Top 100 Tracks Of 2018, 100-51

50-21 | 20-1

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Well, Dozens Of Donuts effectively ended this year. Five years of running this blog, falling deeper and deeper in love with music along the way, just became too burdensome to bear. That being said, I still eagerly anticipated compiling and releasing 2018's best of lists. Over the course of this week - with some treats at the top of 2019 - we'll cover Dozens Of Donuts' top 100 tracks and top 50 albums of 2018, taken from a batch of roughly 2,000 songs and 180 albums.

Musically, 2018 was magnificent, which makes DoD's demise that much more somber. Rating solely in my head, there would've been three - potentially four - 9+ albums, a statistic that would've matched 2015's trifecta (Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly, Death Grips' Powers That B, Beach House's Depression Cherry). Compared to 2017, which I felt lacked in substantial releases, 2018 was rife with powerful albums and striking tracks that won't soon be forgotten. Contained below are tracks 100-51. Here are playlists for your listening enjoyment: Apple Music | Spotify. Enjoy.

And don't forget about the past. Let's take a look back at the best of 2017, 2016, 2015, and 2014.
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100 

Molly Nilsson - A Slice Of Lemon | 20/20

Few have mastered a niche aesthetic as well as Molly Nilsson. Her multi-dimensionality is limited, but her Noir-bent Sophisti-Pop occasionally provides greatness. Last year it was 'About Somebody,' this year the climate-caring 'Slice Of Lemon.' Fuzzy production that pans across a horizon filling with water.

99 | Vince Staples - FUN! | FM!
Vince Staples' success as a clever visionary often overshadows his knack for keeping it real. On FM!, and especially its standout Hyphy track 'Fun!,' Staples flexes with irresistible flows over minimalist production that flaunts summer with bubbles and chains. Oh, and Bay Area legend E-40 arrives to prove how similar Rap generations can be.

98 | Daughters - Less Sex | You Won't Get What You Want
Much of You Won't Get What You Want was a relentless barrage of unmistakable panic. 'Less Sex,' set dead center amidst the mayhem, terrifies through ominous sensations concerning the monsters that lurk in the darkness. Brooding bass patters against stark silence, offset by spontaneous bouts of noise when confrontation is imminent.

97 | Ezra Furman - Suck The Blood | Transangellic Exodus
Even without the LGBT sovereignty Transangellic Exodus sports, Ezra Furman's fetching Power Pop still holds well against its contemporaries. His lacerated vocals recall an invigorated Bruce Springsteen, his passionate lyrics Bowie at his most flamboyant. All that comes together on opener 'Suck The Blood From My Wound.'

96 | Freddie Gibbs - Automatic | Freddie
Trap's latest shameful trend calls for one distinctive idea to be burnt bone dry by album's end. That was the case with Freddie and 'Automatic,' an early album tone setter that combined the intoxicating flair of Trap with the guttural underbelly of brandished Gangsta Rap. Sometimes all it takes is a bass that slaps and select complimentary scraps.

95 

Clarence Clarity - Law Of Fives | Think: Peace

Up until 'Law Of Fives,' Clarence Clarity's uppity Glitch Hop presented no quandary. Think: Peace was bright, inquisitive, and effervescent. So is 'Law Of Fives,' or at least until Clarity welches on the stunning chorus: "I kill people in my dreams." This hint of paradise crumbling - mixed with the searing arena guitars - makes for quite the transcendent experience.

94 | Xiu Xiu & Mitski - Between The Breaths | Single
Give her unsteady percussion, a shadowy guitar, and the concept of constant paranoia and Mitski suddenly becomes the female Jamie Stewart. 'Between The Breaths' is a weighty collaboration between the two outfits, drawing on Mitski's emotional elasticity and Xiu Xiu's knack for modern, Art Pop claustrophobia.

