The best pop album I’ve heard in 2018 actually came out in 2017. That’s Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut, which is so packed with bangers and bops that it could be a greatest hits collection. That woman is a talent.
The second best 2017 pop album I’ve heard is another debut, Camila by former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello. Best known for #1 hit ‘Havana,’ this is a sultry, introspective album about as far from Cabello’s girl band roots as she could get.
Camila Cabello has the distinction of recording Camila, the first album I ever downloaded after signing up for the Amazon Music streaming service.
She also sits at #8 on Billboard’s Hot 100 with ‘Never Be the Same,’ the lead-off track from that album.
I’m sure she’s more proud of the former accomplishment.
The streaming life allows me to download albums I’m curious about but probably wouldn’t have bought. Camila Cabello’s solo debut is a great example.
The former Fifth Harmony member scored a breakout hit with lead single ‘Havana’ but all of Camila is worth a listen. It’s a far more subdued record than you might guess given her pop pedigree, featuring minimal instrumentation and mostly mid-tempo tracks.
It also boasts the best album cover in years.
Meet Me In Montauk 