The voices of iconic singer/songwriters like John Prine, David Crosby, and John Hiatt continued to shine brightly in 2018, alongside albums from relative newcomers including Natalie Prass, Ari Roar, and Anna Burch.
Alejandro Escovedo
The Crossing
The singer/songwriter teams with Italian rockers Don Antonio for a song cycle of two young men chasing a dream of America.
Amos Lee
My New Moon
The singer/songwriter's seventh album is rife with soul-searching catharsis and hopeful uplift.
Anna Burch
Quit the Curse
Michigan-based singer/songwriter Anna Burch makes her solo debut with an excellent set of startlingly direct observations.
Anna Calvi
Hunter
The British artist's highly anticipated third record fulfills expectations with a resplendent and frank set of songs.
Ari Roar
Calm Down
Warm, tuneful full-length debut of Caleb Campbell, whose influences include Jason Schwartzman, George Martin, and Frankie Cosmos.
Brandi Carlile
By the Way, I Forgive You
Carlile expands upon the catharsis of The Story on this rich, empathetic album.
Damien Jurado
The Horizon Just Laughed
The singer/songwriter's first entirely self-produced album blends Rockwellian portraiture and personal remembrances for a deeply affecting set.
David Bazan
Care
The indie stalwart pairs his deeply human reflections against a ruggedly synthetic backdrop on this strong, guitarless set.
David Crosby
Here If You Listen
A collaboration with Croz's "Lighthouse Band" that plays like a soothing, surprising hybrid of Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, and CSN.
Dawn Landes
Meet Me at the River
Dawn Landes teams up with Nashville legend Fred Foster to deliver her own spin on classic country.
Eleanor Friedberger
Rebound
Inspired by a getaway to Greece, the singer/songwriter's fourth album features some of her most surprising and engaging songs.
Father John Misty
God's Favorite Customer
God's Favorite Customer is designed to be the digestif after the multi-course feast of Pure Comedy.
Gilbert O'Sullivan
Gilbert O'Sullivan
Working with producer Ethan Johns, Gilbert O'Sullivan delivers one of his very best records.
Grant-Lee Phillips
Widdershins
Smoky-voiced songwriter casts his eye on a chaotic nation, and emerges with an album of passion and purpose.
Inara George
Dearest Everybody
On her first solo album since 2009, the songwriter looks with empathy, openness, and poignant reflection at the past and how it informs the present.
Jeffrey Gaines
Alright
After 15 years away from the studio and plenty of touring, the road-tested Pennsylvanian delivers a well-crafted and punchy comeback album.
Jennifer Warnes
Another Time, Another Place
On her first recording in 17 years, the award-winning singer/songwriter delivers a gracefully, emotionally committed collection of covers and originals.
Jim James
Uniform Distortion
On his third solo long-player, the My Morning Jacket frontman pays homage to his rock & roll heroes while asking poignant questions.
Joan Armatrading
Not Too Far Away
The ever-reliable U.K. songwriting icon returns with a smartly crafted, self-produced, and self-played album of warmly confessional pop.
John Hiatt
The Eclipse Sessions
The veteran singer/songwriter takes a long, deep look into the failings and wrong turns of one man's life.
John Prine
The Tree of Forgiveness
The venerable songwriter sounds like a smart and rascally old man on this album, and it suits him perfectly.
Josh Rouse
Love in the Modern Age
The veteran songsmith takes a cunning detour into synth-based sophisti-pop on his 12th record.
Juliana Hatfield
Juliana Hatfield Sings Olivia Newton-John
A sharp, heartfelt tribute to the first pop star Juliana Hatfield ever loved.
Kasey Chambers / Kasey Chambers & the Fireside Disciples
Campfire
The Australian country firebrand strips her music to the frame on this powerful acoustic album.
Natalie Prass
The Future and the Past
A colorful, soulful album that finds Natalie Prass on the precipice of the past and present.
Nicholas Krgovich
Ouch
The Canadian smart-pop eccentric delivers a melancholic but deeply comfortable breakup album.
Olivia Chaney
Shelter
The sophomore studio effort from the English folk singer is as compelling and powerful as it unwaveringly intimate.
Rayland Baxter
Wide Awake
The Nashville native's excellent third LP mixes tightly crafted guitar pop with laid-back charm while exploring human behavior in modern America.
Richard Thompson
13 Rivers
The peerless guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist digs deep with his musicians for a set of dark but engaging tunes.
Rosanne Cash
She Remembers Everything
A rich and rewarding collection of songs that speaks to the singer and songwriter's talent, passion, and maturity.
Ryley Walker
Deafman Glance
The Chicago-based guitarist and singer/songwriter indulges many whims in reinventing himself here; all of them are intriguing.
Thomas Dybdahl
All These Things
The Norwegian singer/songwriter travels to L.A.'s Sunset Sound with producer Larry Klein and a host of studio aces and comes up with a late-night gem.
Tracyanne Campbell / Danny Coughlan / Tracyanne & Danny
Tracyanne & Danny
Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura and Danny Coughlan of Crybaby combine forces for a magical batch of heartbreaking ballads and gently rambling indie pop.
