EOY [Mid-Year] List Aggregate: 2018 New Music: World

For reissues and compilations, click here.

Sub-Lists

Some breakdowns by genre:

Ranking

  1. J Balvin: Vibras (Universal Latino) {33}: BB:9, Cmp:39, Ms:3, Mz:17, N:83, NPR:34, Rdx:2, RS:15, V:+(3); am_w:+, hc_g:4, ti:5, usw:9, vclw:1, vsk:7 -- AM:72, RM:87, TH:**
  2. Tal National: Tantabara (Fat Cat) {33}: CM:40, Dr:50, EWi:35, GMg:36, HV:1, PO:+, RS:+, V:+(6), YW:7; am_w:+, vas:7, vcw:5, vkj:7, vsk:1, xbl:4, xjdc:16, xpb:8 -- RC:A-, TH:***
  3. Fatoumata Diawara: Fenfo: Something to Say (Shanachie) {24}: CM:53, Dv:39, DVk:40, FR:3, G:+, Mj:11, Ms:23, PM:49, Rdx:41, Re:27, RM:89, RT:24, V:+(3); pm_w:5, sdu:7 -- AM:135, RM:132, TH:**
  4. Elza Soares: Deus E Mulher (Deckdisc) {20}: CM:25, EWi:+, GMg:12, PAM:14, PO:13, V:+(1); vtk:9, xjdc:8, xrt:+ -- RC:A-, TH:A-
  5. Hailu Mergia: Lala Belu (Awesome Tapes From Africa) {19}: Cpu:17, Dr:94, JC:+, Mj:72, Od:29, PAM:8, PO:+, PW:42, Qt:97, RS_j:16, W:29; am_w:+ -- TH:***
  6. Orquesta Akokan: Orquesta Akokan (Daptone) {19}: JC:+, NPR:31, PAM:30, PO:10, RC:15, V:+(2), VMP:19; am_w:+, st_j:+, vjs:3, xpb:+ -- TH:***
  7. Burna Boy: Outside (Atlantic) {17}: Du:24, PAM:6, PW:45, Thr:7, V:+(3); okp:11, pam_r:3, vhg:5, vsk:5 -- TH:*
  8. Park Jiha: Communion (Tak:til) {16}: 405:12, G:+, JC:+, V:+(1), VF:9, W:48; pm_v:19, xbl:3, xrt:+ -- RM:115, TH:**
  9. Seun Kuti & Egypt 80: Black Times (Strut) {14}: PAM:15, PM:55, V:+(3); am_w:+, hmv:+, pm_w:6, vcca:6, vjk:9 -- RC:*, TH:A-
  10. BTS: Love Yourself: Tear (Big Hit) {12}: BB:+, GC:17, N:100, PCr:+, V:91(3), YF:+; am_p:+, rs_p:13, vck:1 -- TH:B
  11. Doctor Nativo: Guatemaya (Stonetree) {12}: PO:+, V:+(1); vtk:8, xrt:+ -- RC:A-, TH:A-
  12. Imarhan: Temet (City Slang) {12}: Mj:47, Trk:41, V:+(1); pm_w:7, vab:7 -- RC:A-, TH:***
  13. Angelique Kidjo: Remain in Light (Kravenworks) {12}: Cpu:19, Fp:97, Mg:21, Noj:41, NPR:+, PAM:22, V:+(6), YF:+; am_i:+, nod:+, sol:+
  14. Diali Cissokho & Kaira Ba: Routes (Twelve/Eight) {11}: V:+(1); vtk:2 -- RC:A-, TH:A-
  15. Natalia Lafourcade: Musas Vol 2 (Sony Mexico) {11}: GC:19, Ne:4, Od:9, V:+(1); am_w:+
  16. Eddie Palmieri: Full Circle (Ropeadope) {11}: Bc:70, JC:58, V:+(2); am_w:+, vcv:10, vdg:4, vlb:+ -- TH:***
  17. Bombino: Deran (Partisan) {10}: PO:+, V:+(1); am_i:+, vab:6 -- RC:***, TH:***
  18. Ammar 808: Maghreb United (Glitterbeat) {9}: Bc:39, FR:20, NPR:39, PAM:28, V:+(1); sol:+, vcmj:1
  19. Gurrumul: Djarimirri (Skinny Fish Music) {8}: DJ:3; pm_v:3, pm_w:4
  20. Jupiter & Okwess: Kin Sonic (Glitterbeat -17) {8}: V:+(3); ny_p:9, pm_w:1, vbr:2, vdme:7 -- TH:[**]
