The 2018 edition of the continuously-expanding Lollapalooza wasted no time getting right down to the action with the long weekend once again coming a day early, complete with beefed up security for extra safety, express entry lanes for those without bags, hydration and cooling stations, cashless payment options and wider walkways to maximize each moment. Leading the charge was alternative/indie rockers Arctic Monkeys, who headlined opposite rapper Travis Scott and came out of hibernation after a five year break in between albums.

However, the “American Teen” took home Thursday’s top prize with a massive crowd that easily exceeded Arctic Monkeys and an absolutely joyous display of contagious R&B tunes.

Though the English act was proud to present “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino,” which is full of loungey, spacey, psychedelic textures and wondering what a luxury resort on the moon might look like, there was just as much material gleaned from every album dating back to 2006’s breakthrough “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” Regardless of when they were originally released, rousing cuts such as “Four Out Of Five,” “Brainstorm,” “Don’t Sit Down ‘Cause I’ve Moved Your Chair” and “I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor” could’ve all dropped within the week thanks to Arctic Monkeys’ ageless aggression and no-nonsense presentation.

Pop starlet Camila Cabello brought her slick, Latin-infused sound and dance crew to the festivities, who despite delivering an entertaining performance peppered with positive messages, stood in stark contrast to the more rock, hip-hop and electronic-oriented event. Nonetheless, there was no ignoring the magnetism of say “Sangria Wine” and “Havana” or this former Fifth Harmony singer’s rising solo stock in the mainstream.

Beforehand, LANY brought some dreamy synth pop to the proceedings with just the right recipe of gloss and left of center intrigue. Established dance rockers Franz Ferdinand didn’t feel as fresh, but it was impossible not to stomp along to the raw attitude of “Take Me Out” and “This Fire.”

In terms of attention-grabbing arrivals on the scene, Billie Eilish was arguably the most memorable from this Lollapalooza opener thanks to songwriting that’s well beyond her mere 16-years and an explosive stage persona. Though she already unveiled each multi-layered facet of her assertive, throbbing electropop for about an hour, her finale “COPYCAT” was marked by boundless energy that stopped many on their way to see Khalid (who guested earlier with the newcomer) dead in their tracks.

However, the “American Teen” took home Thursday’s top prize with a massive crowd that easily exceeded Arctic Monkeys and an absolutely joyous display of contagious R&B tunes. Whether he was collaborating with Alina Baraz (“Electric”) and Normani (“Love Lies”) or carrying his own grooves (“Young Dumb & Broke,” “OTW”), Khalid perfectly personified “the type of s*** that you been waiting all year for” at the one and only Lollapalooza.

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Lollapalooza continues at Grant Park through Aug. 5. For additional details, visit Lollapalooza.com.

For additional information on Arctic Monkeys, visit ArcticMonkeys.com.