“Many favorite artists and popstars returned this year with heavy hitters, and we’ve compiled the best albums recommended by passersby.”
At the end of the year, it’s hard to come up with a consensus on music without the help of recommendations from passersby. Pop stars have shared the stage with indie artists in 2018, and the results are a wide enjoyable scope of a playlist. Be sure to check out the playlists of the women of Passerbuys from around the world that we featured this year over on Spotify.
♫ listen to passerbuys favorite tracks of 2018 | find us on spotify
Honey by Robyn
recommended by Mimi Packer, Angie venezia, Natalie O’Moore, Natalie Fält, Erika Spring
In the most recommended album by passersby, Robyn has graced us with her first solo album in eight years, Honey (Konichiwa, Interscope). The album catches us in our emotions with pop songs that always lead us to the dancefloor no matter where we are.
Negro Swan by Blood Orange
recommended by Holly Liss, Mariana Orkenyi, Natalie Fält, Jenna Saraco, Erika Spring
In this fourth studio album by Dev Hynes also known as Blood Orange, Negro Swan (Domino) delivers a range of alt-pop, R&B, indie music with world-weary tracks about black depression and his childhood in England.
Age Of by OPN
recommended by Mina Alyeshmerni, berverly Nguyen, mimi packer, Natalie Fält
Age Of (Warp Records) is the eighth studio album by American electronic producer Oneohtrix Point Never, released in June, and tenth album from Daniel Lopatin in this collaborative project.
Sweetener by Ariana Grande
recommended by Amy quichiz, Natalie Fält, Nat Guevara
Filled with songs about love and reflection, Sweetener (Republic) is an ideal pop album by Ariana Grande, who has achieved a significant diva status backed up by the hits on this fourth studio album.
Dirty Computer by Janelle Monáe
recommended by Fatima Jones, Naiylah Warren
Dirty Computer (Atlantic) was one of the most innovative albums of the year filled with lush pop music and crafted by none other than the brilliance of Janelle Monáe.
Us by Empress Of
recommended by caitlin mcmullen, Natalie Fält
Lorely Rodriguez’s debut album, Us (Terrible Records), brought a new and refreshing record by introducing us with her alt-pop R&B music and gave a second album filled with contributions from Blood Orange's Dev Hynes, DJDS, and Pional.
Chris by Christine and the Queens
recommended by Angie venezia, Erika Spring
Hélöise Letissier is the electric lead singer and songwriter of French pop-funk group Christine and the Queens which released Chris (Because Music), the second studio album.
Con Todo El Mundo by Khruangbin
recommended by Suzanne Middlemass, Mariana Orkenyi
Released in January, Con Todo El Mundo (Night Time Stories) is the second album by the Houston-based alternative/indie group with heavy influences from Thai funk music which helped create a unique and laidback record.
Dancehall by The Blaze
recommended by noemie le coz, Mariana Orkenyi
Dancehall (ANIMAL 63) is the debut album of Guillaume and Jonathan Alric, the cousins behind French electronic music duo, The Blaze, with big beats enough to play large stages.
A Star Is Born by Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper
recommended by Angie venezia, caitlin mcmullen
The official soundtrack to the 2018 film, A Star is Born (Interscope) was released in October and filled with one of the biggest pop songs of the year, “Shallow,” sung by Lady Gaga which inevitably led people to the movie theaters.
Scorpion by Drake
recommended by Holly Liss, Natalie Fält
With 25 tracks, Scorpion (Young Money) was the fifth proper studio album released by Drake filled with popular hits, including the infectious In My Feelings, which has been one of the soundtracks to the summer.
Freedom by Amen Dunes
recommended by Cara Flaherty, Molly Young
Released in March, Freedom (Sacred Bones Records) was the fifth studio album by Amen Dunes, an American indie rock band, led by Damon McMahon.
Honorable Mentions:
Words by Jessica Jacolbe