Matthew Shipp Zero February 23, 2018 On this effort, the pianist simultaneously delivers his most accessible solo recording, and the one most densely packed with provocative information.

Sons of Kemet Your Queen Is a Reptile March 30, 2018 The ensemble led by Shabaka Hutchings debuts on Impulse! with a political album that sounds like a street party in the making.

Kacey Musgraves Golden Hour March 30, 2018 An emotionally candid, blissfully soft blend of classic country composition and modern pop.

Mary Halvorson Code Girl March 30, 2018 The guitarist and composer's new quintet juxtaposes and recontextualizes avant-jazz, rock, folk, and improvisation in 14 provocative songs.

Saba Care for Me April 5, 2018 Second album by this Chicago rapper is an emotionally complex and painfully vulnerable reaction to the murder of a close family member.

Ashley Monroe Sparrow April 20, 2018 A sumptuous, string-laden semi-autobiographical song cycle.

Sleep The Sciences April 20, 2018 The first album in decades from the stoner rock pioneers is a heavyweight dose of gargantuan riffs and righteous weed.

J Balvin Vibras May 25, 2018 The Colombian songwriter and singer ignores the language barrier, doubles down on reggaeton, and furthers his quest for pop domination.

Melody's Echo Chamber Bon Voyage June 15, 2018 Free-flowing prog-psych made under the imaginative direction of Melody Prochet with help from members of Dungen and the Amazing.

SOPHIE Oil of Every Pearl's Un-Insides June 15, 2018 The producer's debut album is a bold and affecting exploration of imagination and reinvention.

Nathan Salsburg Third July 20, 2018 The Louisville guitarist's gorgeous and earthy third outing features nothing but a solo acoustic guitar.

Ariana Grande Sweetener August 17, 2018 Ariana Grande matures on the focused and fine Sweetener.

Blood Orange Negro Swan August 24, 2018 Dev Hynes' most touching LP mixes and bounds between bedsit post-punk, desolate dream pop, chillwave-coated quiet storm, and low-profile hip-hop soul.

Ozuna Aura August 24, 2018 There is no sophomore slump evident on the artist's second long-player, absolutely stacked with romantic performances and numerous guests.

BTS Love Yourself: Answer August 24, 2018 Third and final installment of the love-and-loss narrative arc finds the K-pop group at the top of its game.

Noname Room 25 September 14, 2018 Remarkable debut album from Chicagoan rapper/poet Noname, effortlessly blending introspection with humor over lush, jazzy arrangements.

Wayne Shorter Emanon September 14, 2018 A conceptual four-part studio suite with orchestra, a graphic novel (enclosed), and two live discs showcasing a vital quartet, make this a compelling package.

Viktoria Mullova / Paavo Järvi Arvo Pärt September 21, 2018 A superb fresh take on Pärt from Russian violinist Mullova, approved by the composer.

Christine and the Queens Chris September 21, 2018 The singer/songwriter's triumphant second album borrows from '80s R&B and questions gender roles, engaging minds, hearts, and bodies along the way.

Daughters You Won't Get What You Want October 26, 2018 In looking to capture the ugliness of humanity, Daughters have crafted their most vital outing to date.

Makaya McCraven Universal Beings October 26, 2018 The drummer's "organic beat music" is articulated brilliantly by editing the music of four different ensembles improvising live in four cities.

Draco Rosa Monte Sagrado October 26, 2018 After two prolonged battles with cancer, the artist returns with his first studio album in nine years and it's a rocker.

Rosalía El Mal Querer November 2, 2018 The Barcelona-based singer, songwriter, and actress delivers her sophomore outing that weds flamenco and copla to R&B and urban pop.

Earl Sweatshirt Some Rap Songs November 30, 2018 The third album from this innovational rapper finds him taking risks with warped lo-fi beats and jagged, dreamlike production.