  21. Thiago Nassif: Tres (Foom) {8}: -- RC:A-, TH:A-
  22. Sly & Robbie Meet Nils Petter Molvaer Feat Eivind Aarset and Vladislav Delay: Nordub (Okeh) {8}: PO:9 -- TH:A-
  23. Sidi Toure: Toubalbero (Thrill Jockey) {8}: PO:+, YW:45; am_w:+ -- RC:***, TH:**
  24. Gaye Su Akyol: Isrikrarli Hayal Hakikattir (Glitterbeat) {7}: 405:17, FR:11, W:45; pm_w:8, xpb:+
  25. Baloji: 137 Avenue Kaniama (Bella Union) {6}: PAM:29; bb6:+, pam_r: -- TH:***
  26. Catrin Finch & Seckou Keita: Soar (Bendigedig) {6}: FR:1; sol:+
  27. Molly Tigre: Molly Tigre (Very Special) {6}: -- RC:***, TH:***
  28. Popcaan: Forever (Mixpak) {6}: Cmp:41, E_UK:+, N:65, PAM:21 -- TH:**
  29. Baco Exu Do Blues: Bluesman (self-released) {5}: V:+(1); xrt:2 -- TH:**
  30. Olivia Chaney: Shelter (Nonesuch) {5}: FR:7; am_f:+, am_s:+
  31. Mdou Moctar/Elite Beat: Mdou Moctar Meets Elite Beat in a Budget Dancehall (Boomarm Nation) {5}: PO:+ -- TH:A-
  32. Youssou N'Dour: Raxas Bercy 2017 (self-released -17) {5}: EWi:+, V:+(1); vcp:1 -- [TH:A-]
  33. Bamba Pana: Poaa (Nyege Nyege) {5}: PAM:9, TMT:15, V:+(2)
  34. Sunmi: Warning (MakeUs -EP) {5}: 405:46, V:+(4); vck:2, xbl:7, xrt:+
  35. Tallawit Timbouctou: Hali Diallo (Sahel Sounds) {5}: PO:+, V:+(1) -- TH:***
  36. Grupo Mono Blanco: ¡Fandango! Sones Jaroches de Veracruz (Smithsonian Folkways) {4}: PO:+ -- TH:***
  37. Jonghyun: Poet/Artist (SM Entertainment) {4}: GC:35, PCr:+, PO:+, V:+(1)
  38. Los Hermanos Cubero: Quique Dibuja La Tristeza (El Segell del Primavera) {4}: -- AM:199, EE:+, Rdx:+; rut:+
  39. Nino De Elche: Antologia Del Cante Flamenco Heterodoxo (Sony Music) {4}: On:23, Rdx:+; pm_v:6 -- AM:181
  40. Lisa O'Neil: Heard a Long Gone Song (River Lea) {4}: FR:5
  41. Ozuna: Aura (Sony Music Latin) {4}: Atl:17, BB:47, V:+(1); am_w:+
  42. Hermeto Pascoal & Big Band: Natureza Universal (Scubidu) {4}: V:+(1); vcv:1
  43. The Rheingans Sisters: Bright Field (RootBeat) {4}: FR:4
  44. Ebo Taylor: Yen Ara (Mr Bongo) {4}: V:+(1); vsk:3 -- TH:**
  45. Norma Waterson & Eliza Carthy With the Gift Band: Anchor (Topic) {4}: FR:6; am_f:+
  46. 3MA: Anarouz (Six Degrees) {3}: V:+(1); vrg:4
  47. Huda Asfour: Kouni (self-released) {3}: V:+(1); vsk:2
  48. Bokante and Metropole Orkest: What Heat (Real World) {3}: V:+(1); pm_w:3
  49. Rodrigo Campos: 9 Sambas (YB Music) {3}: V:+(1); xrt:3
  50. Hollie Cook: Vessel of Love (Merge) {3}: PAM:39, RT:77, V:+(1)
  51. Francoise Hardy: Personne D'Autre (Parlophone France) {3}: EE:9
  52. Les Filles De Illighadad: Eghass Malan (Sahel Sounds) {3}: Ju:7 -- TH:**
