Top 5 Albums Of 2018

Wow, can you believe it's that time again? Time to read as many year-end lists as you can. Without further ado, here are my top five albums of 2018. One thing I can guarantee is that you won't find another list quite like mine.

5. Hayley Kiyoko - Expectations

This was my album of spring. I listened to it pretty much nonstop, and after learning more about Hayley Kiyoko, aka Lesbian Jesus, I only fell more in love. She's not afraid to be herself and write songs for girls who love girls. There aren't enough artists out there who are pushing this boundary. Her music is pure pop bliss and it's perfect for singing with the windows down.

4. Trixie Mattel - One Stone

Trixie Mattel was one of my serious obsessions in 2018. I saw her perform live and it made me worship her even more. This album isn't what most people expect from drag queens. Instead of autotune dance mixes, Trixie is serving folk, country realness and slaying the whole way. It makes me excited to finally have a Wisconsin celebrity I can be proud of.

3. boygenius (Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus) - boygenius

Do you like crying? Then the supergroup, boygenius is for you. I fell head over heels for Julien Baker's debut album, Sprained Ankle a few years ago and I discovered Phoebe Bridgers earlier this year, so when I heard they were making music together I almost passed out. I'm a little ashamed I didn't listen to Lucy Dacus before, but that has since been rectified. These three women are a powerhouse with heartbreaking lyrics like, "I look at you and you look at a screen," and "You say 'I love you', I say 'You too'." Do not listen if you're emotionally fragile, or you know, do.

2. Mitski - Be The Cowboy

Mitski it unique because her songs can be upbeat, but take a listen at those lyrics and your heart will break. You'll be innocently bopping along to Nobody only to realize that tears are streaming down your face. It's totally normal, just go with it. Mitski is a magical singer/songwriter who deserves the world, but should also keep making music for me to manically cry and dance to.

1. BTS - Love Yourself: Answer

It was pretty obvious we'd end up here, wasn't it? This year was the year of K-pop, more specifically, BTS. I was a casual listener and then their single, Idol dropped and I lost my damn mind. The album's message of loving yourself, speaking yourself and never compromising for anyone is inspiring. BTS manages to write songs that truly hit all the right notes, even if you don't speak the same language. (P.S. If anyone needs a BTS/K-pop spirit guide hit your girl up.)