Best songs of 2018

Well overdue, but here is a short list of some of my favourite tunes from 2018 - spanning house, hip-hop, reggaeton, electronica and pop.  Enjoy! 🎵 🎧

• Chris Malinchak - What Matters

After vanishing from the EDM scene for many months, Chris reappeared out of the blue with a 3-track EP, appropriately titled ... BLUE. Released on the fantastic house label French Express, the third track What Matters, is classic Malinchak - bearing his signature Balearic vocal house sound. His music is perfect for chilling out, and somewhat surprisingly (owing to the down-tempo, hazy vibe), also useful when trying to focus at work. I can't get enough of this guy!

• Boston Bun - Missing You

"Because you...always get stuck in my mind." --- This is instantly addictive sunshine house music. Good luck getting it out of your head after listening just once!  Love it love it love it.  P.S. technically this song was released in 2017, but because I discovered it in 2018, I've included it on the list. Props to Silk City, aka Diplo and Mark Ronson, for this one!

• Drake - Nice for What

Self-proclaimed God of the 6 (aka Toronto, Canada) really scored a slam dunk with this track. Sampling Lauryn Hill's vocals from her song "Ex-Factor" (which plays in a loop in the background throughout), Drake created a club friendly, fun party track which is simply a joy to listen to. 

"That's a real one, in your reflection, without a follow, without a mention. --- You gotta be nice, for what?"  I really think Drake deserves credit for his feminist lyrics, which serve as an empowering shout-out to all the hard-working women out there. Rather fittingly, the accompanying music video features an ensemble cast of star-studded Hollywood females, including Syd from The Internet, Tracee Ellis Ross, Letitia Wright and Tiffany Haddish - just to name a few.  Hands down, this is one of the best songs Drake has released in years!

• Lil Wayne & Kendrick Lamar - Mona Lisa 

Honestly I think Lil Wayne has fallen off in recent years. Tha Carter III back in 2011 was a classic, but since then I sort of tuned out. Queue 2018 and the release of his long awaited fifth instalment: Tha Carter V. A quick scan of the tracklist and I noticed Kendrick Lamar features on one song: "Mona Lisa". Wow!  The first part features Lil Wayne weaving a story about sending his girl undercover to take advantage of his rivals, with some very clever wordplay. Kendrick then arrives on the scene, spitting his usual poetry.  Together they have crafted a really interesting narrative, with the two rappers quarrelling over a girl. Kung-fu Kenny and Weezy don't disappoint. 

• Ramz - Barking

If you live in the UK, chances are you heard this song playing somewhere last year!  It's a super catchy, playful tune about traversing across London to hook-up with a girl - i.e. "link my ting from Barking", sung over a sweet melody.  Big up East London!  This song peaked at #2 on the UK charts, just behind Eminem's single "River".  Not bad for a 20-year old dude from Mitcham in South London!

• Robyn - Missing U

Intimate, melancholic and groovy? The Swedish queen of the dancefloor has returned! "There's this empty space you left behind, I keep thinking you're right beside me. All the love you gave, it still defines me." Eight years since her last full album (Body Talk), in 2018 Robyn released "Honey" - a short but very sweet collection of pop gems. The entire album is worth checking out, but IMO this is the standout track! 

• Ozuna - Siguelo Bailando

My favourite reggaeton artist from recent years, it seems that Ozuna can do no wrong. Recently, he has been collaborating with all the established artists in this genre - from Wisin y Yandel, Bad Bunny and J Balvin to the OG king himself: Daddy Yankee. Siguelo Bailando, which means "Keep on Dancing", has a solid baseline and catchy chorus which draws you in, keeps you hooked and makes you want to dance!

• Childish Gambino - This is America 

I have so much respect for the multi-talented Donald Glover. The dude is a hilarious comedian, talented actor, brilliant writer and amazing rapper / singer - under the alias Childish Gambino. For those who have been living under a rock for the last 5 years, check him out in Seasons 1-2 of Community (hilarious role in a funny TV show), watch Atlanta (his amazingly unique, Emmy award winning show on FX about a rapper navigating everyday life as he tries to make the big time in ATL - written/produced by and starring Donald), listen to "3005" or "Sweatpants" to hear his rap skills and listen to "Redbone" - an instant classic from his beautiful, soulful, jazzy and completely original album which earned him a Grammy award for Best Traditional R&B Performance in 2018. The question often asked is, "Is there anything he can't do?"  

