Lotus & Glasses Malone - Mirrors (Thuggin) Feat. Kendrick Lamar.
Shouts: Ultimate Music
Source: Spotify
My Favorite Albums of 2018
Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2018
You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2018 here.
My Previous monthly lists from 2018: January , February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
My list last year for my top Albums of 2017 can be found here.
*Indicated someone I saw live in 2018
Honorable Mention:
Alan Walker - Different World Genre: Electronic / Dance
Different World is life in a digital universe. On the surface the mechanical synth-based melodies might come off as a bit too artificial, but if you dispel the notion computers can’t be a musical instrument you can see there’s a heartbeat under the churning gears. In the context of the album all the tracks really work together harmoniously, a pretty amazing feat considering these songs were recorded and released over the span of three years. There is a intentional, common vernacular across the tracks that melds it together quite nicely. Despite the plasticity on top, this debut album is artificial intelligence exuding relatable emotion and infectious energy. I don’t know what’s more human than that.
Alina Baraz - The Color Of You Genre: alt-R&B / Soul
The soothing and sultry voice of Alina Baraz can seriously sing to me the phone book and I would rock back and forth in a happy place. The world was first introduced to Alina Baraz when she teamed with Danish producer Galimatias for their euphoric, synth-pop joint EP Urban Flora. For her first solo project Baraz goes for a bit more of a stipped down sound which allows her soulful vocals to shine as they whisk you away. This enduring and intimate album shows the future is bright for the singer and her low lit music.
Proof: Fallin / I Don’t Even Know Why Though // Bonus: Feels Right
Chloe x Halle - The Kids Are Alright Genre: alt-R&B
Sisters Chloe & Halle’s talents caught the attention of none other than Beyoncé who scooped them up for her label and now their unique and unpredictable form of R&B is catching the attention of the masses. The sisters broke out on the scene with 2016’s Sugar Symphony EP, followed up by the YouTube released mixtape The Two of Us. This debut album has been in the works since before that original EP was released and with most of the production handled by them is a true culmination of their hard work to get to this point. The hard work is already paying dividends with two GRAMMY nominations including “Best New Artist”.
Proof: Everywhere / Galaxy
CHVRCHES - Love Is Dead Genre: Synth-Pop
On their third album, Love Is Dead, for the first time Scottish band CHVRCHES used outside producers on a record. The result is a bit more expansive of a sound for the group then before. The moments of emotion and energy seem a bit more unhinged (in a good way). Lauren also adjusted her writing techniques from a metaphor heavy style that would allude to subjects to a much more straightforward vocabulary addressing things head on. It’s still the same identifiable vernacular of the band CHVRCHES but with a few new art pieces up on the walls.
Proof: Never Say Die / Miracle
Don Diablo - FUTURE Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop / Dance
Ten years after his debut, Dutch producer shows by he’s been a sought after producer for nearing twenty years. FUTURE shows how the producer has been able to craft entertaining and contagious pop melodies that resonate ohh so well.
J.I.D. - DiCaprio 2 Genre: Hip Hop
J. Cole signee J.I.D. Didn’t waste time following up his 2017 debut album The Never Story. The Atlanta rapper already had a following established from independently released mixtapes and EPs before last year. The Never Story exposed to a wider audience this newcomer has got some lyrical skills and a silky, smooth flow, DiCapro 2 (a sequel to his 2015 DiCaprio EP) only exacerbates the exposure to his talent even more.
Proof: 151 Rum / Tiiied (Feat. 6LACK & Ella Mai)
JMSN - Velvet Genre: R&B / Soul / Funk
The shape shifting R&B of Michigan singer JMSN has been one of my favorites since his 2012 revelation of a debut †Priscilla† (which topped my 2012 albums list). His first album and EP were very much in the hazy low lit alt-R&B sound similar to The Weeknd and How To Dress Well. JMSN then molded his sound to a more straightforward form of R&B for an album. Again, not being complacent, his two following albums transformed again this time to sound like a jazz assemble backing a soul singer. Well, JMSN takes another left turn with Velvet incorporating some sultry funk. With dripping base lines and bouncing synth keys this is JMSN’s most vibrant sound yet.
