For many music fans, the summer of 2018 was one to remember. Many fan-favorite artists returned to the spotlight after remaining silent for years, while many lesser-known artists released new music displaying their talent. For music lovers of all genres, this past summer was great for new music.

“Ye” – Kanye West (explicit)

On the first day of June, multi-Grammy winning artist and music producer Kanye West released “Ye.” This seven-song album is his first release since he released “The Life Of Pablo” in 2016. Unlike his last album, not many expected this until West announced its release over Twitter two weeks before the album dropped.

Before “The Life Of Pablo,” West’s music was very energetic and fast with crass and egotistical lyrics. However, with the release of “The Life of Pablo” and continuing forward with “Ye,” he has started to zone in on a calmer and relaxed vein of hip-hop. A lot of the tracks on the album feature instrumentals as opposed to electronic music, which is very out of the ordinary for rap in general and especially for Kanye West.

Although West’s latest album is very different than some of his previous music, many of the songs on this album are entertaining. Many of the songs in the album like “All Mine” and “Yikes” contain a bit of old Kanye West’s style with a fast-paced beat and well-crafted lyrics. However, in this project West seemed to dabble in the R&B genre a bit with the songs “Violent Crimes” and “Ghost Town.” While lifelong Kanye West fans might be let down with his latest project, “Ye” is a good change of pace from West’s older works.

“God’s Favorite Customer” – Father John Misty

At the beginning of June, acoustic-indie artist Father John Misty released his fourth album, “God’s Favorite Customer.” As with a lot of his other works, the album primarily uses acoustic instruments with basic drums in the background. This album utilizes a great mix of soft, relaxing music, paired with beautiful, somber lyrics.

Songs such as “Hangout at the Gallows” and “Please Don’t Die” display the delicacy and mellowness of Father John Misty. While none of the songs on the album are very high energy, “Mr. Tillman” is slightly more upbeat than the majority of his songs. For those looking for slow, excellent music that tells a story, “God’s Favorite Customer” has it covered.

“Love If We Made It” – The 1975 (explicit)

On July 19, British alternative rock band The 1975 released another single. This single, “Love If We Made It,” is their second of 2018 and their fourth since their last album which was released in 2016.

“Love If We Made It” features everything people have come to love about the alternative rock band based out of Manchester, England. From the fuzzy, reverb vocals to the synth piano, all tied together by a catchy chorus, The 1975 show once again why they’re one of the best alternative bands out there today.

“Voicenotes” – Charlie Puth

Although Charlie Puth’s second full-length album “Voicenotes” was released in mid-May, it was too good to leave out, as this album was one of the best and most listened to of the summer. In this album, the pop and R&B artist displays both his vocal talent and his production skills, as he produced the album himself.

Some of the songs featured on the album have become huge radio hits, such as “Attention” and “How Long.” Though, the album contains much more than just those two major hits. Unlike a lot of Puth’s earlier works, “Done For Me” uses a more upbeat style with a funky beat. This song features the great vocals of Puth as well as the up and coming R&B artist, Kehlani. Also on the album, Puth displays a softer side with the slower, more laid back “Patient.”

Brockhampton singles (explicit)

Throughout the summer, the 13-member hip-hop group Brockhampton released 3 tracks to preview their new album, which as of now has an unknown release date. At the beginning of this summer, the group went through a major personnel change. After being accused of sexual misconduct with a minor, Ameer Vann was let go from the band. After the group dropped Vann, they canceled their tour and scrapped their album they were close to releasing. The three singles that they released this summer are a part of a brand new, unnamed album.

On July 7th, the group released “1999 WILDFIRE” and 20 days later they dropped “1997 Diana.” As with a lot of Brockhampton’s music, these songs use a very similar formula. These songs start out with a funky, happy beat and eventually transitions to one of the members leading the verse and then switching off to another. Both “1999 Wildfire” and “1997 Diana” are very enjoyable, catchy songs that display the talent of the young and rising hip/hop group.

On July 19th, Brockhampton dropped their second single of the summer, “1998 TRUMAN.” This single varies very differently than the rest of Brockhampton’s songs, as instead of having a happy, positive feeling, this song gives off a more angry vibe. For those wanting to see Brockhampton mix it up, “1998 TRUMAN” is a good change.

While little details are known about Brockhampton’s next album, these three new releases are a good indicator that their newest album will have some of the old Brockhampton style that people know, but also a new experimental style.

This past summer was a great one for music lovers of all genres and styles. This summer will definitely be remembered for the quantity as well as the quality of the music.