BY SETH SMALLEY

2018 has been incredible for music releases, and the past few months have not disappointed. The following are some of the most successful and promising recent albums:

Perhaps the most anticipated rap album of the year came in the form of Travis Scott’s third studio album Astroworld. This album features catchy melodies and many guest stars.  

“Astroworld is definitely his best work in my opinion,” says David Osterhouse, 11. “Frank Ocean as a feature sounded amazing on carousel. All of the songs have solid flow and I could listen to them over and over.”

Astroworld definitely lived up to the hype with its star-studded ensemble and melodious harmonies. The album was certified gold just a little over a week after its release date.  Astroworld has already made its mark as one of the biggest albums of the year.

The late Pittsburgh rapper’s fifth studio album Swimming, highlighted his personal struggles with addiction, depression, and break up with pop star Ariana Grande. This album has extremely personal with genuine sounding lyrics over a variety of mellow beats.

“It was really good,” says Dillion Coller, 11. “Self care is my favorite off the album, and Mac definitely took a different route with the more mellow songs.”

The mixture makes for a very unique sound that many listeners have taken to. Since Miller’s tragic death on September 7, the sales of this album have skyrocketed and the album’s genuine lyrics seem even more impactful.

The popular 1980s singer released his fourteenth studio album In the Blue Light on Friday. This album is a compilation of Simon’s less known tracks from previous albums that have been re-recorded and re-worked. Many of the tracks have been altered from their original versions, taking Simon’s already unique sound to a whole new level. With a medley of talented composers and performers, In the Blue Light provides a unique, upbeat sound that can appeal to many.

Paul McCartney, the legendary Beatles artist released his eighteenth solo studio album Egypt Station on Friday, September 7. The name Egypt Station comes from one of McCartney’s paintings from 1988, which is featured as the cover art for the album. The upbeat mix of new pop elements with old style rock makes for each track having a different, exciting sound.

The reason for this track diversity is summed up by McCartney when he explained, “Egypt Station starts off at the station on the first song and then each song is like a different station. So it gave us some idea to base all the songs around that. I think of it as a dream location that the music emanates from.”

McCartney has not lost his songwriting touch and proves so with colorful lyrics and storytelling throughout Egypt Station, making the album an excellent listen.