Year in Rock 2018: Album of the Year

2017 was the first year in recent memory that my Album of the Year was solidified so damn early. By the time summer rolled around, I knew that nothing short of a miracle would dethrone Father John Misty's Pure Comedy as my favourite album of 2017; any last minute listening sessions only served to find the first runner-up.

This year was a little different, so as to say, more like previous years; a lot of records came out this year which I consider great, and my choice for the top spot has changed many times over throughout the year. It was, if anything, worse than normal to figure it out; whereas I often have two and sometimes three records fighting it out in my mind by this time of the year, 2018 had more like six or seven serious contenders. From established artists turning out career highlights at a stage in their career when that shouldn't be possible to young bands hitting their stride and promising bright futures, this year's decision making process was tough.

That said, I did it. I put my nominees in an order that I can live with. At least until I click "post". Let's do this thing!

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

JOHN BUTLER TRIO Home

CORROSION OF CONFORMITY No Cross No Crown

PANIC! AT THE DISCO Pray for the Wicked

TURBOWOLF The Free Life

ZEAL & ARDOR Stranger Fruit