This 12 months has been particularly particular for album releases on the earth of dance music. We noticed the return of legends after decades-long hiatuses in addition to sensible debut efforts from each new and established artists. Over the final two months, we requested out workers to on their picks for the highest honors in 2018.

Here are the EDM Sauce workers picks for probably the most spectacular albums in 2018.

Best EDM Albums Of 2018

RÜFÜS DU SOL – SOLACE

Nominated By Stevo Jacobs, CEO

RÜFÜS DU SOL set 2018 ablaze with their ethereal and lovely album SOLACE. While there may be an trade working joke that “ethereal” is overused, and generally misunderstood by bloggers, no higher adjective describes the group's third studio album. Throughout SOLACE the various signature parts of RÜFÜS DU SOL might be discovered. Ambient and mild melodies function the right scaffolding for otherworldly vocals and tribal drums to be constructed upon.

SOLACE is a masterful comply with as much as the critically acclaimed 2016 launch BLOOM. RÜFÜS DU SOL has demonstrated that they're like a nice whiskey – they solely get higher with time. Overall, 2018 was an fascinating 12 months for music which noticed many artists return to the established order, whereas others labored tirelessly to seek out “the following huge sound”. RÜFÜS DU SOL, alternatively, continued to maneuver ahead sticking to their very own, unreplicable, enigmatic and particular person fashion.

Golden Features – SECT

Nominated By Erik Mahal, Editor in Chief

Golden Features is certainly one of Australia's best digital music exports. The masked artist has time and time once more produced beautiful data which problem the established order and push the boundaries of the digital music genres. While in 2016, his EP, Wolfie/Funeral was chosen by EDM Sauce for a high honor, his 2018 album, SECT, takes issues to a brand new degree of mastery.

SECT incorporates numerous parts which fuse to create one thing distinctive and spectacular. The method Golden Features completely blends harsh industrial sounds that will make Nine Inch Nails blush into driving home productions is jaw-dropping. SECT is not only a darkish exploration of sound. Golden Features completely highlights infectious melodies and exquisite vocals that may make the listener assume and recognize new kinds.

Andrew Bayer – In My Last Life

Nominated By Dan Cooper, Senior Staff Writer

Andrew Bayer has at all times been a standout on the earth of digital dance music. The golden boy of Above & Beyond's imprint, Anjunabeats, Bayer has continuously been reinventing himself 12 months after 12 months. In 2018 he launched what is definitely his most spectacular work but, the two-disc album, In My Last Life. The first disc contains authentic mixes, whereas the second is membership combine for every of the songs featured on disc one.

Bayer's skill to inject palpable emotion into his melodies, lyrics and total productions is second to none. In My Last Life is exclusive because it makes use of solely two vocalists all through your entire LP. Alison May and Ane Brun elevate the already beautiful album and assist it really feel like a real sonic journey because the familiarity of their voices create a fascinating narrative.

Medasin – Irene

Nominated By Molly Sheban, Staff Writer

Medasin debut LP, Irene was each critically and fan acclaimed the second it launched. The younger producer rose by the ranks of digital music in 2018 to rapidly develop into one of the vital promising abilities in all of EDM. In this launch, Medasin makes use of fascinating sound design which is each recent and thrilling. On Irene, Medasin does one thing which many producers have tried to do and failed – inform a narrative. Even although the album solely options a number of vocal tracks, the pacing and ambiance of the tunes featured on Irene paint a particular narrative.

Medasin noticed an enormous upswing in recognition in 2018. With the discharge of Irene, it's clear that the hype round Medasin is all solely professional. We can't wait to listen to what comes subsequent from certainly one of dance music's rising greats.

Ilan Bluestone – Scars

Nominated By Nick White, Playlist Curator/Senior Staff Writer

Ilan Bluestone is the second Anjunabeats artist to make our 2018 listing of high albums. For good cause too, as his album Scars is nothing wanting a progressive home masterpiece. That being stated, to include the album to just one subgenre can be doing it a disservice. Ilan makes use of his years of expertise in trance, progressive home, future bass, and a lot extra to create an impactful 15-track album.

Scars is the kind of album which can outline Ilan for years to return. Just as many affiliate Tiesto with Just Be or Above & Beyond with Group Therapy, Scars is actually a magnum opus of types. While we fell in love with this album in 2018 and we can't wait to listen to what Ilan has in retailer for 2019.

San Holo – Album1

Nominated By Sophia Medina – Senior Staff Writer

From Sophia –

“This was undoubtedly the primary album, in a really very long time, that I really loved all of the songs on the album. If you couldn’t inform already, I’m strongly into songs that may not solely contact my coronary heart however can stir my feelings on the identical time. This album did simply that. My feelings had been all over the place! I really feel like if an album can create some kind of sentimental connection, then it’s one that ought to undoubtedly be acknowledged.”

Alison Wonderland – Awake

Nominated By Selbe Dittman – Staff Writer

From Selbe –

“This is the album that received me into EDM and can endlessly have a spot in my coronary heart! Alison Wonderland’s sound is ideal for anybody entering into the scene or searching for one thing a little bit lighter than conventional bass music (which I’ve actually gotten into) however nonetheless needs to jam out.”

Lane eight – Little By Little

Nominated By Kris Novak – VP of Events, Curator at EDM Sauce Copyright Free Records

Lane eight has develop into one of the vital hallowed names in all of home music. Getting his begins on French Express and Anjunadeep, the American producer has set off on his personal underneath his imprint, This Never Happened. His album Little By Little offers a stupendous look into the internal workings of his thoughts. His melodies are advanced, fascinating and above all – gorgeously produced.

Lane eight holds nothing again on Little By Little exploring the worlds of home and tech-house, leaving no stone unturned. The hypnotic preparations and driving beats will take the listener to a different airplane of existence. One the place Lane eight is the creator and curates their expertise from starting to finish.