Thus far, 2016 has been a great year for new music releases, and here are some of my favorite albums from the year.
Blackstar - David Bowie
This last album by the late David Bowie, who passed away just two days after the album was released, is somewhat of a concept album that explores themes of death and seems to essentially be a look back on his career. Blackstar is a bit experimental with its fusion of jazz and electronic elements along with Bowie’s raw and emotive voice.
Favorite tracks: Blackstar, Girl Loves Me, Lazarus
Teens of Denial - Car Seat Headrest
Led by Will Toledo’s passionate vocals, Denial is an exciting alternative rock album that has some impressive instrumental breakdowns and lyrics is a perfect expression of the angst, worry, and confusion that come with growing up. Toledo’s vocal delivery is strong and punchy with a clearer sound than on his previous work (probably due to having better production value on this album).
Favorite tracks: Fill in the Blank, (Joe Gets Kicked out of School for Using) Drugs with Friends (But Says This Isn’t A Problem)
A Moon Shaped Pool - Radiohead
The iconic band’s latest album features some of their most emotive lyrics to date. It isn’t necessarily as easy to listen to as some of their previous albums; in fact, the sad lyrics accompanied by acoustic guitars and piano make for a very subtle, soft-spoken album that focuses on the emotional aspect of the songs. The band opts to experiment with more orchestrational elements and lessen the amount of electronic elements, but it still mixes the two elements leading to an enjoyable combination.
Favorite tracks: Burn the Witch, Identikit, Ful Stop
Lemonade - Beyoncé
This album is probably the respected pop star’s most mature album to date. Its songs revolve around the singer’s realization that her husband is cheating on her and includes themes of betrayal and anger. Unsurprisingly, its lyrics are very emotive, and excite a certain feeling from whoever is listening. Lemonade includes some of Beyoncé’s strongest, and most controversial, songs to date. This controversy stems from the dual meaning behind some of the tracks, many of which seem like songs about betrayal on the surface, but are really commentary on politics and black feminism.
Favorite tracks: Sorry, 6 Inch, Formation
The White Album - Weezer
This is Weezer album was a great comeback following the disappointing albums that they released following Pinkerton. In fact, this album seems to go back to their first two records, with heavier guitars and lyrics that are reminiscent of their familiar teenage angst. The songs, although not incredibly deep, are very catchy, and White is an overall strong and easy-to-listen-to album.
Favorite tracks: L.A. Girlz, King of the World, Jacked Up
Coloring Book - Chance the Rapper
Coloring Book is one of the strongest rap albums that have been released this year. The rapper incorporates elements of jazz and gospel on this albums, all with his jerky, but strong, vocal delivery. It feels like a very personal album that is adventurous in the way that it goes against normal hip pop norms, while simultaneously respecting them.
Favorite tracks: Blessings, Same Drugs
These are just a few of the many great albums that have been released this year. I highly recommend checking them out, and I hope that I’ve been able to give you at least one album that you’ll love just as much as I do!