Top 50 Songs of 2018

From politically charged tracks such as "This Is America" to ex-boyfriend homages with "thank u, next", 2018 has definitely seen a wide array of compositions that were closely tied with each other. A list composed of singles that received acclaim and radio play, no cover tracks were featured. Agree or disagree? Let me know your list?

50. Narcos by Migos

Culture II might have not lived up to the hype, but at least it had some decent singles with "Narcos" being the best. The single finds the trio channeling their inner Escobar while executing heavy bars over a beautiful Spanish guitar sample. The three amigos give their best on "Narcos" to an otherwise "meh" album.

49. Love Can Be So Hard by Disclosure

Disclosure have not had many hits ever since their last effort in 2015, but "Love Can Be So Hard" finds the pair working magic again. With synthesized bass lines and a danceable groove, the pair have found hope for their next project. For Disclosure, "Love Can Be So Hard" signals a more loose and fun project in the future.

48. CLOUT CO13A1N by Denzel Curry

At this point with "CLOUT CO13A1N" Denzel Curry has definitely outlived the title of "One hit wonder". The single finds the rapper contemplating life and those he hangs around with. Denzel Curry finds sentimentality in "CLOUT CO13A1N", by speaking about how the deceitful take advantage of others.

47. Nont For Sale by Sudan Archives

An experimental fusion of R&B with folk finds Sudan Archives channeling her inner zen towards empowering others. An abstract anthem that calls woman to stand against those who take advantage, and it certainly packs an acid-fused punch. The young artist catches momentum for her upcoming project.

46. Ahead Of Ourselves by Nine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails come back around with a hard hitting track from their 2018 project, Bad Witch. The track covers experimental ground (not new for them by this point) and finds the group working with noise fueled knacks. "Ahead Of Ourselves" finds mastermind Trent Reznor with energetic lead vocals that find him loosing his mind as the track goes on, probably for the better.

45. Coitus by Elijah Bank$y

Elijah bank$y deserves more recognition with the release of his 2018 project Coldest Day In February Shines The Amethyst Rock. "Coitus" finds Elijah Bank$y paired with Gus Dapperton for a sentimental track about making your girlfriend a "Baby momma". While Bank$y still has to grow as an, Gus' vocals and the production make the track an absolute standout. Bank$y hustle deserves more recognition from the mainstream, and hopefully he continues to work on his craft.

44. Reborn by KIDS SEE GHOSTS

Who knew Kanye West and Kid Cudi could work through their differences to make a stellar song about making amends. The track finds Cudi's heavenly vocals on lead paired with Kanye's lyrics about hope for the unexpected. Cudi's melodic vocals and Kanye's honest wordplay about his endeavors find the pair working as a rekindled team working to make playoffs.

43. FUN! by Vince Staples GOOD

"FUN!" is a bounce fueled track that finds Vince Staples back on his grind after 2016s Big Fish Theory. "FUN!" has Vince Staples flowing effortlessly over a catchy beat that signals a more commercial sound. The track does not sacrifice any of Vince Staples trademarks and delivers both on production and lyrical grit.

42. bless ur heart by serpentwithfeet

serpentwithfeet has a beautifully somber voice that has an eerie vibe, just the right amount to make any straight man cry. The minimalist "bless ur heart" has the singer's voice on full display for listeners to feel the heartbreak of gay love in modern society. With "bless ur heart" serpentwithfeet has answered the call of those who seek an emotional track to tear up to.

41. Butterflies by Kacey Musgraves

"Butterflies" has Kacey Musgraves fusing indie-folk with country to make a track about finding that "special someone". The single speaks about those first feelings when meeting a potential lifelong partner at first sight, and how it sometimes it works out. "Butterflies" is a hopeful song set in a time that finds love in society more tarnished than whole.