Kylie Minogue - Golden Genre: Synth-Pop / Country
I am admittedly not a big country fan, and some more die hard country listeners my roll their eyes at me calling this album country. Kylie Minogue is going on 30 years in the industry and mostly been a danceable, synth-pop artist. For her fortieth album Golden, Kylie went to Nashville and incorporated country and bluegrass music tendencies into her sound; something that could be a disastrous ambition. I guess you don’t just luck into making music for three decades, because this interesting mixture is pulled off beautifully. Golden is an effective and innovative mash up of electronic music, synth-pop and country in a surprisingly delicious cocktail.
Logic - YSIV Genre: Hip Hop
With one of the most lethal flows in the game, Logic dropped off two projects in 2018. First was the follow up of his Bobby Tarantino Mixtape. The second was his fourth LP, but this time reviving his Young Senatra persona from mixtapes earlier in his career (the last one came out in 2013). YSIV or as it stands for “Young Sinatra 4” is another verbal assault by the talented rapper and one of his most confident records to date. The robust use of skits and interludes has always been a gripe of mine with Logic albums, and gladly they are noticeably absent here. No matter what persona he dons, Logic has some of the most ferocious lyrical prowess in the industry and he loves to show it off.
MNEK - Language Genre: R&B / Electronic
Before this debut album was released British singer/producer/songwriter MNEK already had multiple GRAMMY nominations from his songwriting and production work with artists including Kylie Minogue, MØ, Madonna, Zara Larsson, Julia Michaels, Dua Lipa, Beyoncé and a whole slew of others. With the success of his stellar 2015 EP Small Talk he became a sought after commodity in the industry. For his debut album MNEK wanted to make a statement of who the man behind the boards and pen is. Language is an exhilarating listen front to back and an exciting mixture of intersecting genres.
Proof: Tongue / Colour (Feat. Hailee Steinfield)
SOB X RBE - GANGIN / GANGIN II Genre: Hip Hop
It’s been a busy year for the new hip hop foursome from Vallejo. They dropped their self titled Mixtape in 2017 to catch the attention of Kendrick who put a song by them on the Black Panther soundtrack. Striking while the iron was hot, the group released their debut album in February and their Sophomore album (or an extension of their debut) only a few months later in September. Growing up the Bay Area the group is obviously influenced heavily by the Hyphy movement. You can hear elements of influences from E-40, Keak da Sneak, The Team and others in that Hyphy sound; but with a contemporary twist.
Proof: Anti Social / Can’t // North Vallejo / Made It
Superorganism - Superorganism Genre: Indie Pop
Eight member group from various countries formed the band Superorganism in 2017. Together they would send tracks through Facebook and WhatsApp and each member would add some layers on to it. The concoction is a dense, multifaceted form of unique pop music. The various layers of instruments, synths, and samples intertwine to create a mesh of melodies that bounce along gracefully despite their mass.
Tove Stryke - Sway Genre: Synth-Pop
This short and sweet album by The Swedish singer is her strongest to date. There’s a subtle growing of confidence I can see from this album to its predecessor 2015’s Kiddo. Despite its short run time, Sway makes quite an enjoyable impression.
Typhoon - Offerings Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative
American rock band Typhoon follow up 2013’s White Lighter with their fourth album here. Offerings is a moving and powerful affair. Most of the tracks start off mellow and sweet with moments of crashing guitars and unfiltered emotion bursting out.
VanJess - Silk Canvas Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul
The sisters of first generation Nigerian immigrants started singing covers on YouTube before first getting signed way back in 2011. Their debut was worth the weight, Silk Canvas is some infectious forward thinking R&B with subtle nostalgia baked in. You can see influences from the likes of Rihanna, SWV, TLC and others.
Bonus:
Major Lazer - Major Lazer Essentials Genre: Electronic / Dance
Since their debut album Major Lazer has been one of my favorites. Now three albums, multiple EPs and a couple mixtapes later, Diplo has announced a new album in 2019 (10 years after their debut) will be the end of the project for the immediate future as he pursues his other many projects. With this announcement Diplo released this compilation album of greatest hits and a handful of new tracks. My first thought when I gave my original spin through this collection was “damn, Major Lazer just had some gd hits!” Listening in one place to the standout tracks from 2009 to now is an exhilarating and entertaining experience centered around diversity and overflowing passion.
