NPR Music's Favorite Songs and Albums of 2018

Here are the 50 albums and 100 songs that soundtracked this year.

NPR's Best Albums & Songs of 2018 Each December, the NPR Music team convenes to discuss, debate and decide what music makes our annual lists of the best songs and albums of the year. So much of the music we've loved this year holds a mirror to ourselves as listeners and to the wider world, grappling with both personal and political trauma. The soundtrack to 2018 comes from long-awaited projects and surprise releases, by steadfast favorites and new discoveries and as intimate melodies and powerful videos. We hope you see some of your own favorites reflected in our lists, and maybe discover something new to love. Happy listening, NPR Music Angela Hsieh/NPR From breakthroughs to rebirths, from introductions to comebacks, the 50 best albums of 2018 wove together personal and universal experiences with grace and flair. The albums on our list kept surprising and impressing us — whether it was Beyoncé and Jay-Z's triumphant collaboration, Brandi Carlile's moving ode to forgiveness, Cardi B's new seat at the top of hip-hop's hierarchy or John Prine's ever-poignant songwriting — and kept demanding our attention. Best Albums Of 2018 Angela Hsieh/NPR Simply put, the the 100 most memorable songs of 2018 pulled no punches. From the high-concept country of Kacey Musgraves to Andrew W.K.'s anthemic "Music Is Worth Living For" to Mitski's sharp analysis of loneliness, the year's best tracks provided a rich soundtrack for a tumultuous year. Crafted by collectives, unlikely collaborators  and, in at least two cases, married couples, the best songs of the year ranged from complex compositions to inescapable earworms. Best Songs Of 2018 You received this message because you're subscribed to our Best of NPR emails. |  Unsubscribe  |  Privacy Policy | NPR 1111 N. CAPITOL ST. NE WASHINGTON DC 20002