40. BIG BANK by YG

"My bitch drive a all white range", you know how it goes. YG teams up with 2 Chainz, Big Sean, and Nicki Minaj for a star studded banger about the beauty of wealth. With lyrics from its guests such as "Big shit like a dinosaur did it / And you know Tity shinin' like acrylic", the track has an undeniable charm to it. Fun and catchy, "BIG BANK" has served as one of 2018s most notorious tracks for its sick flows and playful production.

39. Lemon Glow by Beach House

Coming back from an otherwise odd year in 2016 with Thank Your lucky Stars & Depression Cherry, Beach House once again re-establish themselves as an indie force to be reckoned with. "Lemon Glow" the lead single from 7 finds the duo experimenting in unknown territories, more than that of their two previous projects. The weird/whaling beat of "Lemon Glow" has a melodic knack that make it hard for any dream-pop fan to resist.

38. Wrestlemania 20 by Westside Gunn

"Face tats and down, we was bagging weight / Fiend almost scratched his arm off, he couldn't wait" sure it sounds like a depressing tune, but its more than that. A grim yet soulful track about the dangers of the drug game that references face tats to cocaine stained pots. "Wrestlemania 20" has the makings of a hip-hop song towards the realities of drug-life and death, and a track with much attitude.

37. Freebird II by Parquet Courts

While it could be an homage to Lynyrd Skynyrd, "Freebird II" finds Parquet Courts speaking about the uncertainties of addiction, financial stability, and depression. It might have a 70s rock vibe, but it lyrics hammer the song down as one about uncertainty that many go through unnoticed. "Freebird II" serves as a powerful track about the struggle that many go through, and how there's still hope out there.

36. Automatic by Freddie Gibbs

The OG Midwest gangsta rapper comes back with the fiery "Automatic" that displays the smoothness of his rhymes. The track displays the contemporary production of Freddie Gibbs and a direction towards a more accessible sound. While the track ventures off into new territory, it still packs a. punch with the flow of Freddie Gibbs.

35. APESHIT by The Carters

At this point anything JAY-Z and Beyonce touch turns to a certified hit. "APESHIT" completely cements the pair as the dominant power couple of hip-hop, and the swagger-ish attitude of Beyonce and JAY-Z are on full display. From expensive fabrics to dissing the Superbowl, JAY-Z & Beyonce have dominated 2018 as "the" hip-hop couple of today.

34. After The Storm by Kali Uchis

Early in the year Kali Uchis dropped "After the Storm" from her album debut album Isolation. Kali Uchis recruited Tyler, The Creator and Bootsy Collins for a buttery smooth R&B track about the pain that many people go through. The track speaks about survival of the fittest, and with the hectic year of 2018 who can blame her?

33. 44 More by Logic

"Who you know dropped an album / Back to back to back to back to back to back again?" Logic can even make the simplest bars have great velocity and punch, and thats the beauty of "44 More". The beat was produced by longtime collaborator 6ix, however the real star comes to Logic's wordplay. Logic catches himself in a trance state where he delivers bar after bar with ferocity and agility, and it's one of the best singles of his career in years.

32. LIFE by Saba

Contemplating life and death can be a tricky subject without making it corney, but "LIFE" is not a cliche. The lead single from Saba's CARE FOR ME album finds the rapper opening up about the adversity he had to overcome in order to be where he currently is. Saba mentions drug abuse, the death of his uncle, and biblical references for a minimalist track that display the young artist's skill as an emcee.

31. REEL IT IN by Amine

Amine could have easily been a one-hit wonder, but "REEL IT IN" finds back on prime. The Portland rapper rhymes over a quirky beat that finds him in an unseen cocky manner. Overall it's just a fun song about money and butt, also that Bjork shoutout was dope. It's a good time, and if anything Amine does not disappoint.

30. Potato Salad by Tyler, The Creator

"Yo, is that 'Potato Salad', listen", Tyler, The Creator and A$AP Rocky collaborate on a 90s-esque track that discusses the current state of hip-hop. The duo find themselves on their Ps and Qs about their status in the hip-hop community, and their influence from clothing brands to lyrical macho-ness. A$AP and Tyler both complement each other well and find themselves as an unstoppable team.