  53. Kitty MacFarlane: Namer of Clouds (Navigator) {3}: FR:9
  54. Jackie Oates: The Joy of Living (ECC) {3}: FR:8
  55. Perfume: Future Pop (Universal J/Perfume) {3}: TMT:40, V:+(1); am_p:+
  56. RAM: RAM 7: August 1791 (Willibelle) {3}: V:+(1) -- RC:**, TH:B
  57. Sheena Ringo: Reimport Vol 2: Civil Aviation Bureau (EMI) {3}: V:+(1); vjc:5
  58. Maria Rita: Amor E Musica (Universal Music) {3}: V:+(1); vcv:4
  59. Draco Rosa: Monte Sagrado (Sony Music Latin) {3}: V:+(1); am:+, am_w:+
  60. Sans: Kulku (Cloud Valley) {3}: FR:10
  61. Anelis Assumpcao: Taurina (Pomm_elo/Scubidu Music) {2}: EWi:+; xrt:+
  62. Bad Bunny: X 100PRE (Rimas Entertainment) {2}: V:+(3) -- TH:*
  63. Bixiga 70: Quebra Cabeca (Glitterbeat) {2}: PAM:20
  64. Ibon Errazkin: Foto Aerea (Elefant) {2}: Rdx:+; am_w:+
  65. Silvana Estrada ft Ciudad De Las Flores: Lo Sagrado (30 Amp Circuit -17) {2}: V:+(1); xrt:6
  66. Utada Hikaru: Hatsukoi (Sony) {2}: V:+(1); vjc:9
  67. Koenji Hyakkei: Dhorimvishka (self-released) {2}: Bc:44, V:+(1)
  68. Femi Kuti: One People One World (Knitting Factory) {2}: am_w:+ -- TH:*'
  69. Maluma: FAME (Sony Music Latin) {2}: BB:+; am_w:+
  70. Mr Eazi: Life Is Eazi Vol 2: Lagos to London (Universal Music) {2}: PAM:24; pam_r:6
  71. Ava Rocha: Tranca (Circus) {2}: V:+(1); xrt:10
  72. Septeto Santiaguero & Jose Alberto El Canario: A Mi Que: Tributo A Los Classicos Cubanos (self-released) {2}: V:+(1); vcv:9
  73. Sonadores De Sinaloa: Lo Improvisado (Mayra Music) {2}: V:+(1); vjo:10
  74. Sonido Gallo Negro: Mambo Cosmico (Glitterbeat) {2}: Bc:95; am_w:+
  75. Spice: Captured (Spice Official) {2}: V:+(2); vamp:9
  76. Suchmos: The Ashtray (Sony) {2}: On:15
  77. Wednesday Campanella: Galapagos (Warner Music Japan) {2}: V:+(2); vdcm:10
  78. Alexander Abreu & Havana D'Primera: Cantor Del Pueblo (Patata Productions) {1}: V:+(1); vcv:8
  79. P Adrix: Album Desconhecido (Principe) {1}: Bc:81
  80. AKA: Touch My Blood (Beam Group) {1}: pam_r:13
  81. Alba Griot Ensemble: The Darkness Between the Lines (Riverboat) {1}: pm_w:9
  82. Amsterdam Klezmer Band & Sondorgo: Szikra (Vetnasj) {1}: Re:41
  83. Anbessa Orchestra: Negestat (self-released) {1}: pm_w:10
  84. Anda: Do Worry Be Happy (Amoeba Culture -EP) {1}: V:+(1)
  85. Ivar Bjornson & Einar Selvik: Hugsja (By Norse) {1}: L:+
  86. Black Uhuru: As the World Turns (self-released) {1}: V:+(1); jan:8
  87. BoA: WOMAN (SM Entertainment) {1}: 405:38
  88. BTS: Love Yourself: Answer (Big Hit) {1}: V:+(1)
  89. Eduardo "Visitante" Cabra/Vicente Garcia/Trending Tropics: Trending Tropics (Sony) {1}: am_w:+
