I have no pretense of saying I have any authority to say “these were the best releases of 2018,” and honestly I don’t think anyone does. This was my first year putting a release into the world, which also meant it was the first time I felt disappointment at not being deemed as such. Ultimately, I know that it’s a numbers game and is about who you are (or as I personally learned, aren’t) friends with. Be kind. Stay away from “best of” lists. Stay with music that makes your heart beat faster. I love you.