Best albums of 2018

Welcome to Wildfire Reviews first music review in over a year! Let's kick things off by doing everyone's favorite-the best of! Here we proudly show what we think our the top 15 best albums of 2018. Enjoy!

1) Kacey Musgraves-Golden Hour

In what may be the best country western music of modern times, Kacey Musgraves has released an album that truly shows who she is, what she's become, and why she's one of the rising forces of country music today. It's by far her best album she's ever done, and lyrically it shows that country music just isn't about beer, tractors and hot farm girls. The deep emotional impact of Golden Hour tells of a young girl who's finding herself in the world. Every song on the album is a masterpiece, and it's one of the best albums that's been released this past decade.

2) Dana Fuchs-Love Lives On

Rising blues female singer Dana Fusch has released an exceptional album this year, and by far the best record of her career so far. Rising on the heels of Samantha Fish and other recent female blues singers that have become stars, Dana proves that she's got all the jazz herself. The songs on Love Lives On are sweet, a bittersweet welcome that's enjoyable to listen to from beginning to end including an excellent version of 'Ring of Fire'. It's modern day blues at its finese.

3) Mitski-Be the Cowboy

Females continue to dominate this list and much of 2018. Australian indie singer and song writer released an exceptional album a few years ago named 'Bury Me At Makeout Creek'. Now, she's done something even better-2018's Be The Cowboy. Even though it sounds like a new version of St. Vincent, Mitski has the vocals and beautiful indie sounds across the record that shows that she's truly her own and a powerful new force in the indie music world. The song writing is exceptional, but the music itself on this album from each song is by far the highlight and extremely enjoyable to listen.

4) Soccer Mommy-Clean

Sophie Allison, better known as "Soccer Mommy" is truly a rising indie star. The breaking and entering female sing songwriter and guitarist has just released a truly remarkable record named Clean. It's her first album, and the result is a beautiful look at who this new indie pop folk girl really is. It's an extremely emotional and powerful album, filled with self loathing and intense lyrics. It's one of the best albums of 2018 and shows a great new artist to listen to.

5) Janelle Monae- Dirty Computer

Speaking of lyrics, let's not forget Dirty Computer, in what many is suggestion this year's best album. Janelle Monae has truly released the best record of her career so far with Dirty Computer, and the result is a powerful R&B album that's just as good as any of Beyonce's records. With powerful songs and lyrics that flood the record, it's not down that Monae may become the next Beyonce herself. She's extremely talented, and Dirty Computer is yet another album that's enjoyable to listen to from beginning to end.

6) Kevin Gordon-Tilt and Shine

Louisiana singer, song writer and guitarist Kevin Gordon has been around the block since 1994. But his recent album, Tilt To Shine, is exceptional blues roots at its finest. Kevin has amazing vocals that go incredibly well with the guitar he plays, and it's pure Louisiana blues. With powerful songs like 'Fire at the End of the World' and 'One Road Out' Gordon's poetry really comes to shine in this album. It's never boring, and the blues roots songs on the record are great to listen to any time of the day, but especially while driving or at home cooking a meal.

7) Robyn-Honey

Speaking of powerful lyrics, let's not forget Robyn's 2018 release, Honey. The Swedish singer song writer has released an album that's by far one of the best she's ever done. It shows her musical talent and great pop beats in each song. The lyrics are surprisingly well written for a pop album, and although it acts and feels like a pop album, it's almost anti-pop. What makes a great pop record is all those things, and Honey is one of the most emotional records of the year.

8) Christine and the Queens-Chris

In 2014, Heloise Letissier, better known as Christine and the Queens released a truly exceptional first album. This year, the Nantes pop star has released one of the most breath taking and beautiful albums of 2018. It's an album with grooving beats, and although it's unusually long at over two hours, you almost want even more of it when the last song finishes. It's an album that's about Christine herself and who she really is, and although half of it's French, that's what actually makes it unique and so good. Christine's unusual vocal cords and singing goes perfect with the type of music she does, and all pop fans around the world should give it a listen to.

9) Buddy Guy-The Blues is Alive and Well

Buddy Guy is a shocking 82 years of age, yet he can still release a great blues album. The Blues Is Alive and Well is no exception, and one of the best records of 2018. It's Chicago Blues at its finest. Although the lyrics aren't as powerful as some of the other records on this list, they are still extremely enjoyable to listen to, and Buddy Guy has that familiarity in his songs that we all can address and enjoy. It's blues music for the people, and most of all it's Buddy's love of both blues music and Chicago that makes this a great record.

10) Pistol Annies-Interstate Gospel

In a year where Kacey Musgraves and other female country stars dominate the radio and the reviews, it's no surprise that this female lead group has released 2018's best country record. The harmonies are something to be hold, and all ladies in the group really out shine themselves in almost every song. It's country music mixed in with the blues, and the result is a truly exceptional record that shows what country music is suppose to be.

11) Old Crow Medicine Show-Volunteer

Simply but, Volunteer by Old Crow Medicine Show is a great record, and one of the best the blue grass group has put out in the past few years. The songs are extremely well put together, both lyrically and musically. The band has never changed it's sound, and it's only increased how great they sound as one of the best blue grass groups around. The lyrics show this and much more that they are proud to be who they are. Old Crow Medicine Show aren't backing down anytime soon. Volunteer is by far the most entertaining record of the year, and it's a sign that Americana and blue grass is better than ever.

12) Willie Nelson-Last Man Standing

Another oldie has released a truly exceptional country record this year. Usually for his past few records, Willie has been known to be a mumbling, but this time he's actually singer. The 85 year old country singer song writer sounds better than ever on Last Man Standing. His voice actually sounds great, and he sings truly exceptionally on every track. Like Buddy's Guy's album, Willie's lyrics aren't extremely emotional or truly powerful, they are fun, and a reminder that Willie will always be, Willie.

13) Courtney Barnett-Tell Me How You Really Feel

Barnett's second album, Tell Me How You Really Feel is an example of how a great rock n roll album should be. With eerily reminders of Nirvana, Barnett's record is breathless, gutting, powerful and has an emotional punch. It may not be as great as her first record, but her sophomore album isn't bad by any means, and it's a sign that a new rock artist can still find her place in the indie filled music world. The guitar riffs are truly impressive, and the songs are catchy and extremely enjoyable. It's by far 2018's best rock album, and Tell Me How You Really Feel is never boring, from beginning to end.

14) Ariana Grande, Sweetener

The fourth full length studio release from pop star Ariana Grande shows that the singer song writer still has powerful vocals and lyrics that are some of the best in the business. Filled with special guests appearance, Sweetener is a fun but serious album that truly shows how talented Ariana can be. It's Grande's most delightful album to date, the beats are great the lyrics are meaningful, and above all else her voice is amazing. Nearly every song on the album is great , and it's a sign that this female pop singer is still on the top of her game.

15) Cardi-B- Invasion of Privacy

Another new artist emerges on to the rap scene as Cardi B releases her first ever record, Invasion of Privacy. Above everything else, Invasion of Privacy is funny, and shows that rap isn't just about rappers trying to prove they are the best. However, it's a great album from front to back, and Cardi B sure doesn't back down from being a fierce, foul mouthed and talented new rapper on the scene. Yet, it's her softer side and singing voice that truly is a highlight of the record.