Associated Press top 2018 albums

Associated Press

1. Janelle Monae, “Dirty Computer”: Her third full-length album and another work of genius from one of contemporary music’s best entertainers. There are so many ways to describe this stunning album: Honest. Fun. Sexual. Political. Thought-provoking. Empowering. Liberating. And simply put – it’s just damn good.

2. Kacey Musgraves, “Golden Hour”: At its base, Kacey Musgraves’ fourth album is a country record. And woven into it are sounds like dance, pop, R&B and other genres. The result is a piercing, soulful album where Musgraves’ gliding vocals treat each song like a mini masterpiece.

3. J. Cole, “KOD”: At a time when the entertainment world is questioning the relevance of the Grammys, it’s hard to take the organization seriously when J. Cole’s “KOD” didn’t garner a nomination for best rap album. His fifth release, which he mainly produced on his own, is powerful, striking and remarkable, and easily the year’s best hip-hop album, and we don’t need a Grammy co-sign to confirm that.

4. Various artists, “Insecure: Music from the HBO Original Series, Season 3”: This compilation is a breezy effort that plays smoother than most of the albums released this year.

5. Chloe x Halle, “The Kids Are Alright”: The sister duo Chloe x Halle have beautifully mastered harmonization, and they sound like angels throughout “The Kids Are Alright.”

6. The Carters, “Everything Is Love”: Beyonce’s debut rap album was an adventure and further shows that there is probably little she can’t do.

7. Robyn, “Honey”: Robyn’s album is like a tasty dessert, with just the right amount of sweetness.

8. Ariana Grande, “Sweetener”: With all her successful singles, Ariana Grande may not come across as an album artist, but that’s not accurate. “Sweetener” is her fourth album and her fourth laudable effort, which is a great blend of upbeat jams and pop-R&B ballads.

9. Christine and the Queens, “Chris”: French singer Christine and the Queens’ sophomore album is a pop escapade.

10. Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear, “The Radio Winners”: The mother-and-son duo Madisen Ward & the Mama Bear know how harmonize.