Source: Spotify
CHVRCHES - LOVE. (Kendrick Lamar Like A Version Live Cover).
My Favorite Albums of 2018 (So Far)
Here is my list of my favorite albums half-way through 2018.
Honorable Mention:
Alina Baraz - The Color Of You Genre: R&B
Proof: Fallin / I Don't Even Know Why Though
Proof: Love Me Right / All The Work
Cautious Clay - Blood Type EP Genre: R&B / Indie Pop
Proof: Blood Type / Cold War
Chloe x Halle - The Kids Are Alright Genre: alt-R&B
Proof: Everywhere / Galaxy
CHVRCHES - Love Is Dead Genre: Synth-Pop
Proof: Never Say Die / Miracle
Don Diablo - FUTURE Genre: Electronic / Dance / Synth-Pop
Kali Uchis - Isolation Genre: R&B / Soul
KIDS SEE GHOSTS (Kanye West & Kid Cudi) - KIDS SEE GHOSTS Genre: Hip Hop / R&B
Proof: 4th Dimension (Feat. Louis Prima) / Reborn
Kylie Minogue - Golden Genre: Synth-Pop / Country
Proof: Stop Me From Falling / Every Little Part of Me // Bonus: Dancing (Initial Talk Remix), Stop Me From Falling (Cerrone Remix)
NoMBe - They Might’ve Even Loved Me Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock / R&B
Proof: Freak Like Me / Sex
Rejjie Snow - Dear Annie Genre: Hip Hop
Proof: You and Me / Lie (Feat. Riah)
SOB X RBE - GANGIN Genre: Hip Hop
Proof: Anti Social / Can’t
Superorganism - Superorganism Genre: Indie Pop
Typhoon - Offerings Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock
The Weeknd - My Dear Melancholy, EP Genre: alt-R&B
#Best Albums#Top Albums#2018#Black Panther#Kendrick Lamar#DJDS#Bishop Briggs#Her#Lykke Li#3LAU#Pusha T#Fakear#Elohim#Twin Shadow#Madeaux#Charli XCX#Alison Wonderland#Frankie Simone#Janelle Monae#Alina Baraz#Amber Mark#Chloe x Halle#CHVRCHES#Kali Uchis#Kanye West#Kid Cudi#Kylie Minogue#Superorganism#Typhoon#The Weeknd
Source: Spotify
Smallpools - Pray for Me (Kendrick Lamar & The Weeknd Cover).
Shouts: Ultimate Music
Source: Spotify
My Favorite Albums of February 2018
A new year, a new monthly lists of albums released I was feeling, and some other discoveries made during February. My Previous monthly lists from 2018: January
Best:
Bea Miller - auroa Genre: Pop
Proof: motherlove, buy me diamonds
Belle and Sebastian - How To Solve Our Human Problem (Part 3) EP Genre: Indie Pop
Proof: Poor Boy, Best Friend
Cautious Clay - Blood Type EP Genre: alt-R&B / Indie Pop
Proof: Blood Type, Cold War
Don Diablo - FUTURE Genre: Electronic / Dance / Synth-Pop
Fischerspooner - Sir Genre: Synth-Pop / Electronic
Franz Ferdinand - Always Ascending Genre: Synth-Pop
Proof: Always Ascending, Feel The Love Go
Gus Dapperton - You Think You’re a Comic! EP Genre: Indie Pop / Synth-Pop
Jericho Jackson - Khrysis & Elzhi are Jericho Jackson Genre: Indie Hip Hop
Proof: Self Made, Talkin’ Bout
Justin Timberlake - Man of the Woods Genre: R&B / Pop
Kendrick Lamar & Top Dawg Entertainment - Black Panther The Album: Music from And Inspired By Genre: Hip Hop / R&B
Proof: Vince Staples, Yungen Blakrok & Kendrick Lamar - Opps, The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar - Pray For Me
Keys N Krates - Cura Genre: Electronic / R&B
Lo Moon - Lo Moon Genre: Synth-Pop
Proof: This Is It, Real Love
MGMT - Little Dark Age Genre: Indie Pop / Synth-Pop
Proof: Little Dark Age, One Thing Left To Try
Mija - How To Measure The Distance Between Lovers EP Genre: Electronic
Proof: 5AM in Paris, Falling ApART (again)
Rejjie Snow - Dear Annie Genre: Hip Hop
Rhye - Blood Genre: Indie Pop / R&B
Ride - Tomorrow Shore EP Genre: Rock / Alternative
Proof: Pulsar, Catch You Dreaming
SOB X RBE - GANGIN Genre: Hip Hop
Proof: Anti Social, Can’t
Starchild & The New Romantic - Language Genre: R&B / Neo-Soul
Proof: Mood, Good Stuff
Towkio - WWW. Genre: Hip Hop
Until The Ribbon Breaks - Until The Ribbon Breaks Genre: Synth-Pop
Proof: Here Comes The Feeling, My Love
Victoria Monet - Life After Love, Pt. 1 EP Genre: R&B
Proof: Wish I Never Met You, Ten New Friends
The Wombats - Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life Genre: Indie Rock
Proof: Turn, White Eyes
3LAU - Ultraviolet Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop
Bonus:
Albums I discovered, or just finally got around to listening to during this month that I am feeling.
