Top 10 Albums of 2016
I know that there were plenty of articles about this right before the new year, but I didn’t get this up and running until now (all previous posts were backdated because they were originally emails). I guess a month into 2017 isn’t too late though, is it?
Let me also preface this by saying that when I say “top ten,” I actually mean my favorite ten albums from last year. For those who know me well, these probably won’t come as much of a surprise. Either way, I hope you’re still be able to find some hidden gems in an album you haven't heard before. Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the music.
1. Blond – Frank Ocean
Despite having to endure a tortuous four years without new Frank Ocean since he dropped Channel Orange, waiting for Blond was well worth it. Some may argue the former is still Frank’s best work, but I’m going to have to disagree. In my opinion, this album is a perfect example of a musical work of art. While I’ve listened to it front-to-back more times than I can count, some of my favorite tracks include: “Self Control,” “Ivy,” Pink + White,'“ and “Nights”. You can listen to the album on Spotify here.
Now if only I could get my hands on the second version – Blonde – which includes two additional tracks not included on the digital copy…
2. Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper
Coloring Book is another album I’ve listened to a silly amount of times. I probably drove my housemates and everyone around me insane because of how much I played it.
I became a huge Chance the Rapper fan after hearing “Good Ass Intro.” In fact, I specifically remember asking my friend who first played it for me if he could replay the song before asking who the artist was. I was a big fan of Chance’s Acid Rap mixtape as a whole, and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t skeptical he could repeat the same caliber of work. Thankfully, he did something completely different. I'm continually amazed by Coloring Book, its positive messages and the fact that Chance was able to do it all as an independent artist. I’d name my favorite tracks, but it would come out to about half of the album…Listen to it on Spotify here.
3. Stillness in Wonderland – Little Simz
Another artist making a name for herself without a label is Little Simz. At the age of only 21, the UK rapper made Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Europe following the release of her debut album – A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons. Her follow-up album, Stillness is Wonderland, shows how much she’s grown and matured in such a short period of time. I had been a fan of a few of her songs here and there, but I can honestly say there isn’t a song I dislike on this album. Plus, I love the whole Alice in Wonderland theme and artwork. Some of my favorites songs include “Shotgun,” “LMPD,” “Poison Ivy” and “One in Rotation + Wide Awake.” I highly suggest listening to the album. I enjoy it more and more each time. Take a listen to decide for yourself.
4. Everything - Lido
An album because of a girl, not about a girl. That’s how Lido describes his debut album, Everything. It may seem a little dark and sad when you don’t take that into account; however, if you keep that in mind when listening to it, then I think it’s an impressive feat. Each song outlines the different stages or feelings one experiences after breaking up with someone. Lido’s vision and production on Everything truly are ‘everything,’ but as a massive fan of his since then beginning, I hope his next album has a few more light-hearted tunes. Listen to Everything here.
5. Ology – Gallant
Even though Gallant’s debut album wasn’t my absolute favorite last year, he was by far my favorite artist of 2016. His live shows are captivating and energetic to say the very least. They even caught the attention of Elton John who has praised his performance. Gallant is definitely going to continue to blow up and become the next big name in R&B. I can’t wait for his next compilation of songs. In the meantime, though, I’ll settle for putting Ology on repeat. Listen to it here.
6. For All We Know - NAO
Gallant was my favorite artist of 2016, but I think NAO’s song, “Bad Blood,” would have to win my favorite song of last year. I’ve had it in heavy rotation since its release and still can’t get enough of it.
I became entranced with the UK artist’s voice after hearing her on Mura Masa’s “Firefly.” Ever since then, I wanted to hear more...and that’s exactly what For All We Know gave me. She released a couple of EPs and singles beforehand, but her debut album is definitely an exciting preview of what’s still to come. Dive into the so-called ‘wonky-funk’ that is NAO and give For All We Know a listen.
7. 99.9% - Kaytranada
Kaytranada’s 99.9% is a journey to say the least. While there are a few songs I’ll listen to on their own - “Together,” “YOU’RE THE ONE” and “ONE TOO MANY,” - I enjoy listening to the album most when doing so as a whole. His production is on-point and if you’ve ever had the chance to see him live, you know that he’s able to seamlessly transition between songs with little effort. If you don’t believe me, then check out his DJ set at Mixmag Live on YouTube. You won’t need any more proof. Check out 99.9% here.
8. I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet so unaware of it - The 1975
That’s quite the title of an album so I’m going to avoid typing it out again. The 1975’s follow-up to their self-titled album builds off the band’s previous work in a way that shows they’re not afraid to experiment while still maintaining their signature sound. Something that isn’t all that easy to do. My favorites off of this one include “Somebody Else, Loving Someone” and “She’s American.” Listen here.
9. GENERATIONWHY – Zhu
What do you get when you mix an electronic music producer and singer with R&B, hip hop and funk? Well, that’d be Zhu. A Grammy-nominated artist, his first album – GENERATIONWHY – is something to consider giving a listen. You can do so here.
10. Matter – St. Lucia
I have to admit that I just started listening to St. Lucia late last year. Even though that’s the case, I still really enjoyed Matter’ The group’s sound reminds me of a combination of CHVCHES and The 1975, two bands that are a lot of fun to listen to. Matter is light, fun and reminds me of the summer before my senior year of college. ‘Twas the stuff of legend. Listen to it here.