29. Two Slow Dancers by Mitski

Love is one of the most universally known subjects in music, and "Two Slow Dancers" finds Mitski talking about a couple who shared a past together. It's a touching track that also closes off Mitski's Be The Cowboy album, and truly a reminiscent track of better times. While some things don't last forever, Mitski reminds us to always take a last dance to relive a moment far off in the past.

28. Killshot by Eminem

You know it's really bad when Eminem has to publicly diss you in order to get things straightened out. Not only does Eminem murder MGK, but he completely embarrasses the rapper and all his corny flaws. Eminem holds no barred and confronts the truth about why MGK is not welcomed in the hip-hop community.

27. Dedicate by Lil Wayne

Tha Carter V might have not been the magnum opus everyone waited for, "Dedicate" is definitely one of the bet tracks from the project. The track reminds everyone why Lil Wayne is one of the most important rap figures when its comes to inspiring the younger generation of rapper's. From inspiring people to live a like a rockstar lifestyle to getting face tats, if it wasn't for Wayne there wouldn't be any of that.

26. Ned Flanders by MadeinTYO

Along with Amine, MadeinTYO could have dropped from the face of the earth after "Uber Everywhere". Along with a dope feature on "Ned Flanders" he has managed to catch a second wind in order to remain in the spotlight. The beat of "Ned Flanders" has a foreign vibe that shows off MadeinTYO's and A$AP Ferg's lifestyle. Both rappers have standards, and disappointing fans with a lackluster track is not one of them.

25. City Looks Pretty by Courtney Barnett

The ever thoughtful Courtney Barnett returns with the more aggressive "City Looks Pretty" from her sophomore album Tell Me How You Really Feel. The track speaks about Courtney self-isolation from others and how life turns out in a huge metropolitan area. Some of the lyrics can be really simple such as "Sometimes I get sad / It's not all that bad" but Barnett makes up for it with stellar guitar composition for a rocking indie track. It's definitely one of the more confrontational track Courtney has released, and it does not work against her.

24. J'OUVERT by BROCKHAMPTON

America's boyband comes back again without a warning sign. Kevin and boys return with the erratic "J'OUVERT" from their album iridescence. The lead track finds Brockhampton returning to the aggressiveness from their first Saturation album. "J'OUVERT" finds Joba, Matt, Merlyn, and the gang on their most aggressive collectively. From Joba's intro verse to his breakdown "Fuck what you think, and fuck what you heard / I feel betrayed, you can keep the praise / And all of the fuck shit need to get away" all of it clearly shows that they did not compromise their identity while signing onto major label RCA.

23. Bubblin by Anderson .Paak

Cinematic, fast, and full of attitude, "Bubblin" finds Anderson .Paak on his luxurious side explaining his wealth. At this point Anderson .Paak has every right to start making ignorant rap music, but he infuses his own soulful and thematic style towards "Bubblin". From working as a marijuana farmer to taking to. trips to Vegas, .Paak has come a long way from his humble beginnings. With "Bubblin" Anderson .Paak finds his mojo and displays why he's one of the most inventive artist's in the game right now. From the blazing horns to the mid-breakdown, everything about "Bubblin" screams "Instant hit".

22. This Is America by Childish Gambino

Sure, "This Is America" might be a banging track with an infectious melody and beat, but it's critical analysis at the state of racism in society. Childish Gambino recruits Atlanta's very own Young Thug, Slim Jxmmi, Quavo for a track about police brutality and stereotypes placed upon the black community. While Childish Gambino might not drop any sick flows like on Because The Internet, itis more a collaborative effort from Atlanta's finest. It's a reminder about the about the pressures from corrupts government officials who only go against the disenfranchised.