Gus Dapperton - Yellow and Such EP Genre: Indie Pop / Synth-Pop Released August 2017
Proof: I’m Just Snacking, The Fool
Mija - time stops (original motion picture soundtrack) EP Genre: Electronic Released June 2017
Rina Sawayama - RINA Genre: R&B Released October 2017
Proof: Take Me As I Am, Afterlife, Bonus: Valentine (What’s It Gonna Be)
SOB X RBE - SOB X RBE Genre: Hip Hop Released January 2017
Proof: Lane Changing, Bust Down
Typhoon - Offerings Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative Released January 2018
Others:
Audio Push - Cloud 909, AWALNATION - Here Comes The Runts, Black Milk - FEVER, Car Seat Headrest - Twin Fantasy, Cozz - Effected, Dashboard Confessional - Crooked Shadows, EARTHGANG - Royalty EP, Everything Is Recorded - Everything Is Recorded, Felix Jaehn - I, Ganja White Night - The Origins, GTA - Death To Genres EP, Hovvdy - Cranberry, I’m With Her - See You Around, Joji - In Tongues EP (Deluxe Edition), Kygo - Kids In Love (Remixes), Madison Beer - As She Pleases EP, Marcus Marr - Familiar Five EP, Mila J - February 2018 EP, Nipsey Hussle - Victory Lap, Oliver Tree - Alien Boy EP, Onra - Nobody Has To Know, Palm - Rock Island, Rejjie Snow - Dear Annie Pt. 2 EP, Rich Brian - Amen, SHIRT - Pure Beauty, Skyzoo - In Celebration of Us, Social Club Misfits - Into The Night, Son Lux - Brighter Wounds, Tyga - Kyoto, Vance Joy - Nation Of Two, Various Artists - Fifty Shades Freed [Motion Picture Soundtrack], Yellow Claw - Amsterdam Trap Music, Vol. 3 EP, 2 Chainz - The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It EP
#Best Albums#Top Albums#February#2018#Bea Miller#Belle and Sebastian#BOOTS#Cautious Clay#Don Diablo#Fischerspooner#Franz Ferdinand#Gus Dapperton#Justin Timberlake#Kendrick Lamar#Keys N Krates#Khrysis#Elzhi#Lo Moon#Rejjie Snow#Rhye#Ride#Snoop Dogg#SOB X RBE#Starchild & The New Romantic#Towkio#Until The Ribbon Breaks#Victoria Monet#The Wombats#3LAU
Source: SoundCloud / DuckworthTDE
Source: SoundCloud / TopDawgEnt
My Favorite Albums of 2017
Here is my list of my personal top albums of 2017
You can find my separate list for top EPs of 2017 here.
My monthly lists of top albums of 2017 are listed below: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
My list last year for my top albums of 2016 can be found here.