93 | Flatbush Zombies - The Glory | Vacation In Hell
On Vacation In Hell, Flatbush Zombies waited 19 songs before unveiling their best hand. Apart from Erick Arc Elliott's misty, piano-led beat, 'The Glory' excels by unearthing the conscious thinkers held down by Hip-Hop's need to gloat. Juice, Meechy, and Denzel Curry all exalt their poetic talents.

93 | Unknown Mortal Orchestra - Hanoi 4 | IC-01 Hanoi
Who knew that it was possible to get funkier with the absence of Ruban Nielson? That's what we learned on Unknown Mortal Orchestra's 'Hanoi 4,' a propellent Funk instrumental that invites such an intoxicating presence through Nielson's guitar that hids a sinister underbelly.

91 | Stella Sommer - We Love You To Death | 13 Kinds Of Happiness
On 13 Kinds Of Happiness' standout 'We Love You To Death,' Stella Sommer's frigid vocals - crystalized by a glacial monotone - are rewound to a sun-drenched Autumn morn. The rumbling percussion and drawling strings give Sommer an airy melody to apply, culminating in a blanket of warmth that fends off winter's coming bite.

90 

Exploded View - Sleepers | Obey

Exploded View's second LP Obey lacked the intensity and zeal of their debut. That wasn't the case with standout 'Sleepers' though, a labyrinthian construct that overwhelms Anika's lonesome timbre with a biting wall of sound that entrances as only the best Shoegaze efforts could.

89 | Sweet Valley - Coil Crusher | Eternal Champ II
The duo behind Sweet Valley are at their best when departing from conventional Glitch Hop in favor of adorable Chiptune that's potent with charm. 'Coil Crusher' was Eternal Champ II's best example, a rousing loop of illogical video game music and adolescent dance party mayhem, all sewn together by a calming swoon.

88 | JID - 151 Rum | DiCaprio 2
JID's eclectic mix of street-wise cognizance a la Kendrick Lamar or fellow Dreamville seer J. Cole and Trap-flavored flair doesn't always work, but when it does - like on '151 Rum' - it's hit out of the park. Tongue-twisting flows with sneering Eastern strings makes '151 Rum' this generation's 'Shabba.'

87 | Lonker See - Lillian Gish | One Eye Sees Red
At a stout 18 minutes, 'Lillian Gish's' imposing force isn't soon forgotten. Pace, polish, and poise guide Lonker See's standout epic. Suspended in the tranquility of Eastern ambience, 'Lillian Gish' gradually snowballs around a once-subtle guitar riff into a blooming onion of color, spice, and flavor.

86 | George Clanton - Livin' Loose | Slide
Taking an almost sarcastic look at fabricated Hypnagogic Pop, with circling vocals that recall Panda Bear or Tame Impala, and arena-setting drums akin to late 90's Big Beat, George Clanton's Slide bordered on futility. However, the infectious nostalgic rip on tracks like 'Livin' Loose' trapped the mind in hypnotic comatose.

85 

Lupe Fiasco - Down | DROGAS WAVE

Few in Hip-Hop flex their creative muscles better than a Lupe Fiasco atop his game. 'Down's' an epitomizing example, as Fiasco takes Drogas Wave's concept of a slave ship mutiny to ludicrous depths. The deep sea to be exact, as visualizing shackled slaves befriending sea life is too rich to mock. Tasteful aquatic Trap helps to familiarize the illogical idea.

84 | Julia Holter - Les Jeux To You | Aviary
'Les Jeux To You' is Aviary's late album trap. Settled comfortably into Holter's somber histrionics - ages removed from 'I Shall Love 2's' triumphal peak - 'Les Jeux's' unsuspecting chamber recital of uplifting individuality acts as a post-meal dessert. The wacky synthesizers and Holter's impromptu impermanence only heightens Aviary's second love splat.

83 | James Blake - Don't Miss It | Single
Ignoring the gimmicky text-to-video premise, the musical fluidity of James Blake's 'Don't Miss It' delights in aural paradise. A single finicky keyboard trickles against light static, weeping background vocals, and persistent heartbeat bass. Blake's ticklish vocal manipulations add the fine-tune touch to his idiosyncratic Glitch Pop.