21. Ace by Noname

Three lyrically dense rappers on one track always comes with competition, and "Ace" definitely goes down that route. The heavenly intro to beautiful transitions into other verses, it feels as both natural and conversational. If you think you'll ever find a song that mentions vegan food, J. Cole, and Barefoot Contessa in the same place, you'd be dead wrong. The GOAT trio do not disappoint on what might be one of the best albums of 2018.

20. Chun-Li by Nicki Minaj GOOD

Besides all the Cardi B drama, Nicki Minaj actually surprised with the smash "Chun-Li". The lead single from her Queen album reinforces what we already know about her: She murders those in her path and that she takes great pleasure in doing so. "Show off my diamonds like I'm signed by the Roc / Ain't pushin' out his babies 'til he buy the rock" yep, what more cah you say? Nicki Minaj came back to her more hip-hop oriented roots after the release of 2014s The Pinkprint, and frankly for the better.

19. Sincerity Is Scary by The 1975

Yes, sincerity is scary, but maybe sometimes it's all one has left. The 1975 speak about the self-defense mechanisms we all have whenever faced with adversity, and how it keeps us from uniting with our ourselves. A beautiful ballad/anthem with its use of jazz horns and piano layering used throughout the track conceive a composition about the struggle communities face when uniting together. Though "Sincerity Is Scary" might not be. a poppy tune like the typical work from The 1975, it's one that tries to bring people of all sorts to a cohesive unit of support.

18. All Mine by Kanye West

Yup, none of us would be here without cum, thank you for the reminder Kanye. "All Mine" is a banger that is all over the place lyrically, from quiet vocals to nonsensical name drops about famous celebrities it really does encapsulate Kanye in 2018. Though "All Mine" might not be as erratic as anything from Yeezus or cinematic as The Life Of Pablo, it clearly finds Kanye on a creative venture towards a classic. "All Mine" has many one liners, from mentioning Naomi Campbell to Corey Gambles, Kanye is on his Ps & Qs when discussing his lifestyle portrayed by the tabloids. Forget about Kanye's faults, and just soak in the weird and bizarre nature of "All Mine".

17. Trust Issues by Rico Nasty

Rico Nasty does not have to tell to not mess with her, she expects it. Rico Nasty might be crazy enough to stab you with a pencil, and its because she has diamonds in her ears so it's hard for her to listen. From collaborating with Rico Nasty to JPEGMAFIA, Kenny Beats has had busy year in 2018 producing hits. While the track may be a reminder for acquaintaces to think twice before asking favors, Rico Nasty's delivery and flow make the track a stellar piece of contemporary hip-hop. Each time the chorus hits "I'm with the shit, good or bad, either way it goIf you got a problem wit me, can you let me know?", it packs a bigger punch, and it just bangs in the whip. P. S she's also really dope live, go check out one of hip-hop's biggest underdogs of 2018.

16. Ever Again by Robyn

Let's just hope Robyn never goes through a hiatus again, or at least we can bet it'll be eight years before she releases anything. 2018 saw the comeback of the "Queen Of Crying On The Dance Floor" with Honey, a deep meditation on heartbreak and autobiography of Robyn's personal life. "Ever Again" serves as the closure to Honey, and it finds Robyn stating that conflict is bound to occur, but that one should at least look forward rather than the past.

15. Over And Over And Over by Jack White

From the fuzzed guitar to the gospel choir, Jack White always manages to out do himself on each composition. Blending electronic influences with blues rock is a daunting task, but somehow Jack White's tenacity allows him to display himself as a boundary pushing artist. Erratic, slushy, and groovy, "Over and Over and Over" finds Jack White pushing the envelope further than anything on Lazaretto, and clearly seems that there's no limit to what he can do. "Over and Over and Over" eases listeners to the unpredictable nature of Boarding House Reach, and it reminds us why Jack White is one of the most respected artists in the music industry.

