In a year of celebrity loss, political turmoil, and general unrest, 2016 still proved to be an incredible year for music. Indie music, as well as hip-hop and alternative, had a plethora of fresh and inventive releases that proved that there was still light in the year of darkness.
Best albums to hit the music scene in 2016
Edward Benner, News Editor
Frank Ocean – “Blonde”
In a year with a multitude of incredible musical releases, it took something truly special to hold the distinct honor of the top-spot on this album list. As a casual listener of Frank Ocean before this year, his new release was on my radar, but not something I was closely following. False release dates began surfacing, a magazine was published, and an experimental video separate from the album was rel...
David Bowie – “Blackstar”
Of all of my musical inspirations and heroes, David Bowie stands king. To me, Bowie is a symbol of bold individuality, creative freedom, and artistic expression, and upon hearing of his passing in January, I was heartbroken. Just two days prior to his death, he had released his twenty-fifth studio album, “Blackstar,” which was some of his most inventive and interesting work in decades. Bowie...
Angel Olsen – “My Woman”
Angel Olsen had a massive year with the release of her album, “My Woman,” that has cemented her as one of the leading women in the indie-rock scene. Her versatility and lyrical prowess are showcased on this incredibly moving and enthralling record. Olsen takes an introspective look at her life and relationships in particular. Olsen’s ballads of heartbreak, insecurity, belief in destiny, and self-dis...
Radiohead – “A Moon Shaped Pool”
Radiohead has remained one of the most consistent alternative-rock bands of the 2000s. Their seamless stream of incredible albums has shown their skill as musicians and elevated them to a near mythical status within music circles. “A Moon Shaped Pool” is no exception as it holds its own against their other releases and is some of their most interesting and beautiful output. Radiohead takes an intros...
Danny Brown – “Atrocity Exhibition”
Danny Brown is definitely not for everyone. His voice is unlike any other hip-hop artist working today and seems to be a polarizing topic among listeners. Personally, I think it is part of his overall appeal as he sets himself apart from the majority of generic contemporary rap music. On “Atrocity Exhibition,” Brown delivers some of the most compelling, aggressive, and experimental hip-hop I have...
Car Seat Headrest – “Teens of Denial”
Will Toledo has become the face of indie-rock this past year as the frontman of Car Seat Headrest. His career began in his bedroom as he self recorded and released a string of several albums on Bandcamp that gained the attention of many listeners. With “Teens of Denial,” he has his first real record label release and proves himself as one of the most emotional and honest songwriters currently. The a...
Pinegrove – “Cardinal”
“Cardinal” by Pinegrove is an album I discovered relatively late in comparison to the others on this list, but it made such an impression on me immediately after hearing it, I had to include it. It encapsulates everything I want an indie-rock album to accomplish: introspective lyrics, unique instrumentation, passion in the vocals, and a lo-fi aesthetic. Pinegrove sets themselves apart by blending...
Whitney – “Light Upon the Lake”
This sun-soaked record was the soundtrack to my summer. Its bright and balmy tone is wonderfully easygoing in nature. It does not do anything revolutionary, but it evokes a beautiful feeling of happiness and nostalgia upon listening. The lyrics are ambiguous in many cases and can take a variety of applied meanings, which give it a certain personal and applicable quality. “A Light Upon the Lake�...
A Tribe Called Quest – “We got it from here…Thank you 4 your service”
The legendary hip-hop group A Tribe Called Quest returned from an 18 year hiatus and the loss of one of the original members in 2016. They defied all expectations by making an incredible comeback album that was startlingly relevant. A Tribe Called Quest stick to their classic style, but add just enough to sound more mature and modern. They address the political climate in America, including the recen...
Beyoncé – “Lemonade”
I was never a big fan of Beyoncé until I heard this album. Hearing “Lemonade” completely changed my perception of her from a generic pop-star to a queen of the genre. Her attitude and emotion make “Lemonade” one of the most captivating records released this year. As a concept album, “Lemonade” tells the story of a woman who is in the midst of dealing with her lover’s infidelity a...
Honorable Mentions
Deakin - “Sleep Cycle” This former member of Animal Collective constructs gorgeous soundscapes that blend acoustic guitars with electronics in an extremely interesting manner. Solange - “A Seat at the Table” Beyoncé’s younger sister crafts an alternative R&B album that addresses black womanhood in America. Bon Iver - “22, A Million” Bon Iver delivers an experimen...
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