2016 has been a great year for music. Now that the year is almost over, I thought it would be appropriate to look back on my favorite albums of the year.
David Bowie – Blackstar
Blackstar was released on Bowie’s 69th birthday, which is two days before his death. While this should make the record feel a little depressing, this has to be one of Bowie’s strongest performances. His voice, mixed with the smooth jazz and hard rock-n-roll music, is perfection. A must listen!
Favorite tracks: Blackstar, Sue (Or in a Season of Crime), Girl Loves Me
Tegan and Sara – Love You to Death
I’ve always had a soft spot for synth-pop. So, Tegan and Sara’s Love You to Death, was a wonderful listen and experience for me. I am also a fan of their songwriting about love and desire. Although their rhythms can get generic, you cannot deny that this is an album that you could put on and not dance to.
Favorite tracks: That Girl, Boyfriend
Bon Iver – 22, A Million
This had been one of the albums that I had been looking forward to the most. I have been a fan of Bon Iver for a while and couldn’t wait to see what was in store for this record. While I was expecting the regular indie folk music that Bon Iver is known for, I was pleasantly surprised to hear a new, electronic makeover. 22, A Million is an experiment with electronic sounds and glitches. It may not be Bon Iver’s usual sound, but it is something I could get used to.
Favorite tracks: 22 (OVER S∞∞N), 33 “GOD”
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
When I was in Junior High, I loved rap and hip-hop. My friends introduced me to Kanye, Lil’ Wayne, Drake, Eminem, etc., and I listened to them constantly. This was probably the reason why I got sick of the genre. Listening to a decent amount of rap made me realize how stale and repetitive the genre had become. The genre needed something fresh and new. The solution to this problem came in the form of Chance the Rapper. From the opening track, I knew I was in for something special. Chance utilizes traditional jazz elements as well as a choir for this record. This just adds a unique and original spin to the rap genre.
Favorite tracks: All We Got, Angels
Radiohead – A Moon Shaped Pool
And finally, Radiohead’s ninth studio album, A Moon Shaped Pool. Ever since their 2000 release of Kid A, Radiohead has been for their unique sound and artistic lyrics. A Moon Shaped Pool is no different. Radiohead goes for a dreamy and a somewhat darker tone for this record. Thom Yorke’s voice and lyrics gives this album a depressing and somber tone that is also beautiful in its own way. A Moon Shaped Pool is my personal favorite album of this year, but I wouldn’t recommend it to just anyone.
Favorite tracks: Burn the Witch, Daydreaming, Ful Stop
Caesar Torres
Features Editor