* indicates someone I saw live in 2017
Honorable Mention:
Arcade Fire - Everything Now Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative
With great success comes also the task of following it up. In 2017 Arcade Fire became swallowed up a bit by their own machine; which is unfortunate because despite its flaws Everything Now is still a joyous and entertaining record. Probably, most definitely, the worst record of their catalog, the common dialog is this album was a misstep by the Grammy winning band. Attempting to strip the baggage though, Everything Now is a interesting and expressive experimentation in Indie Rock that should still be appreciated. Perhaps some restraint and more of an eye on quality control could have helped. Past Arcade Fire albums find strength in their shear mass, however this album would have benefited from being more slimmed down, especially in the middle section that tends to wander a bit too aimlessly. This is the most flawed we have seen the band, yet they still have something worthwhile to bring to the table.
Cold War Kids - L.A. DEVINE Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative
With their sixth album, Cold War Kids continue to perfect their energetic and bold Indie Rock sound. L.A. DEVINE isn’t my favorite work from the band but it continually shows they have a knack to not disappoint. It does come off a bit formulaic after the first handful of songs, but they know what they are good at and they stick to it. As I stated though the first five songs really put this album on this list as it’s as strong and impacting of a 20 minutes as on almost any other album out in 2017.
Cut Copy - Haiku From Zero Genre: Synth-Pop
For their fifth studio album, the Australian Synth-Pop makers Cut Copy produced possibly their most straight forward product. The result is a light hearted, warm collection of songs that are enjoyable and easy to approach. The result also is critiques of a lack of experimentation and innovation the fans of the band attribute to Cut Copy. My personal feeling is at times CC’s experimentation can tip over into overindulgence in the past, so I welcome the stripped down jams.
Giraffage* - Too Real Genre: Electronic
American-Taiwanese DJ Giraffage drops off some sexy and spaced out R&B infused electronic music on his vibed out debut album. Too Real has moments that remind me of ODESZA, KAYTRANADA or Mura Masa; sometimes within the same song. Giraffage’s smooth production creates quite the seductive galaxy, so climb in that spaceship.
The Killers* - Wonderful Wonderful Genre: Alternative / Rock
Hot Fuss, the Killers’ debut album was a very important album for me in high school. The band then proceeded to it up with a stellar three album swing with Sam’s Town and Day & Age (Yes, that Day & Age, that album bangs and I don’t care who says otherwise). Even the B-Side and remix Compilation album that proceeded, Sawdust, was enjoyable. Unfortunately, from there was a lackluster period for me as a Killers fan. Brandon Flower’s first solo album Flamingo was disappointing and their fourth album 2012’s Battle Born just came off stale and lethargic to me. 2014 though, saw a welcomed return to form with Brandon Flower’s sneaky good second solo album The Desired Effect. Wonderful Wonderful continues that rejuvenation with some passionate and focused arena rock. Here the band still sounds very familiar but doesn’t come off as aged as on Battle Born. They also seem to have more of a purpose here, not just making a new album for the sake of making one, they have recaptured that sense of joy and wonder.
Proof: The Man, Run For Cover
Klyne - Klyne Genre: alt-R&B / Electronic
Dutch duo Klyne make some super seductive bedroom ready electronic pop music. On this self titled debut they really show off their master of making synth-heavy production have some ginuwine sentiment and passion. Klyne is a subtle and sexy project any R&B fan should check out.
Proof: Paralyzed, Sure Thing
Logic - Everybody Genre: Hip Hop
One of the most technically skilled rappers making music today returns with his third studio album. It is very apparent the lyrical talent on Logic during a listen, however Everybody falls into the same traps of Logic’s past albums. Logic tends to get swallowed up by his own album concepts, with interlude and spoken word interruptions that tend to drag on too long. It’s unfortunate because to others it can take away from the great production and lyrical gymnastics going on. The process has also taken a toll on Logic himself as he has hinted the next album could be his last album despite being only 27. Hopefully, an extended break is all that will be needed because despite my album construction gripes, Logic is still one of the most gifted rappers today.
Proof: America (Feat. Black Thought, Chuck D, Big Lenbo & NO I.D.), 1-800-273-8255 (Feat. Alessia Cara & Khalid)
Oliver - Full Circle Genre: Electronic / Dance
LA DJ duo, finally offer a full length album with this cinematic debut. Full Circle is a modern day disco with space aged, synth-based tracks that call back to the 70’s and 80’s but still feel rooted in 2017. The whole album has a glossy aura that engulfs the listener, shooting them into hyper drive through a technological landscape.