14. Learn How To Watch by Carnage

It turned into a hot debate whether choosing "i Shyne" or "Learn How To Watch". While Lil Pump surprised with his lyrical flows on "i Shyne", "Learn How To Watch" deserves props for its' amazing beat and lyrical contributions from Mac Miller and MadeinTYO. Sure, while "Learn How To Watch" might only clock at a minute and forty seconds, it still does not make the track any less exciting. Carnage's beat sounds monstrous and Mac Miller completely murders the track with his lyrical flow, and also props for that Suge Knight jab. "Learn How To Watch" serves as one of the hardest knocking bangers of the year.

13. Four Out Of Five by Arctic Monkeys

The English rockers have finally returned, and they have changed their sound once again. As the lead single from Tranquility base Hotel & Casino, "Four Out Of Five" serves as the perfect taster to the glam/space rock inspired rock album. From the groovy riff to the taqueria lines, everything about "Four Out Of Five" sounds so modern yet acts as an homage to rock albums of the 70s. Alex Turner's infectious vocals take the lead and find him referencing everything to Taqueria space hotel's to Hokey Cokey. So, won't you take a little while at Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino?

12. Nice For What by Drake

Instead of another typical banger, Drake comes around with this empowerment anthem from his 2018 Scorpion album. Drake raps about the struggle that many women go through in our modern age, and just reaffirms everyone to simple be themselves. From telling women to let it loose or to show themselves off, Drake makes one of the most unique songs in career, and it serves as one of his most anthemic. While Scorpion may have been a disappointment with its overloaded content, "Nice For What" serves as the albums best track.

11. Charcoal Baby by Blood Orange

With a pristine guitar tone, "Charcoal Baby" has Blood Orange blessing us with a beautiful indie track about the societal pressures of the disenfranchised. Though it may be a gloomy tune about the discrimination, it's a track that reminds us to. make a change for the better in our world. Synthesizers come in and out of the track when going into the chorus, and it gives "Charcoal Baby" a dramatic feeling of an indie infused R&B track. While many of us break sometimes, it's reassuring to know that we have tracks that remind us to always stay positive.

10. Self Care by Mac Miller

It was quite a gloomy year for hip-hop fans with the recent passing of Mac Miller, and it's only shame he could not see the further of the meditative Swimming. Mac essentially tries to pick himself up after hard times, and throughout the album he tackles battles of isolation and worry. The albums lead single "Self Care", comments on the break up from Ariana Grande and the recent DUI. Mac Miller questions how others see him in the media, and he goes on to comment about past relationship "You keep on sayin' you in love so / Tell me are you really down?". While "Self Care" might not be a bangin' bop as anything on The Divine Feminine or GO:OD AM, the track restrict itself to the emotions of Mac's state of mind.

9. I Like It by Cardi B

Definitely one of the biggest hits of the year, "I Like It" saw Cardi B hop on the latin hip-hop trend with much success. With the help of Bad bunny and J Balvin, Cardi proved that anything she does is guaranteed to be a smash hit. Sampling Pete Rodriguez's 1967 "I Like It Like That", the trio hop on the catchy and infectious beat that finds each rapper delivering in their own respective language. From hot tamales to Colombian broads, everything about "I Like It" screams 2018. The year will definitely go down as Cardi's, and it will be as a reminder to why she's one of hip-hop's leading females.

8. SICKO MODE by Travis Scott

As soon as ASTROWORLD dropped, everyone in Houston knew it was a special day. Many of the bangers on the project would soon have everyone out "Like a light" as Drake would say. SICKO MODE finds hip-hop's biggest giants on a three part spectacle of a trapper. To Louis belts to Stacey Dash, SICKO MODE is a cinematic track that finds Travis bouncing back from the disaster that was Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight. From Drake's irresistible intro to Travis' verse, SICKO MODE will be remembered as the day that Houston stood still.

