2018 was a monumental year for music, a melting pot of genres and styles that left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape. And who better to navigate this sonic explosion than Pitchfork, the influential tastemaker known for its discerning ear and trendsetting reviews? So, if you're craving a nostalgic trip back to the sounds that defined 2018, or simply curious about the critical darlings that shaped the year's musical narrative, you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the definitive "best songs of 2018 Pitchfork" selected, exploring the tracks that resonated most with critics and listeners alike. We'll revisit the groundbreaking albums, the unexpected hits, and the genre-bending anthems that cemented 2018 as a year of unparalleled musical innovation. Prepare to rediscover forgotten gems and relive the euphoria of some undeniable classics.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. I Like It |
Bad Bunny J Balvin Cardi B | Invasion of Privacy | 2B+ |
| 2. SICKO MODE | Travis Scott | ASTROWORLD | 1B+ |
| 3. thank u, next | Ariana Grande | thank u, next | 815M+ |
| 4. Boo'd Up | Ella Mai | 584M+ | |
| 5. Nice For What | Drake | Scorpion | 421M+ |
| 6. In My Feelings | Drake | 294M+ | |
| 7. MALAMENTE | ROSALÍA | 167M+ |
1. I Like It (2018)
Infectious Rhythm: "I Like It" boasts a hypnotic beat that effortlessly blends Latin rhythms with a contemporary trap sensibility, making it irresistible to move to.
Vocal Synergy: The collaboration between Bad Bunny, J Balvin, and Cardi B is pure magic; their distinct vocal styles complement each other perfectly, creating a vibrant and dynamic soundscape.
Cultural Impact: Pitchfork's inclusion highlights its status as a crossover hit that seamlessly blended genres and captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying its place in 2018's musical landscape.
2. SICKO MODE (Travis Scott - 2025)
Sound: SICKO MODE's jarring switch from trap to a more melodic Drake verse exemplifies the unpredictable, genre-bending sound that defined a pivotal moment in 2018 hip-hop.
Rhythm: The song's relentless, layered beat, punctuated by its iconic shift, creates an undeniable groove that's both chaotic and captivating, a hallmark of Travis Scott's signature sound.
Cultural Impact: Its blend of trap, hip-hop, and pop influences solidified its place as a cultural touchstone, reflecting the year's diverse musical landscape and influencing subsequent releases.
3. thank u, next (thank u, next)
Sound: A breezy, upbeat tempo propelled by a catchy, understated beat that belies the song's emotional depth.
Vocals: Ariana Grande's vocals are effortlessly smooth and confident, showcasing her range and emotional control.
Pop Culture Impact: Its frank and relatable lyrics about moving on from relationships resonated deeply with listeners, solidifying its status as a modern pop anthem.
4. Boo'd Up (Ella Mai)
Smooth Vocals: Ella Mai's sultry vocals are the undeniable centerpiece of "Boo'd Up" delivering a performance Pitchfork likely appreciated for its nuanced delivery and emotional depth.
R&B Groove: The song's infectious R&B groove, with its mellow yet undeniably catchy rhythm, cemented its place in 2018's musical landscape.
Enduring Appeal: Its blend of classic R&B influences with a contemporary sound explains why "Boo'd Up" remains a standout track even years after its release; a testament to its quality and lasting impact.
5. Nice For What (Scorpion)
Sound: Drake's signature blend of smooth R&B and trap beats creates an irresistible groove, perfectly capturing the vibe of 2018.
Vocals: His confident and charismatic delivery elevates the track, showcasing his lyrical prowess and undeniable star power.
Emotional Impact: The celebratory and empowering mood resonates with listeners, making it a fitting choice for Pitchfork's best-of list.
6. In My Feelings (2018)
Sound: "In My Feelings" masterfully blends Drake's signature melancholic vocals with a surprisingly upbeat, infectious dancehall rhythm, a departure that proved hugely impactful.
Pop Culture Moment: The song's #InMyFeelingsChallenge went viral, showcasing its catchy hook and its ability to transcend typical music consumption, becoming a global phenomenon.
Emotional Impact: While seemingly upbeat, the lyrics explore themes of vulnerability and longing, adding a layer of emotional depth that resonated with listeners and critics alike, solidifying its place in 2018's musical landscape.
7. MALAMENTE (ROSALÍA - 2025)
Sound: ROSALÍA's "MALAMENTE" masterfully blends traditional flamenco with contemporary trap beats, creating a unique and instantly captivating soundscape that defined a new era of flamenco fusion.
Vocals: Rosalía's powerful and emotive vocals are central to the song's impact, showcasing her incredible range and control while delivering lyrics with raw intensity.
Cultural Impact: Its appearance on Pitchfork's best songs of 2018 list solidified "MALAMENTE"'s place as a pivotal moment in the global resurgence of flamenco, showcasing its versatility and contemporary appeal.
8. New Patek (Lil Uzi Vert - 2025)
Sound: Lil Uzi Vert's "New Patek" boasts a signature trap sound, characterized by its 808s and hi-hats, perfectly capturing the zeitgeist of 2018.
Vocals: Uzi's distinctive, almost ethereal vocals are a highlight, adding a layer of unique texture to the track's already compelling beat.
Cultural Impact: Its catchy hook and luxurious subject matter cemented "New Patek" as a significant anthem within the 2018 hip-hop landscape, showcasing Uzi's rising star power.
9. My My My! (2018)
Catchy Melody: Troye Sivan's "My My My!" boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that perfectly encapsulates the vibrant energy of 2018's pop landscape, making it a standout track on Pitchfork's best-of list.
Production: The song's crisp, polished production further elevates its already infectious nature, showcasing Sivan's growth as a sophisticated pop artist.
Vocal Performance: Sivan's vocal delivery is both powerful and vulnerable, adding emotional depth to the track's upbeat tempo and contributing to its overall impact.
10. Nobody (Be the Cowboy)
Sound: Mitski's "Nobody" showcases her signature blend of raw emotion and intricate instrumentation, creating a soundscape that's both intimate and expansive, perfectly capturing the anxieties of early adulthood.
Vocals: Mitski's vocal delivery is fragile yet powerful, conveying a sense of vulnerability and resilience that resonates deeply. The nuanced performance adds another layer to the already complex emotional landscape of the song.
Emotional Impact: The song's melancholic yet hopeful tone, coupled with its relatable lyrics about loneliness and self-discovery, cemented its place among Pitchfork's best of 2018. Its impact stems from its honesty and relatability within the larger context of millennial anxieties.
11Make Me Feel
Janelle Monáe
2016
12Love It If We Made It
The 1975
2018
A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships
13It Makes You Forget
Peggy Gou
2018
145 dollars
Christine and the Queens
2018
15Slow Burn
Kacey Musgraves
2018
Golden Hour
16Duck Duck Goose
cupcakKe
2018
17Pick Up
DJ Koze
2018
18Womp Womp
Jeremih,Valee
2018
19Lemon Glow
Beach House
2018
20Missing U
Robyn
2018
21Pristine
Snail Mail
2018
22Honey
Robyn
2018
23Me & My Dog
boygenius
2018
24Falling Into Me
Let's Eat Grandma
2018
25The Opener
Camp Cope
2018
26Is It Cold in the Water?
SOPHIE
2018
27Rank & File
Moses Sumney
2018