Northern Transmission's Top 10 Albums of 2018 So Far

Northern Transmission's Top 10 Albums of 2018 So Far

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Arctic Monkeys - Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino
May 11, 2018
Critic Score
72
44 reviews
Whilst it matters not that guitars have taken a back seat on ‘TBHC’ ... 11 tracks of tepid lounge-pop that veers towards elevator jazz means the four-piece’s next installment is remarkably underwhelming.

Gwenno - Le Kov
March 2, 2018
Critic Score
80
21 reviews

As she breathes new life into Cornish through her entrancing music, and lyrics based around Cornish legends, Gwenno is truly a rarity. Le Kov is so mesmerizing yet unfamiliar in fact that it wouldn’t be a stretch to suggest it will appreciate over time with just about anyone.

Janelle Monáe - Dirty Computer
April 27, 2018
Critic Score
87
41 reviews
Bringing in commentary about America and womanhood across her cosmic soul energy, Monáe channels the greats while charting her own course. While she can sometimes let her message override the musical experience, there’s enough talent flying across this record (and the mini companion film no-less) to show that Janelle Monáe is one of the artists that will be taking over the world.

Kadhja Bonet - Childqueen
June 8, 2018
Critic Score
79
13 reviews
With her mix of memorable melodies, retro tones and timeless well…everything, Bonet makes a classic that would fit across the last 60 or so years of music.

Kali Uchis - Isolation
April 6, 2018
Critic Score
84
24 reviews
Featuring a wealth of tracks covering jazz, soul, bossa nova, rap, hip hop, Latin music and a bit of everything in between, the album really keeps the energy going and brings even more single-worthy tracks than Uchis had already released. Considering even her most derivative moments bring her own unique flair, this is an album that straddles ambitious writing and classic ideas with precision.

Melody's Echo Chamber - Bon Voyage
June 15, 2018
Critic Score
77
25 reviews
With all the strange places this album goes on top of what you would want out of her writing, this is Prochet at her most ambitious but strong, so here’s hoping to her good health and less of a wait for her next release.

Soulwax - Essential
June 22, 2018
Critic Score
77
5 reviews

Through amazing grooves and some of the best percussion in the dance world, Soulwax bring the club experience home.

Sunflower Bean - Twentytwo in Blue
March 23, 2018
Critic Score
76
28 reviews

Though they definitely show where they’re pulling from on this record, it rarely holds them back from making some of the best rock music around.

Superorganism - Superorganism
March 2, 2018
Critic Score
72
24 reviews
Well ahead of its time in terms of sound and the overall cinematic production, the whole record feels like the sonic equivalent to a movie. While it will take years to see how this album holds up, it feels revolutionary in its balance of boundary pushing and addictive pop.

U.S. Girls - In a Poem Unlimited
February 16, 2018
Critic Score
85
27 reviews
While Remy brought stirring art-rock on her last album with touches of a deeper sound, she transcends from weird indie rock to a commanding presence amidst a wicked swirl of dance and dark synths. Forget the sophomore slump, U.S. Girls has achieved their best album to date and calls from a host of influences that will leave you breathless.
Original Source: https://northerntransmissions.com/half-year-albums-2018/
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