"This is America" is just another example of how Donald Glover continues to push the boundaries of art.  Where to start? "Grandma told me - get yo money, black man, get yo money - black man!" With this song, he released one of the most controversial music videos of the year, examining America's strained relationship with blackness.  Interspersed with symbolism and metaphors galore, it addresses racism, exploitation, opportunity and extreme violence in a 4 minute rap song, which is sure to make your head spin.  Directed by Glover's frequent collaborator Hiro Murai (who he worked with to create his TV show Atlanta), the video features Donald dancing through a warehouse and occasionally gunning people down.  The lyrics swing back and forth, with Glover singing a jolly, melodious chorus one moment - then spitting hard-hitting rap verses over a trap beat the next.  Throughout the video, school children are dancing alongside Donald Glover, apparently oblivious to the chaos and violence happening behind them.  There is an awful lot to analyse in both the song and video, but the overarching theme suggests that black Americans are living in a country where music and entertainment Trump equality and justice.

P.S. "This is America" cleaned up at the 2019 Grammy Awards, winning Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best Rap/Sung Performance AND of course, Best Music Video!

• Eminem - Lucky You (fire! 🔥) 

In 2018 Marshall Mathers, aka Eminem, released a surprise album called Kamikaze.  The third single "Lucky You", featuring Joyner Lucas, showcases both artists spitting rapid-fire verses throwing shade on various Soundcloud mumble rappers, and generally critiquing the current state of hip-hop.  Filled with clever and humorous lyrical wordplay, I consider it one of the best songs Eminem has released in years.

• Drake - In My Feelings

This song went viral for two reasons - 1) it is catchy as hell, and 2) thanks to the dance craze which accompanied it.  Don't know what I'm talking about?  Google "The Shiggy Challenge", which inspired thousands of copy-cat videos from normal folk to the likes of Will Smith and Kevin Hart.  Also watch the video, which shows off Drake's comical side.

• Myd - The Sun 

"Always on the run, towards the sun, we always wonder - why we love it ....why we love". It's probably got something to do with that Vitamin D your body needs. Feel a craving coming on? Throw on this song, and let it brighten your day with it's sun-kissed vibe :) 

• The xx - On Hold (Jamie xx remix)

London-based trio The xx are awesome.  "On Hold" was the lead single from their 2017 third album "I See You" - which shifted towards a more poppy, upbeat electronic sound than earlier releases.  This was a conscious decision, according to singer Madley Croft who said in an interview "With this album we thought from the offset it would be great if we had some more danceable moments, and Oliver and I were inspired by what Jamie was doing with his solo project. It has been fun having a song like “On Hold” in the set where people are just dancing and singing."  

For those who don't know, Jamie xx is one of three members in The xx - a DJ and producer in his own right - who is responsible for most of the band's backing beats.  His remix of the band's single On Hold is incredible - repeating Oliver Sim's lyrics I THOUGHT... THAT YOU... WOULD COME BACK ... TO ME over and over, mixed in with a pulsing beat and dancing chimes - a perfect tune for the club.

I love You so bad

Let me use this post to introduce you to my favourite newly discovered DJ / producer: Berlin based FERDINAND WEBER.  I'm really digging his disco influenced / classic house sound. First up is his remix of a song called "I love you so bad" (ILYSB).

LANY - ILYSB (Ferdinand Weber Remix)

LANY stands for Los Angeles to New York. They're an indie band, I think.

Anyway, back to Ferdinand Weber.  This guy seems to have the golden touch. Listen to his song "Sun" below, which got me hooked from the first listen. Could there be a more appropriately named song? I can feel myself getting warmer already, and it's winter! (Perhaps it is just the boiling hot tube line I'm on currently)

Big up to Just Kiddin for introducing me to Ferdinand Weber.  Top tip: if you find an artist with a song / particular sound you like, be sure to check out their mixes online, because chances are you might vibe with their music selection too. A lot of producers end up DJing these days too. Ferdinand Weber has some great stuff, including a monthly mix he releases on SoundCloud. Check out my two favourite below.

The mix for Dancing Pineapple (what a great name) is particularly good because it features solely his own productions (all originals + three remixes). At 30 mins, it is a nice introductory mix - including a sample of an old song by Aaliyah, as well as another super catchy tune he remixed called 'Silverlined'.

Let me know what you think in the comments section.

Denis Sulta (what a name)

24-year old Scottish DJ and producer Denis Sulta (real name Hector Barbour) has been making waves in the electronic music scene. Known for releasing catchy house bangers and being a charismatic, crowd surfing, straight up RAVER behind the decks, this Glaswegian knows how to pack out a dancefloor.

Dubelle Oh XX (JVIP)
Dope tune, which completely switches up half way through. About 3:30 in there is a big drop, with a brooding techno beat accompanied by OOHHH YEAAAAHHH, before the melody sneaks back in.



