Trish’s 10 Most Listened to Albums of 2018
I was surprised when Spotify told me that I’d listened to 51% more music this year over last year. I didn’t know that was possible but yay me!
There was a lot of music in my 2018. Some of it was live, some of it was streamed, and much of it was listened to on vinyl. It’s been joyous finally being able to get into my collection and listen, but this year I also started adding to my collection.
I was kinda all over the map genre-wise, and I’m very good with that. Now I’m not sure I can hit an additional 51% for next year, but I can try.
Below are the 10 albums that I listened to the most. Let’s do this!
*artists listed alphabetically
Trish’s 10 Most Listened to Albums of 2018
Arkells: Rally Cry
Most played track: Relentless
It shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone that Arkells are on my list, I’ve been a fan from the beginning. I love this band, and I love this album. It’s a put it on, and let it play album and I while I never hit skip on this one, Relentless has received the most plays.
It’s not very often that I stand in line for things, but when the boys came to Union Station on release day for Rally Cry, I was there. Standing in line, buying the album on both vinyl and cd, and waiting for my moment. It came in a flurry, albums were signed, words and smiles were exchanged, photos were taken, and it was over. And when tickets went on sale for the Rally Cry Tour, I snagged a pair of floor seats.
You should listen to this album if you like upbeat tunes, memorable lyrics, and of course if you like to dance. It’s hard to listen to this one and not dance.
Related: Rally Cry – Arkells Album Review
Birds of Bellwoods: Victoria
Most played track: Let You Go
I’ve been enamoured with Birds of Bellwoods since my very first listen. I love their energy, their harmonies and their songwriting. The band has had a big year, and in addition to signing with eOne Music Canada, they also released their first full-length album, Victoria.
I love this entire album but the track that got the most play was Let You Go. The third single just really got stuck in my head and I couldn’t get enough of it.
Related: Victoria: Birds of Bellwoods Album Review
Crown Lands: Rise Over Run
Most played track: Misery
Crown Lands had a spectacular 2018. They toured with Jack White, Primus, Coheed and Cambria, Protest the Hero, Revive the Rose, The Dirty Nil, Monster Truck, Big Sugar, Sam Roberts, The Lazys, The Standstills, Palaye Royale, Headstones, Last Bullet, and the list goes on. It’s an impressive list and just this month Live Nation included Crown Lands in a “Ones to Watch” showcase in Toronto.
Rise Over Run came out in late 2017, and it got a lot of play all year long from me.
Related: Recording “Rise Over Run”: Crown Lands Episode 4 Premiere
Deadset Society: Destroy + Rebuild
Most played track: Like A Nightmare
We caught up with Deadset Society before their March headlining show at Lee’s Palace in Toronto and following the show, I started listening, and haven’t stopped. These are great guys, talented musicians and I could listen to this album every day. I generally play this album from beginning to end, but I have been known to hop back and replay Like a Nightmare more than once.
This January 2017 release got a lot of love from me this year, and I wasn’t alone.
Related: Deadset Society – Live at Lee’s Palace
Hubert Lenoir: Darlène
Most played track: Fille de personne II
I had the pleasure of meeting Hubert Lenoir this past August at FME. To say that he impressed me, would be an understatement. I love the juxtaposition of the quiet, gentle man I met in person and the stage persona who’s fearless, intense and outrageous.
Darlène is smart, technically exquisite and wholly worthy of the attention it’s received this year. Any my most played track off the album is in fact in French. Fille de personne II is catchy, and I can’t listen without wanting to move.
This is the only French album on my list, but I wonder if there shouldn’t be more next year.
Related: Darlène, Hubert Lenoir at FME 2018
Mad Caddies – Punk Rocksteady
Most played track: She
Punk Rocksteady is the album I didn’t know that I needed. The 12-track cover album of punk covers hit home with me. She, the first single, makes me very happy.
Related: Punk Rocksteady – Mad Caddies Album Review
MONOWHALES: Control Freak
Most played track: Real Love
Ahh, this album is so good. It’s fun, it’s impossible to listen to without moving. This band is full of lovely, talented humans and if you haven’t had the chance to listen, do it. To date, three of the six songs on the album have had videos released. All very different and each creative and entertaining.
If you get a chance to see them live, do not miss it. They have energy in spades. They are amazing!
Related: Control Freak – MONOWHALES EP Review
Monster Truck: True Rockers
Most played track: True Rocker
Two years feels like forever when you’re waiting for new music, but Monster Truck made us all feel like the wait was worth it with the release of True Rockers. It’s classic Monster Truck. The 11-track album should keep fans happy for some time. These guys are touring monsters, and they’re out on the road and have dates scheduled up until July.
So far, True Rockers is leading the pack with the most plays, but we’ll see what 2019 brings.
Related: Monster Truck with Crown Lands at The Phoenix for CMW 2018
Oddisee – The Iceberg
Most played track: Built By Pictures
This is the only album in my list that appeared on 2017’s list, and the most played track remains the same. This album is iconic, and I wouldn’t be surprised if 10 years from now, it’s still showing up on my most played list.
Last year I was thrilled to have been able to see Oddisee with Good Compny, this year he played Toronto’s The Mod Club with just a DJ, and he ruled the crowd. This show was one of my highlights of the year — so much good energy.
Post Malone – Beerbongs & Bentleys
Most played track: Better Now
The last entry in my list is a bit of a surprise to me. The 18-track album has received a ton of accolades, but it’s also had some criticism. I’m not going to debate it. I played it. A lot. I can’t say that I listen to it beginning to end though. It’s more like, play a track, let it go until I hit the skip button.
Most played track on the album was Better Now.
Related: Post Malone at Toronto’s RBC Echo Beach
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