The Best Music of 2018
In 2018, it felt hard to reach consensus on anything—including music. The heavy-hitters of pop and hip-hop returned, but many disappointed; in fact, sometimes, they were just confounding (cough Kanye cough). More than ever, music felt like a playing field where new, exciting artists were sharing the discussion with the veterans, if not taking it over outright. A sea change was underway, the borders eroded—and music was better for it. Across more than a dozen features, Pitchfork looks at the moments that defined the year—the best albums and songs, along with the sharpest literature, the lyrics that made us think, the good news that lifted our spirits, and the cinematic music videos that we couldn’t look away from.
The Lyrics That Defined 2018
A snapshot of the year through the lens of artists’ pens
Pitchfork Readers’ Poll Results 2018
Featuring your picks for the best (and worst) in the world of music
.jpg)
Why the Mainstream Music Industry Is Still Struggling to Address #MeToo
Though many artists, producers, and executives were accused of misconduct this year, the consequences for such actions often remained unclear.
The Best Metal Albums of 2018
Including records by YOB, Deafheaven, Skeletonwitch, and more
The Best Rap Albums of 2018
Including records by Meek Mill, Bbymutha, Jay Rock, and more
The Best Rock Albums of 2018
Including records by Hop Along, Chai, Stephen Malkmus, and more
The Best Experimental Albums of 2018
Including records by Jenny Hval, Amnesia Scanner, Kelly Moran, and more
The Best Electronic Music of 2018
Including records by Aphex Twin, RAMZi, Mr. Fingers, and more
2018: The Year in Good News
Beyoncé at Coachella. Kendrick winning a Pulitzer. Michelle Williams and Phil Elverum. Cardi’s “SNL” pregnancy reveal. And other distractions from the hellscape that was 2018.
The 50 Best Albums of 2018
From Snail Mail to CupcakKe, Earl Sweatshirt to Jon Hopkins, these are the very best albums of the year
The 100 Best Songs of 2018
The tracks that lit up our year, starring Valee, Robyn, Migos, Tierra Whack, Troye Sivan, boygenius, and more
The Best Music Books of 2018
In our favorite music non-fiction, fiction, and photo books this year, Lauryn Hill, Beastie Boys, Jeff Tweedy, and Prince steal the show
The Best Music Videos of 2018
From Beyoncé and Jay’s Louvre takeover to Troye Sivan’s sweaty warehouse reverie to CupcakKe’s gloriously NSFW dildo party, these are the 25 visuals that we couldn’t look away from this year.