I think we can all agree it was a freakin good year of music, yes? YES. I listened to these albums and songs legit nonstop and they all hold a special or fun or silly or emotional memory in my mind from 2018.

TOP ALBUMS of 2018:

These 4 albums moved and changed and challenged and inspired me. They were an integral part of my 2018 year.

• Ben Rector – Magic – Ben does it again. AGAIN! Nostalgic, impeccable, hilarious, and sweet jams, bops, memories and love songs. Just as Ben Rector always does. UGH BEN.
• Tori Kelly – Hiding Place – TKel, thank you for your heart and for knowing the world needed this special project and for writing and performing this collection of gospel songs SO PERFECTLY.
• Lauren Daigle – Look Up Child – I’m so glad Spotify suggested Lauren’s album to me last fall. It’s my go to: while driving, to calm down, to sing it out, to cry. This album has my heart.
• Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour – Kacey has always been one of the most creative and interesting writers in the biz. Her voice is magic. This collection of songs is no exception. I particularly appreciate “Happy and Sad” because I’ve felt that so many times!

ONTO MY TOP 18 SONGS of 2018!
>>> listen in Spotify <<<<
Click the link above to listen to these all at once 🙂

• I Will Always be Yours – Ben Rector – BENJAMIN. How could you.
• Love Like This – Lauren Daigle – I cried EVERY SINGLE TIME I listened to this song for about 9 days after my kid was born.
• Never Alone – Tori Kelly – TKel came through this year with some incredible gospel songs!
• New Wine – Hillsong (sung by Brooke Fraser) – Brooke is one of my lifelong favorite singers and she makes this song so beautiful.
• Light On – Maggie Rogers – Obsessed with Maggie!
• Hocus Pocus – Clark Beckham – Clark finally dropped an album! His vocals are insane, and even MORE INSANE on this track.
• Stupid Deep – Jon Bellion – Jon ALWAYS gets down to the heart of it.
• Love Wins – Carrie Underwood – Super fun song with a much-needed message.
• Ring the Bells – Johnnyswim + Drew Holcomb – A true anthem. And their vocals together are crazy good.
• Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Backstreet Boys – Backstreet’s BACK ALRIGHT you know I was going there.
• Wild Love – James Bay – A slow jam for sure, I love James’ new sound!
• Always / Almost – Jordy Searcy – Jordy’s lyrics are SO good. He is a very thoughtful songwriter.
• Unlonely – Jason Mraz – This is such a fun one to sing along with!
• Hold Your Head up High – Darlingside – These 4 musicians are a legit dream team when it comes to vocals, instruments and OH JUST EVERYTHING.
• Butterflies – Kacey Musgraves – A sweet, creative love song that I love.
• Float – Elise Hayes – A BOP! About finding your own way in your career. Can’t wait for more from Elise!
• Rewrite the Stars – Zendya & Zac Efron – duh.
• Better than I used to be – Mat Kearney – Mat, you’ve always been amazing, you know that.

Song Honorable Mentions: 

• These Four Walls – Kenzie Nimmo – Super cute and cozy love song.
• By My Side – Emily Hearn w North Point InsideOut – My fave singer/songwriter, Emily, sings a worship song! And is perfect at it!
• Girls Like You – Maroon 5 – I couldn’t stop listening to this for like 3 weeks so it’s on here.

Album Honorable Mentions:

• Jason Mraz – Know. – Super fun and kinda theatrical. When I listen to it, I think of summertime!
• Greatest Showman Soundtrack – I don’t love all the songs, but I love enough of them to consider the whole album pretty great!
  

CONCERTS!

Ya’ll know I love me some LIVE MUSIC! So lucky to be able to go to all these amazing shows this year.

• Judah and the Lion – March, House of Blues, with Nate
• Matt Kearny – March, House of Blues, with Holly
• Josh Garrels – April, with Sarah 
• Superfruit – May, Paradise Rock Club, with Nate
• Us the Duo – August, Paradise Rock Club, with Nate