It's Only Real 
His stand out release from 2015, and my favourite song by him so far... featuring beautiful synth melodies which slowly crescendo, layered on top of some wicked drums. For me, it's the percussion that stands out here! Shuffling high hats atop a heavy kick create a pulsating beat. Slightly minimalist in some respects, but give it a few listens and you'll be groovin.

Finally, check out his March 2018 Essential Mix on BBC Radio 1: full of high energy house, driving techno, then sprinkled with disco / soul vocals -- and what sounds like samples of his Scottish friends chatting about random stuff. Seems strange but with his mixing skills, it works.

Best song of the mix? At 1:25:30, Denis mixes in an absolute belter: MALL GRAB - FEEL GOOD HOUSE (Elliot Adamson EAcapella). Has there ever been a more aptly named song? Sampling "Time to Move", a 1984 tune by Carmen - this is a slice of disco house heaven; one of those songs you can't help but dance to! 🕺🎶🎹 🔊

Oh and as for his name? In his own words:

"I started as Atlus and the music I was making under that alias was very dark. I was a wee lad and you think, at that time, that you’re up against it and that you and your problems are the most important thing in the world. Evenutally I changed my tune to become a little less miserable and I felt I needed a name that suited the music I needed to make. So Atlus backwards is obviously Sulta and Denis, I thought it was going to work well because I wanted something quite cheeky. Originally Denis was going to be spelt with two Ns but when the record came there was a typo and it only came with one, so eventually all the guys were like, “it looks better like that”, which I'm not glad about."

Truuuuus me daddy: keep an 👁️ on DENIS SULTA. This youngster is already carving out his own unique sound, and certainly has a bright future ahead of him (even if him spelling Denis with one 'n' was a happy accident! 😆). Much love and happy dancing.

Wanna dance?

Just Kiddin are back with a brand new production named "Indiana" and once more it's an instant hit. There aren't many songs I immediately fall in love with on first listen... but JK have a knack for making em. Their debut single "Thinking About It" (which I posted about in 2014) is still one of my favorite house songs in recent years. 

Yet another sun-kissed tune, "Indiana" is sure to brighten your day - which is most welcome on a chilly winter evening in February! 🎶💿🎧 🌴☀️

If you don't know JK yet, check out some of their live sets and mixes on SoundCloud. Full of upbeat house music, they have a really positive / happy vibe and are sure to get you dancing. Having seen them spin live in Dalston, I can confirm they know how to get a crowd moving! 

I can't give, can't give you up 

Aww oooh nobody, makes me the feel the way you do

I want your body

I can't give, can't give you up

I don't want no one but you...

I been searching for a place tonight 

In these Indiana lonely lights, 

And I'm running out of time, cuz I...

Groovy house

Here are three songs that really get me groovin:

Roger Sanchez - Another Chance
I knew this was a classic from the very first spin. It has that early 2000s dance feel. Somehow this tune has eluded me until now. Props to Chris Malinchak for helping me discover this gem. Absolutely timeless.

Together - Together (2000)
"A time has come to make a decision. Are we in this thing alone, or are we in it together?"

Thomas Bangaltor (electronic music legend who you may know from a little group called Daft Punk) is the master of looping a short vocal sample and pairing it with excellent house music. On this track he links up with friend and seldom collaborator DJ Falcon. The result is repetitive yes, but it's simplistic / minimal nature is what makes it so damn infectious. I love the nostalgic 90s vibe. Can't get it out of my head!

Dusky - Yoohoo
Check out this London duo's catchy house jam from back in 2014. Dusky have loads of great songs, but this remains one of my favourites. Driving piano keys, slow building crescendos and a cool vocal sample combine for a catchy tune. What are the lyrics saying? No clue, but it is music to my ears.

Wishin away the blues

In 2012, an electronic duo from Florianópolis named Elekfantz put out their debut single "Wish", a dark but beautifully melodic song which made serious waves in the techno community. It was released on the label of Brazilian techno guru Gui Boratto, who became their manager and collaborator. I discovered it on a 2013 Boiler Room DJ set in São Paulo by Gui, which makes perfect sense now.

"Wish" is a tribute to blues legend Muddy Waters, and samples vocals from his 1950 song "Rollin Stone". It was released exactly 100 years after he was born, to the day.  Rather fittingly, Dan and Leo (the duo making up Elekfantz) played together in a blues band 20+ years ago, which explains the connection.

Personally, it feels appropriate to discover the song now because just this summer Helen and I visited a fantastic blues bar in Chicago named Kingston Mines. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the Windy City - we had a blast!