82 | Anna von Hausswolff - The Truth, Glow, Fall | Dead Magic
Anna von Hausswolff's epic Dead Magic could not have begun with a stronger foundation. Patience pays off on the 12-minute 'The Truth, The Glow, The Fall,' as the three-part passage glides heavenly through each of von Hausswolff's thespian landscapes. Neoclassical Darkwave rich with history but sage to the modern world.

81 | Brockhampton - J'OUVERT | iridescence
Since Saturation I, Brockhampton's maintained a streak of one unforgettable banger per album. 'Star,' 'Junky,' 'Boogie,' and the latest; 'J'Ouvert.' What wasn't expected was an earth-shattering verse from the boy band's worst emcee Joba. Adolescent animosity that damn near lays waste to anything in Hardcore Hip-Hop.

80 

Noname - With You | Room 25

At times, Noname's talent is overwhelming. Textbook example is 'With You,' Room 25's righteous late bloomer. Do you vibe with her nimble playtime flow? Dissect the nuanced poetry? Or admire the ultra-sleek and fetching production? It all happens in one fell swoop, and as a whole it's one beautiful thing.

79 | Blood Orange - Charcoal Baby | Negro Swan
Despite the over-saturation of Alternative R&B, Dev Hynes didn't jump ship to the next trend. That decision led to the tasteful 'Charcoal Baby,' a touching and poignant tribute to racial outcasts. Stargazing synths, scattershot hi-hats, and a surprising horn arrangement complete the consummate project.

78 | Spiritualized - On The Sunshine | And Nothing Hurt
For close to two decades now, Spiritualized has maintained a schtick and stuck to it. There's a reason for that, and it's one that's seen best on And Nothing Hurt's 'On The Sunshine.' Pure, growing blithe. J. Spaceman lives and breathes a stress-free environment, and is intent to welcome you along for the ride.

77 | Mitski - Nobody | Be The Cowboy
Truthfully, Mitski's 'Nobody' left me unimpressed on first listen. However, the power of an ear worm allows it to reenter without your consent. It's one word, a simple "nobody," but Mitski's effervescent bounce causes it to transcend. The intoxicating flair of 'Nobody's' production means it'll never be forgotten without a fight.

76 | Denzel Curry - Black Balloons | TA13OO
As TA13OO proved, Denzel Curry's capable of exerting many emotions through sheer force and talent. The most predominant; anger and pain. The latter comes out wholeheartedly on 'Black Balloons,' a Neo-Soul-laced track that uses the movie IT as a metaphor for anguish. All this through classic Outkast vibes, from 'Players Ball' to 'Red Velvet.'

75 

Mac Miller - 2009 | Swimming

Recent events take on new, more poignant meaning with any unexpected death. That was certainly the case for Mac Miller's Swimming, and especially his own reflective prose '2009.' With a powerful orchestral opening, the minimal, piano-driven uplifter finds Miller taking a nostalgic trip back to his days pre-fame.

74 | Death Grips - Streaky | Year Of The Snitch
Reaction following 'Streaky' invoked a previous Death Grips song; 'Eh.' Linear Hip-Hop structuring, nasty machismo lyrics, a highly repetitive chorus, and semi-topical reference ("Don't throw it on the ground!") were the reasons. Yet, it's those exact reasons that kept me coming back for more. One of Death Grips' catchiest affairs.

73 | Efrim Manuel Menuck - Pissing Stars | Pissing Stars
The title track to Pissing Stars is a prominent example of Noise as a form of blissful beauty. Menuck's patient build - evoking his time with GY!BE - satisfies to the point of paralyzation. It's consistent and sublime, like a final transmission from a spaceman caught adrift in the abyss. Noise engulfs all.

72 | Janelle Monáe - Make Me Feel | Dirty Computer
Even though it's expected in the ever-expressive LGBT community, Janelle Monáe's 'Make Me Feel' thrives because it treats coming out as a party, not a life-scarring event. Embodying the late Prince, Monáe overflows with charisma and sexuality over bubbly Synth Funk sizzling with zeal.