  90. Centavrvs: Somos Uno (Casete Upload) {1}: am_w:+
  91. Chungha: Blooming Blue (Stone Music Entertainment) {1}: V:+(1)
  92. Dirtmusic: Bu Bir Ruya (Glitterbeat) {1}: On:21
  93. Estelle: Lovers Rock (VP) {1}: vib:+
  94. Etran De L'Air: No 1 (Sahel Sounds) {1}: YW:85
  95. EXO: Don't Mess Up My Tempo (SM) {1}: V:+(1); vck:8
  96. Mylene Farmer: Desobeissance (Stuffed Monkey) {1}: Id:23
  97. Romulo Froes: O Disco Das Horas (YB Music) {1}: xrt:+
  98. Kany Garcia: Soy Yo (Sony Latin) {1}: BB:+
  99. Giriboy: Graduation (Loen Entertainment -17) {1}: V:+(1)
  100. Adekunle Gold: About 30 (Afro Urban/Empire) {1}: PAM:38
  101. Pascuala Ilabaca Y Su Fauna: El Mito De La Pergola (Petit Indie) {1}: sol:+
  102. Anthony Joseph: People of the Sun (Heavenly Sweetness) {1}: PAM:35
  103. JosyAra: Mansa Furia (Tratore) {1}: xrt:+
  104. Domenico Lancellotti: The Good Is a Big God (Luaka Bop) {1}: am_w:+
  105. Le Mystere Des Voix Bulgares: BooCheeMish (Prophecy Productions) {1}: V:+(1)
  106. Loona: [++] (Vlending) {1}: V:+(1)
  107. Los Rolling Ruanas: Sangre Caliente (M3 Music) {1}: xrt:+
  108. Los Texmaniacs: Cruzando Borders (Smithsonian Folkways) {1}: hc:d:7
  109. Mariza: Mariza (Parlophone Portugal) {1}: sol:+
  110. Medhane: Ba Suba Ak Jamm (Grand Closing) {1}: -- RC:*
  111. Michaela Meise: Ich Bin Griechin (Martin Hossbach) {1}: hhv:+
  112. Munya: North Hatley (Winston Wolf) {1}: GB:+
  113. MXM: More Than Ever (Warner Music Korea) {1}: V:+(1)
  114. Nidia: Nidia E Ma Nidia E Fudida (Principe -17) {1}: PO:+
  115. Gesu No Kiwami Otome: Suki Nara Towanai (Warner Music Japan) {1}: On:31
  116. Red Velvet: The Perfect Red Velvet (SM Entertainment) {1}: V:+(1)
  117. Mehdi Rostami & Adib Rostami: Melodic Circles: Urban Classical Music From Iran (ARC Music) {1}: sol:+
  118. San Cha: Capricho Del Diablo (Outside Insight) {1}: Bc:86
  119. Sauti Sol: Afrikan Sauce (self-released) {1}: rak:+
  120. SHINee: The Story of Light (SM Entertainment) {1}: V:+(1)
  121. Small Island Big Song: Small Island Big Song (self-released) {1}: sol:+
  122. Thabang Tabane: Matjale (Mushroom Hour Half Hour) {1}: PAM:40
  123. Samba Toure: Wande (Glitterbeat) {1}: hmv:+
  124. Twice: Summer Nights (JYP -EP) {1}: 405:48
  125. Twice: What Is Love? (JYP -EP) {1}: V:+(1)
  126. Dhruv Visvanath: The Lost Cause (self-released) {1}: pm_f:11
  127. Youssoupha: Polaroid Experience (Bomaye Musik) {1}: pam_r:8
  128. Zoe: Aztlan (Universal) {1}: Latin -- Mz:49

Notes

For information on what lists are consulted, and what the various abbreviations and notes mean, click here.