For now, enjoy this beautiful deep house track by Elekfantz:

P.S. - A dub version of "Wish" also exists, but it was only released on vinyl!

Feel the love

Summer is here! (sort of) That calls for house music and sunny days outside by the BBQ.

Feel the love surrounding us,

There's really no way to stop it
Just feel the love

First up this tune remixed by up-and-coming Scottish producer Grum. He came across my radar after his BBC Essential Mix was heaped with praise. Didn't blow my mind to be honest, but his style is an interesting upbeat mix of trance & house music.  This one in particular has a happy summery vibe to it.

Cahill - Feel the Love (Grum Remix)

Eric Prydz is a genius. If I've said it once, I've said it a hundred times. And I'll say it again. He has made headlines recently by announcing that he will finally unveil his long-awaited artist album in Autumn 2015 called Pryda(10), on which he will reveal dozens of previously unreleased tracks. Let's hope that this gem is on it (untitled for now) because for me it has become an instant classic. Has that cresendo-ing euphoric feel that only Eric knows how to create!

Pryda - New Gas City ID

A natural transition from Pryda is to showcase a tune by someone he took under his wing early on, that is, Swedish producer Fehrplay. Originally signed to Eric's label Pryda Friends, he recently put out this beautifully melodic song "Lotus" and boy oh boy can you hear the influence Prydz had on him. Sometimes when it comes on Shuffle on my iPod I mistakenly think it IS a song by Eric Prydz! Anyway, if you don't know him, check out his remix to the Royksopp song "Sordid Affair", also very good.

Fehrplay - Lotus

Not sure why but there is something I really dig about this song. *Belgian* producer (not German). Good techno tune. Surprise surprise. Ambiguous name. Gotta wonder how these artists name electronic songs (especially those with no lyrics).

Kolsch - Two Birds

Pop quiz*: which mainstream artist sampled the following classic for his hit R&B song in 2009? "Push the Feeling On" is an iconic dance song which received the Midas touch after remix duties by Detroit-native deep house master MK (Mark Kinchen) in 1995. Recognise the sample? Of course you do ;) 20+ years later that infectious melody is still being recycled. Jammin!

Nightcrawlers - Push the Feeling On (MK's Mix 95)

Next up is a group I've blogged about before called Just Kiddin. Helen and I saw them DJ last year and they didn't disappoint. They have a classic house sound and play happy uplifting danceable music. Below is one of the two tracks they recently released for free as a thank-you to fans. Check out their Getaway mixtape on SoundCloud here for a nice summery set.

Where I wanna be, is wherever you are

Just Kiddin - Always There

This is a beautiful and somber song about the everlasting nature of love, written by Lana del Ray for the recent movie The Great Gatsby (great watch). It's lyrics are very appropriate for the film if you know the story of Fitzgerald's classic. Cedric Gervais is a big fan of Lana, having already remixed her track "Summertime Sadness" to great success. He wastes no time on "Young & Beautiful", combining haunting vocals with sweeping crescendos to create a high-energy electro banger!

Lana del Ray - Young & Beautiful (Cedric Gervais remix)

The following is by another protégé of Eric Prydz, the talented Stolkholm producer Jeremy Olander. He has been hiding this gem "Love Flight" for years now, with multiple versions, reworks and edits floating around the internet. It apparently samples an old Stevie Wonder song called "Love Light in Flight". Listen to the original at 1:45 to hear the chorus he sampled! Obviously the vocals have been sped up significantly to match the pace of this driving house song and tweaked quite a bit (to the point where I thought it was a woman singing, not Stevie Wonder). What a jam! :-D

Make me feel like paradise,

Give me what I'm missing,
Send me to the highest heights,
Take me up and away

Jeremy Olander - Love Flight 2014

Galantis are another Swedish electronic music duo (noticing a theme?) making massive waves right now. The team of Christian Karlsson (also in the awesome indie rock band Miike Snow) and Linus Eklöw (aka techno producer Style of Eye) make irresistible house music. It is admittedly very poppy and radio friendly, with every song featuring catchy vocals - but that's what makes it fun.

"You" was their first hit (standout song from their original 6-song EP) which did very well and deserves to be included on here, on their first full album entitled Pharmacy.  It also includes the very popular (but IMO overplayed) "Runaway (You and I)" and other promotional singles "Gold Dust" and "Peanut Butter Jelly". Stream the entire album from their SoundCloud here:

Galantis - Pharmacy


That's all for now.  Until next time, happy listening :)

*Answer to pop quiz: Pitbull