Welcome to the world of what I was REALLY listening to in 2018. While I enjoy writing my list of Billboard favorites, it's skewing further and further from the playlist of songs I actually listen to on a daily basis. And, those songs are skewing closer and closer to each other in terms of their sound as well. This list might as well be called, The Best 25 Melodic Deep House Tracks of 2018. But technically, it's personal favorites, so there is a bit of variation in there. The only rule is that these songs couldn't be eligible for the list I made last week.
This list is in alphabetical order by artist. The Spotify playlist is at the bottom if you don't care what I write and just wanna listen. Sit back and enjoy the jams!
Alex Ross- "Deep In Your Heart":
I honestly can't believe we're sampling "Be Without You" by Mary J. Blige for house tracks now. I was, like, a full-grown adult when that song came out. That is not a soul classic. But you can't tell the difference here in this excellent remix. I guess I'm old now.
Anne-Marie- "2002 (Kream Remix)":
While the song itself was one of the year's best pop songs (especially for someone else who was 11 in 2002), this remix is what took it way, way over the top and made it one of the year's best tracks, period.
ARTY- "Tim":
Here is one example of a song that doesn't quite fit the mood of the playlist as a whole. I had no choice to add it in, though, because it may be my only chance to properly eulogize the artist who has had more of an impact on my music preferences than any other- no, not ARTY. Avicii, of course. Avicii, otherwise known as Tim Bergling, passed away this past April at the age of 28, and his death hit me harder than any other "celebrity" death ever has. I still remember where I was when I heard "Levels" for the first time, and there is no one else whose music defines that period of my life more than Avicii. His passing felt like the end of an era for me, an era when I was as passionate as ever about discovering new music. With his death, I felt like I turned backward a lot this year in remembrance of his music as well as other music from what I call the Golden Age of EDM (2010-2016ish). So, while there is no Avicii music on this year's list, ARTY's tribute song will have to stand in. here's hoping for some posthumous releases in 2019.
Becky Hill- "Sunrise In The East (Fred V & Grafix Remix)":
Love Becky Hill's vocals on the original, but this deep-cut remix was even better. These guys did an amazing remix of Sub Focus' "Endorphins" back in 2013, and they reprise their skills here. Could listen to it all day.
Blonde feat. Bryn Christopher- "Me Myself & I":
This is just a great song, with a nice message too. Mostly, though, it's all about the sound, which just never gets old for me. Definitely a party jam, though, so only listen when you want to be in that mood.
Calvin Harris feat. Sam Smith- "Promises":
I think this song must have just missed the cut for the Billboard list because it is quite a big hit. It would have probably been in the top 2 or 3 had it made the cut. Piano keys, Sam Smith singing, it's got all the ingredients. Pretty classic Calvin sound.
Disciples- "48 HRS":
Disciples kills it here, as usual. They may be #1 on my list of acts I'd like to see live right now, after seeing Gorgon City in concert this year (more on them in a little bit).
Deadmau5 & Rob Swire- "Monophobia":
Wow, I would NOT have guessed that I'd see Deadmau5 in this list in 2018. But respect where it's due, this song perfectly harkens back to his career-defining tracks like "Strobe" and "Ghosts n Stuff," so here he is, super-weird video and all.
Flight Facilities feat. Nika- "Need You":
Similar to the last song, I would never have expected Flight Facilities to make a list in 2018. The last time I listened to them was a dubstep remix in probably 2012. But quality is quality, and this one here is very high quality. Love the apparently original footage from the Dating Game in the video as well.
Gorgon City feat. Naations- "Let It Go":
Gorgon City may have messed around and made the best album of 2018. The best part of it was the end, though, when they slowed things down and made tracks like "Let It Go." This was such a great song to vibe to at any moment this year. And it was awesome to see live. Did I mention I saw them live? Cool.
Gorgon City feat. Kelly Kiara- "Night Drive":
This was the best song on Gorgon City's new album, and was definitely one of the best songs of the year. It's a little slow, but if you slow yourself down as well and appreciate it, it will be worth it, I promise. They made a great choice to close out the album with it.