Phantoms - Phantoms Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop
I first heard of Phantoms when I saw them open for Beat Connection in 2015. I had no idea who these two suited dudes were, but I was pleasantly surprised by both their stage presence and charisma as well as the music. I retroactively found their EP and discovered it wasn’t a fluke, they made good music. Despite that I still was pleasantly surprised by this pulsating debut from the duo. Phantom’s aren’t doing anything to reinvent any wheels here; they are just making damn good house music to get the fuck down too. The growth from their already decent EP to this album is a bit staggering, I can’t wait to see what they make next.
Portugal. The Man - Woodstock Genre: Alternative / Indie Rock
Releasing albums at quite the rapid pace, after their seventh album, 2013’s Evil Friends, Portugal. The Man took more of their time crafting something that would be a new experience for their fans. The result is this whirlwind of an album incorporating and outright acknowledging outside influences more openly then in past efforts. Woodstock has roots of the late 60’s era in its general makeup, but there also are intense elements of hip hop, soul music, and electronic music interweaving in the complex relationships here. It makes this album really a unique experience. “Feel It Still” became the band’s biggest hit of their career and for good reason. Even though you are probably a bit fatigued of it, it still is an excellent track to revisit in the context of the album or on it’s own.
Proof: Easy Tiger, Live In The Moment
Sampha* - Process Genre: alt-R&B
For years the raspy, and emotive voice of Sampha has been bouncing round and teasing us with thoughts of a whole album from him. Tracks featuring him on albums by SBTRKT, Drake, Kanye West, Solange and Jessie Ware have been some of the stand out tracks for each of those albums respectively. We were teased more with his great but short EP’s Duel and Too Much both in 2013. Luckily, the wait for the London singer’s debut was well worth it. Process is a gorgeous, soulful record of love found and lost. Sampha’s lyrics are very piercing and relateable but heightened by his expressive and powerful vocals.
Proof: Blood On Me, Timmy’s Prayer
Stalgia - NOMAD Genre: Electronic / alt-R&B
One of my favorite random music finds on the year was Stalgia’s sultry, electronic R&B. NOMAD has hints of BANKS, Lorde, London Grammar and FKA twigs, with a slight more of an electronic lean. That’s not to say the electronic production is dominate. It is for the most part delicate with pockets of assertiveness, but subdued enough to allow the tender vocals room to shine as well. I don’t know much about the duo, but they have my full attention whatever they produce next.
Proof: Electric, Talk to My Skin
Sylvan Essos - What Now Genre: Indie Pop / Electronic
With their sophomore album, the North Carolina duo continue their pursuit of pushing the boundaries of Indie Pop with their unique amalgamation of Folk, Pop and Electronic music. What Now is like LCD Soundsystem and Fiest had a musical baby, with soft, soothing vocals over jabbing and intersecting synths.
Tyler, The Creator - Flower Boy Genre: Hip Hop
2015’s Cherry Bomb was an album I appreciated but in the end wanted to like it more than I actually did. It was a notable and admired progression by me from his early low-fi sound. There was more experimentation and branching out to try new things for the rapper. But in the end it was still a bit conflicted. Flower Boy is the young artists really putting it all together in a cohesive and powerful package. For his fourth album Tyler drifts into unexpected and often odd directions, but there is more of a purpose of these tangents. Everything has a planned outcome that is impacting and worthwhile.Tyler is also letting his walls down more, showing us his more human and genuine self. In his own words: “I rock, I roll, I bloom, I grow…”
Proof: Where The Flower Blooms (Feat. Frank Ocean), 911 / Mr. Lonely (Feat. Frank Ocean & Steve Lacey)
The List:
Last One Out: Mura Masa - Mura Masa Genre: Electronic / Synth-Pop
Mura Masa has quite a unique ear. This collection of eccentric and genreless tracks is an indication of just how diverse and unorthodox the German producer’s ear for sounds is. The wide range of influences leads to a fascinating interweaving of styles Mura is able to mold into his own personal sculptural music. No artist is too obscure, or too well known for Mura’s vibrant sonic landscapes to dance around in. As music genres continue to push the boundaries it will be innovative artists like Mura Masa at the forefront.