71 | SOPHIE - Faceshopping | Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
In the social media age, personal branding has become an integral part of the American dream known as consumerism. Brands are sold through the faces of celebrities, morphed to satisfy whatever product they're selling. With SOPHIE's crunchy 'Faceshopping,' the producer critiques just that with a blunt depiction of that future society.

70 

Earl Sweatshirt - Nowhere2go | Some Rap Songs

By design, Some Rap Songs is meant to be ingested in one sitting, making it tough for singular standouts to occur. This list demands an Earl Sweatshirt appearance however, off creativity alone. Lead single 'Nowhere2go' suffices, tiring Sweatshirt's nasally introspection with a dizzying loop of illogical Glitch samples and stabbing snares.

69 | A.A.L. - Some Kind Of Game | 2012-2017
One of music's most difficult successes is repetition. More often than not, what was once energetic and visceral turns tempered and dull through underdeveloped loops. Not on 'Some Kind Of Game,' a 2012-2017 standout wherein Nicolas Jaar offsets an aroused and expedited percussion pairing with offbeat Soul samples and synth cascades.

68 | Lana Del Rey - Mariners Apartment Complex | Single
Lana Del Rey's ten-minute stunner 'Venice Bitch' wooed apathetic listeners through sheer endurance, but it's 'Mariners Apartment Complex' that provides the emotional substance Del Rey's known for. Her romantic angst orchestrates the billows, grooves, and dips controlling the psychedelic Alt-Country.

67 | The Voidz - Wink | Virtue
What made The Strokes great were their knack of drilling in a lovable riff moments after first hearing it. It felt effortless, and that's why 'Wink' thrives. The cascading guitar awash with Hypnagogic Pop reverb - complete with bold percussion - is a perfect match for Casablancas' scratchy vocals.

66 | Young Fathers - Turn | Cocoa Sugar
Typically, Young Fathers mask their convictions behind abstract imagery. But on 'Turn' - one of Cocoa Sugar's many standouts - their message was clear; Don't let others change you. Maintaining an identity while societal pressure mounts is crucial in the respect of one's self, and 'Turn' does an excellent job corroborating that.

65 

Tune-Yards - Colonizer | I can feel you creep

Tune-Yards' Merrill Garbus has never shied away from expressing her controversial liberal ideals. 'Colonizer' triggered an uproar. In it, Garbus assumes the role of a white American who turns third-world conditions into attention-seeking expeditions. Provocative? You bet. Catchy? Of course.

64 | Death Grips - Black Paint | Year Of The Snitch
Year Of The Snitch seemed to submerge every Death Grips aesthetic into a melting pot for maximal confusion. Following that logic, the muddy Industrial Metal of 'Black Paint' took from Jenny Death's overwhelming paranoia. Ride's yelping and Morin's synth solo do their best to compete with Hill's over-the-top vigor.

63 | Kids See Ghosts - 4th Dimension | Kids See Ghosts
Never doubt Kanye West's ability to unearth harmless samples from the past (in '4th Dimension's' case; 1936 Swing) and invert their glee to the darkest corridors. On '4th Dimension,' rumbling percussion allows West and Cudi to rhythmically vibe as Louis Prima statically shrieks in the distance.

62 | Sons Of Kemet - Doreen Lawrence | Your Queen Is A Reptile
While the bulk of Your Queen revolts through unbridled Afro-Jazz, the bookended movements welcome African-Americans' latest creation; Hip-Hop. On 'My Queen Is Doreen Lawrence,' Joshua Idahen invokes change with combustible energy and blunt lyrics, inciting revolution with Sons Of Kemet's pursuing strength backing him.

61 | Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy (Those Boys) | Twin Fantasy
While other Twin Fantasy reworks added or subtracted, the grand title track finale welcomed plain manipulation. It functioned as the clearest example of Car Seat Headrest's scaling maturity since the original 2011 LP, branching out lulls, deepening impactful blasts, and skewing memorable peaks with ephemeral unrestraint.