Just Kiddin- "Body Talk":
I only heard this song in December, late December at that, and i had already pretty much made up my list. But I had to add this in, and kick another song out, because it was too good to ignore. It incorporates every single element of a perfect song, practically purpose-built to appeal to me. If it was vinyl, I would have worn out the vinyl in just a few short weeks. Too good.
Lizzy Land- "Sweet Melodies (Schier Remix)":
This is just purely luscious sounds. It may not be the most inventive, but it's so delightful to listen to. I probably heard on a Spotify playlist somewhere, since that's apparently where we all find new music now. Seems like a deep cut, so enjoy.
Low Steppa feat. Ayak- "No Love":
According to Spotify, this was my top-streamed song of 2018. I kind of can't believe that, but I do agree that it goes hard. And if it is true, then I guess I like to be pumped up as much as possible. Let's keep that vibe going into 2019, I guess.
Matoma feat. Noah Cyrus- "Slow":
Who knew Miley's little sister had pipes? And was down to do a guest feature on a Norwegian house track? Me neither, but I'm sure glad we found out this year what such a collaboration could sound like. This is some of Matoma's best work since "Old Thing Back."
MK, Jonas Blue, & Becky Hill- "Back & Forth":
Not only was this one of the best pure house songs (with another incredible Becky Hill vocal), but it actually has a real music video! So click play and enjoy! I'm glad I'm able to embed videos again this year but it's much more technically difficult than it used to be so appreciate it!
SeeB feat. Dagny- "Drink About":
Nice to hear again from SeeB after their breakthrough back in 2016 with their Mike Posner "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" remix (#1 that year). Their trendsetting sound led to an abundance of vocal-gymnastic drops, but they remain the best in the business, as proved by this standout track.
Silk City & Dua Lipa- "Electricity":
No idea how this didn't make the Billboard Year-End Hot 100, but I guess it just missed. Silk City (Mark Ronson and Diplo) employ the vocal talents of Dua Lipa for their first big single, which uses the very memorable NYC blackout of 2003 as its background for its video. Found footage from a nostalgic time when I was (checks notes) already 12 years old? Love it. I'm ready for the 2000s nostalgia. Let's do it, people. (Also, the MK remix of this song is amazing in its own way).
SZA- "The Weekend (Funk Wav Remix)":
The song says "Funk Wav remix" but don't get it twisted- this is Calvin Harris, through and through. Just a classic Calvin sound. He made the track his own. And yes, it came out in December '17, but if Billboard would count it as 2018, so will I.
The Chainsmokers feat. Emily Warren- "Side Effects":
2018 wasn't quite as big for The Chainsmokers as 2016 or 2017 were, but they still hit it big with songs like "Side Effects," which may have missed the year-end chart but was still a smash hit in its own right. Bizarre video, though. I guess Riley just quit her job after her all-night dance party? Unclear.
The Knocks feat. Sofi Tukker- "Brazilian Soul":
I still don't know quite how The Knocks have never gotten bigger. Album after album they deliver jams that would have everyone dancing if they heard them, but they never quite seem to break through into the mainstream. Maybe they prefer it that way, though. Every interview I've read, they seem to relish their authenticity, so I guess they're totally happy to do what they love for those who appreciate it. I just wish I heard songs like this spilling out of more car windows. Maybe in Rio!
The Knocks feat. Foster The People- "Ride Or Die":
The Knocks again with another killer collaboration. This one took a little longer to grow on me, but it actually speaks to me personally more than the exotic sounds of "Brazilian Soul." Another great summer party track that I'll probably still be jamming to in 2019.
Yellow Claw & San Holo- "Summertime":
Kind of cheating due to the lyrics, but no song defined summer 2018 for me more than this one. Even though the video is actually set in the winter. Ignore that though. It's a summer song if I say so.
Yellow Claw feat. Valentina- "Villain":
Yellow Claw again (lot of double-hits on this year's list, but no triples). Subject material notwithstanding, this was a great song to listen to in almost any mood this year. I love songs that are so versatile. Although I'd prefer if they didn't tell the tale of a broken relationship.
ZHU & Tame Impala- "My Life":
ZHU always goes with the most theatrical videos. Nonetheless, a 5-minute epic is a perfect way to close out 2018. Enjoy the sounds of the odd pairing of ZHU and Tame Impala and I'll see you in 2019.
