THE JOURNAL
The songs we’ve had on repeat in 2018.
There is so much happening in the world that we barely have time to keep up with the coming and goings in British and US politics or our Twitter feeds, never mind things we actually enjoy, such as music. But, in case you hadn’t noticed, the year so far has seen countless new releases worth our time and ears. Here, some of the MR PORTER staff pick out their favourite tracks of 2018, and talk about why they like them so much. Slip on some headphones and shut out the noise.
Mr Jim Merrett
Chief Sub-Editor
“If You Know You Know” by Pusha T
An epic, 2.35:1 aspect-ratio tale of back-in-the-day drug deals that serves as the opener to the best album that Mr Kanye West has been involved with this year (shame about that cover, mind). Proof that there is more to the former Clipse rapper than baiting Drake – although he also managed that very successfully.
This swaggering, glitchy, Day-Glo ice-bucket challenge of a banger is a sharp, shimmering shot of old-school Detroit techno built on a foundation of steroid-jacked beats. And somehow it’s not even the lead track on Nottingham resident Mr Matt Cutler’s Ambivert Tools Volume Three EP.
“It Gets Better (With Time)” by The Internet
Frontwoman Syd had a cameo in season three of Insecure, but this song stole the show. A woozy, soaring, bittersweet lament of lessons learned and hope for the future, with guest vocals from OutKast-collaborator Big Rube.
Mr Chris Elvidge
Marketing Editor
Pitch-perfect pop from Snail Mail, the solo project of irritatingly precocious indie wunderkind Ms Lindsey Jordan, a 19-year-old from Maryland, US, blessed with the ability to express her feelings in a way that you wish you could have when you were a teenager.
“Some Kind Of Game” by Against All Logic
The quietly prolific Chilean-American producer Mr Nicolas Jaar dropped yet another album – and yet another alias – this spring, adding to the body of work he produced with Mr Dave Harrington under the Darkside moniker. Against All Logic (A.A.L. for short) is Mr Jaar wearing his house music hat.
At this point in her career, Robyn has a pretty good idea of what her fans want. Thankfully she’s more than happy to continue delivering it – even if she does have a habit of making them wait. “Honey”, as you might have guessed, it’s a total banger.
Mr Jacopo Maria Cinti
Art Director
Currently obsessed with the new album by 6LACK (pronounced “black”). “Switch” is my favourite track – it reminds me of some of the tunes on Mr Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange album.
“Wish” by Diplo (featuring Trippie Redd)
I discovered Trippie Redd during a recent trip to LA while bargain-hunting in a thrift store on Sunset Boulevard. It’s the perfect companion for a gym session or a long drive.
You might know her for her acting work (Ocean’s 8, Crazy Rich Asians), but New York-born Awkwafina (real name Ms Nora Lum) is an artist to watch. This track, included on the In Fina We Trust EP, is dope.
Mr Ashley Clarke
Staff Writer
“Stop Trying To Be God” by Mr Travis Scott
When I first heard this, I played it on repeat for a good three weeks. Do I like this song because I have an undiagnosed god complex and Mr Scott’s searingly profound lyrics speak to me on an existential level? Hopefully not.
“Head Above Water” by Ms Avril Lavigne
Ms Lavigne’s debut album Let Go touched the hearts of grebos and emos across the planet when it was released in 2002. Everything since then hasn’t really hit the mark – until now! I’m back on the bandwagon. Now, where’s my side-fringe and belt chain?
“4th Dimension” by Kids See Ghosts
It’s an increasing, impossible struggle to defend my proclivity for Mr Kanye West’s music. Fortunately, the Kids See Ghosts project he and Kid Cudi worked on earlier this year was well worth a listen, and “4th Dimension” is the best track on the album.
Mr Anish Patel
Commissioning Editor
Another year, another number one for Drake. A couple, actually. “God’s Plan” was my go-to summer jam thanks to that instantly recognisable snyth intro, its melancholy yet triumphant beat and the cynic-baiting video.
“This Is America” by Childish Gambino
Aided by background vocals from a choir of rappers including Young Thug, 21 Savage and Quavo, this is Mr Donald Glover’s most politically charged piece of music yet.
This is everything that is great about the queen of rap: bossed-up lyrics, thumping production and tons of personality. Watch out, Cardi B.
Sound, man