7. Make Me Feel by Janelle Monáe

"Make Me Feel" has Janelle Monáe expressing her sexuality in 2018 as a. pansexual individual. With a. groovy beat and funky guitars, "Make Me Feel" finds Monáe at her most upfront and breaking all barriers. Its tracks as these that reminds us that certain stigmas still remain in our society, and with the art of different composer it can broaden peoples horizon's. From the freaky synthesizers to the slinky-ish guitars, Monáe truly outdoes herself with "Make Me Feel", and reassures us that it's great to be different.

6. Noid by Yves Tumor

"Noid" blends noise rock with alternative to make a protest song about the police brutality. Yves Tumor discusses the the horrors of the black community and how many have been harassed by corrupt cops. The track is a stylistic genre blender that finds Yves' vocals complimenting the guitars screech wonderfully. Tracks like "Noid" reinvent what music should be, and Yves Tumor displays just how much one can change genre's in order to a powerful song.

5. thank u, next by Ariana Grande

One of the most talked about tracks of the year, and for good reasons. Ariana Grande pays homage to her ex-boyfriends from Pete Davidson to recently passed Mac Miller, "thank u, next" finds the artist celebrating the time she spent with her exes instead of grieving. With a catchy chorus and dream-like production, Ariana Grande has made one of the biggest hits of the year. Grande's vocals are subtle yet powerfully resonant for those who also through the same. Ariana Grande claps back at those who say she "moves on too fast", and simply takes her own route. So, let's be glad for her exes, otherwise the joint would have never seen the light of day.

4. Nowhere2go by Earl Sweatshirt

Earl Sweatshirt has been one of the more interesting members from the former collective Odd Future. With “Nowhere2go” he finally sheds light on his depression and anxiety ever since 2015s I Don’t Like Shit I Don’t Go Outside. With the beautiful, but harrowing production Earl reinvents himself in order to display his current state of mind since his last album. With the glitchy production and the odd flow, Earl Sweatshirt creates one of 2018s most abrupt, yet personal songs.

3. If You Know You Know by Pusha T

Sure, Pusha T may still spit bars about cocaine and the luxuries of life, but at least Kanye's production gives him enough spice to make it feel refreshing. The most shocking thing about "If You Know You Know" comes to the fact that it finds the drug dealing connoisseur in top form. 2018 might be the year that Drake broke records with the release of Scorpion, but all hip-hop heads will remember it as the year that Psuha T made one of the greatest comebacks of all time. From murdering Drake on "The Story Of Adidion" to releasing the long awaited DAYTONA, "If You Know You Know" remind us why Pusha T has been successful throughout his career. Sure, Drake might have broken records, but he took the biggest "L" from the former Clipse member.

2. A$AP Forever by A$AP Rocky

"A$AP Forever" has the MC spitting insane bars that take his flow to new heights, "When it's my time to go, adiós, vámonos / Flacko no Dominicano but eat the tostones with plátanos / Dealing with life and its highs and lows / I'm just pimpin' like I'm supposed / I guess it's called livin', shit, I suppose" pretty dope stuff. A$AP Rocky makes something grand and epic, both feeling cinematic and anthemic. "A$AP Froever" just might one the greatest moments from Rocky's discography that find him in lyrical trance establishing him dominance in hip-hop and fashion. The Moby sample might be one the greatest intro's to a hip-hop song, and who better to murder it than A$AP Rocky?

1. 1539 N. Calvert by JPEGMAFIA

JPEGMAFIA might not be on the level with Drake's popularity or Migo's accessibility, but he has made of the most "out there" tracks of the year. Not exactly noise hip-hop nor trap, "1539 N. Calvert" is a unique blend of sorts that has Peggy destroying boundaries within hip-hop and turning it upside down. With its rapid but sparse beat, Peggy's flow perfectly compliments the erratic nature of the track. From the "You think you know me" ad-lib to the Myke C-Town name drop, everything about "1539 N. Calvert" screams cockiness and brilliance. Many might not understand "1539 N. Calvert", but that was never the point of JPEG, maybe it was to deconstruct hip-hop to its bare bones.