In 2017, I made a New Year’s resolution to take more of an interest in music and succeeded. In 2018, I listened to over 41,000 minutes of music and had a playlist of 730 songs that I liked, listened to, and discovered from Spotify’s New Music Friday Playlist every Friday.
I’m going to share with you the artists I enjoyed a minimum of five songs from their discography this year. If I liked more than five songs, I’m going to explain to you why I liked their music in 2018.
My Top Artists of 2018
Drake – 17 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: Summer Games, Drake – Scorpion
Ariana Grande – 11 Songs
I enjoyed Ariana Grande’s Sweetener era and how she is finding her own sound rather than just showcasing her voice. She proved to us this year with the release of ‘thank you, next’ that music for her is therapeutic.
Favourite Song of 2018: God is a woman, Ariana Grande – Sweetener
The 1975 – 10 Songs
I’ve been a fan of The 1975 since they were mentioned by One Direction in 2013. I’m seeing them live for the first time in June 2019 and I’m excited. I like their music because even though it is alternative rock they experiment with other genres and make it their own.
Favourite Song of 2018: It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You), The 1975 – A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
Kacey Musgraves – 10 Songs
I saw Kacey Musgraves open for Harry Styles in June 2018 and teared up while she performed ‘Follow Your Arrow’ because I discovered that song from a Starbucks Free Song of The Week. I also teared up because Kacey Musgraves’ music is so inspiring.
Favourite Song of 2018: Rainbow, Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour
Troye Sivan – 9 Songs
Another artist I saw in concert was Troye Sivan in October 2018. I like his music because it’s vulnerable, fun, and great to dance to.
Favourite Song of 2018: My, My, My, Troye Sivan – Bloom
Lauv – 8 Songs
Lauv is a pop artist who sings about relationships. His music is similar to One Direction and that’s why I like it.
Favourite Song of 2018: Chasing Fire, Lauv – I met you when I was 18. (the playlist)
Against The Current – 7 Songs
I like Against The Current because they remind me of pop-punk bands I used to listen to in high school.
Favourite Song of 2018: Almost Forgot, Against The Current – Past Lives
Allie X – 7 Songs
Allie X is an edgy and sexy Canadian artist. You could place her in the pop, alternative, or electronic genre and either way it would be a great fit. She has her own sound.
Favourite Song of 2018: Girl of The Year, Allie X – Super Sunset
Cardi B – 7 Songs
Cardi B makes me laugh on Instagram and makes me feel confident when she raps.
Favourite Song of 2018: I Do ft. SZA, Cardi B – Invasion of Privacy
Charlotte Lawrence – 7 Songs
Spotify Discover Weekly introduced me to Charlotte Lawrence. The combination of her airy voice, the electronic tracks, and her emotional lyrics are well done.
Favourite Song of 2018: Just The Same, Charlotte Lawrence – Young
Dan + Shay – 7 Songs
I sang the lyrics of their song Tequila to prove to multiple people that I liked country music. I do like country music and I do love Dan + Shay.
Favourite Song of 2018: Tequila, Dan + Shay – Dan + Shay
Kim Petras – 7 Songs
I discovered Kim Petras through a beauty guru’s video and watched her popularity soar. I saw her open for Troye Sivan in October 2018 and she can put on a show. Her music is bubblegum pop and addicting.
Favourite Song of 2018: Can’t Do Better, Kim Petras
Lady Gaga – 7 Songs
The film A Star is Born and its soundtrack stole my heart. I hope Lady Gaga makes more music like this in the future. She deserves a Grammy, a Golden Globe, and an Oscar for the ballads alone.
Favourite Song of 2018: Shallow ft. Bradley Cooper, Lady Gaga – A Star is Born Soundtrack
Shawn Mendes – 7 Songs
Being a music teacher, I listen to a lot of Shawn Mendes. His music is catchy and I like how he incorporated social awareness in his songs In My Blood and Youth this year.
Favourite Song of 2018: Nervous, Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
Cheat Codes – 6 Songs
Cheat Codes has a gift of taking popular artists and mixing them to electronic tracks, which in turn makes hit songs.
Favourite Song of 2018: Put Me Back Together ft. Kiiara, Cheat Codes
David Guetta – 6 Songs
Similar to Cheat Codes, David Guetta is a legend at making electronic tracks with popular artists.
Favourite Song of 2018: Don’t Leave Me Alone ft. Anne-Marie, David Guetta – 7
Glades – 6 Songs
Glades likes to use synthesizers, guitars, and electronic beats in their songs. They were scouted by the same management who were responsible for the breakout success of Lorde.
Favourite Song of 2018: Nervous Energy, Glades – To Love You
LANY – 6 Songs
I’m seeing LANY live in May 2019 and I’m excited because it’s in a small venue. They sing about heartbreak and their music is what I like to call adult boybands.
Favourite Song of 2018: Malibu Nights, LANY – Malibu Nights
R3HAB – 6 Songs
R3HAB follows a pattern of using up-and-coming artists and mixing them with electronic tracks to create dance anthems.
Favourites Song of 2018: The Wave ft. Lia Marie Johnson, R3HAB – The Wave
Rita Ora – 6 Songs
Rita Ora released her long-awaited album Phoenix this year. Her music is fun and sexy.
Favourite Song of 2018: Only Want You, Rita Ora – Phoenix
Sasha Sloan – 6 Songs
Similar to Charlotte Lawrence, Spotify Discover Weekly introduced me to Sasha Sloan. Her music is soft and emotional.
Favourite Song of 2018: Normal, Sasha Sloan – sad girl
3LAU – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: On My Own ft. Nevve, 3LAU – Ultraviolet
A$AP Rocky – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: Fukk Sleep ft. FKA twigs, A$AP Rocky – TESTING
Charli XCX – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: No Angel, Charli XCX – Focus / No Angel
CHVRCHES – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: Get Out, CHVRCHES – Love is Dead
Post Malone – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: Ball For Me ft. Nicki Minaj, Post Malone – beerbongs & bentleys
Tinashe – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: Like I Used To, Tinashe
Travis Scott – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: SICKO MODE, Travis Scott – ASTROWORLD
The Weeknd – 5 Songs
Favourite Song of 2018: Wasted Time, The Weeknd – My Dear Melancholy,
Thank you for reading this post and I hope you enjoy the Spotify playlist and open yourself up to new music.
Who were your favourite artists of 2018?
Let me know!