60 

Courtney Barnett - City Looks Pretty | Tell Me

Yes, it heavily swipes every vintage Strokes tick apart from Julien Casablancas' vocoder, but that's exactly what allows Courtney Barnett's 'City Looks Pretty' to thrive. Airtight Garage Rock with an added spice of luster allows Barnett's two-part analyzation of city life to function under her M.O.; Provocatively catchy.

59 | SOPHIE - Whole New World | Oil Of Every Pearl's Un-Insides
'Whole New World' is brash, shrill, and aghast with the alarm of a heartless, Post-Industrial society. Decades of post-modern materialism run rampant on the nine-minute epic, circling an absurd bass and deadpan tagline with the randomized wailing of an automated uprising signaling the transition to something new, something dark.

58 | Deafheaven - Honeycomb | Ordinary Corrupt Human Love
On 'Honeycomb,' and many times through their malleable career, Deafheaven scours the viscous for beauty. Lambasted against the backdrop of George Clarke's shattering shriek, Deafheaven's impish Metal roots embrace the simplicity of Pop Punk on 'Honeycomb,' sending mesmerizing riffs to the rafters.

57 | Jay Rock - King's Dead | Black Panther Soundtrack
Come time for Redemption, Jay Rock botched 'King's Dead' with the exclusion of Kendrick's final incendiary verse and James Blake's succulent outro. Thankfully the original Black Panther version still exists, and apart from Future's dreadfully-imprudent verse, it still reigns supreme.

56 | MGMT - One Thing Left To Try | Little Dark Age
'One Thing Left To Try' is abusive synth heaven, an extremity even by MGMT's standards. Little Dark Age's maximalist, B-side standout seems to take every possible avenue for losing oneself. The best of those evokes the spirit of Dan Deacon and his rampaging autotune, a la 'Feel The Lightning.'

55 

Young Fathers - Picking You | Cocoa Sugar

No one is better than Young Fathers at flaunting Gospel while questioning the source for the genre's genesis. Like 'Only God Knows' or 'Still Running,' 'Picking You' deflects expectation through morose reflection. As hope lingers in the marching band drums and twinkling synths, one line yanks listeners back to reality: "You'll never find your way to heaven."

54 | Kanye West - I Thought About Killing You | ye
This year's version of dubious Kanye West centered around blatant contradiction and negligent art. That's why 'I Thought About Killing You' stands out as his sole bright spot, as it captured the Ye of old. Controversial topics zeroing in on personal failures and triumphs, with unexpected divots along the way.

53 | Czarface & MF DOOM - Phantoms | Czarface Meets Metal Face
With Czarface's stubborn embrace of Boom Bap and MF DOOM's after-prime dry spell, the miracle of 'Phantoms'' success is a win for aging creators everywhere. Open Mike Eagle's slapstick appearance undoubtedly helped drive 7L's sci-fi synthesizers and ambitious, Kendra Morris-assisted transition, while DOOM's opening tongue-twisters provide that jaunty punch.

52 | Suuns - After The Fall | Felt
In some respects, 'After The Fall' is de facto Suuns. A woozy guitar that places noise above melody. A menacing bass tremble akin to their standout '2020.' Feeble, Ben Shemie vocals cowering at the sound of dissonance. All forming to create a truly apocalyptic backdrop, one that doesn't rely on just atmosphere, but humanities reaction to it.

51 | Big Blood - Queen Day | Operate Spaceship Earth Properly
Standing alongside Operate Spaceship's other behemoth 'Olamina,' the eight-minute 'Queen Day' powers itself with coal carried - assembly line style - by Colleen's endless vocals, Quinnisa's lumbering, locked fingers, and Caleb's twitching sci-fi synths. It's both hypnotic and stimulating, and there's nothing quite as satisfying as hearing Colleen's gravel sing "and on the outside."

50-21 | 20-1 | Top 50 Albums