The
1975, “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)”: There is a certain cold,
80s electronic element that permeates The 1975’s recent singles like “Love It
If We Made It” and “Give Yourself A Try” (though both do have their positive
points). But “It’s Not Living” feels different. While still clearly
80s-inspired, it has the bounce of a synth-pop track. It’s upbeat (even if the
lyrics aren’t) and catchy. (video)
6.
Dan + Shay, “Tequila”: Country duo Dan + Shay
had a ton of success this year, including two number one songs on country radio.
The first of these was “Tequila,” a wistful track about the things that make
you remember that someone special. It’s pleasantly somber yet joyful at the same
time. (video)
7.
Barns Courtney, “99”: It seemed to be a theme
this year in music to reminisce about the 1990s. However, none of those songs
quite capture the essence of growing up in that decade like Barns Courtney’s “99.”
Its nostalgic for the era, but doesn’t’ hit you over the head with references
or that “simpler time” feeling. Instead he relates a love story in the lyrics,
using a swirling guitar melody to wrap around it and provide a funky, totally unique
vibe. (video)
8.
Marshmello feat. Bastille,
“Happier”: At this point “Happier” feels a bit played out, as it has been a
major crossover radio hit for both EDM DJ Marshmello and rock band Bastille. But
its popularity is a function of it being a pretty brilliant collaboration. The
song’s mood is decidedly bright for lyrics that depict a guy deciding that he
has to leave his significant other in order for that person to be happy. But
that melody and infectious beat is what adds to the song’s appeal. (video)
Further listening:
·
Panic! at the Disco, “High Hopes”
·
Florence
+ the Machine, “Hunger”
·
Dua Lipa, “IDGAF”
·
Stand Atlantic, “Skinny Dipping”
This past year was filled with amazing music from start to
finish. Enjoy this look back at some of our favorite songs of 2018 and let us
know what songs left an impact on you this year in the comments below.
Happy New Year!
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Discover music new and old at Vinyl Bay 777. As Long Island’s
top new independent record shop, we have thousands of titles to choose from in
a wide variety of genres. Browse our selection of new and used vinyl records,
CDs, cassettes, music DVDs, memorabilia and more in store at our Plainview
location or online at vinylbay777.com. Whether you’re looking for something new
or to rediscover the classics, we have you covered. And with more titles being
added to our selection all the time, you never know what you might find at
Vinyl Bay 777.
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