Well, another year came and went, I can say with full confidence that 2015 was one of the stronger years of music we’ve had in recent memory. With albums such as “I Love You, Honeybear," “To Pimp a Butterfly,” and “Dirty Sprite II,” let’s hope 2016 brings more albums to remember. Here are the albums I’m looking forward to the most in 2016.
5. Future – TBA
One of the more surprising performers of our time, Future has amassed a loyal following after his long career of dropping mixtapes and albums, but 2015 really was his year. After dropping the widely successful “Monster” mixtape at the end of 2014, many were surprised when he released two more mixtapes, “Beast Mode” in January and the stellar “56 Nights” in March. These three mixtapes ushered in a new era for the Atlanta rapper and culminated in the release of his widely renowned album “Dirty Sprite II.” His work ethic is undeniable, while his craftsmanship shines through with each song he releases; he’s a rapper who’s constantly getting better. Apparently he’s sitting on six albums and three mixtapes that he hasn’t released. With promises to release sequels to “Monster” and “Beast Mode,” who knows how far he’ll go.
4. Childish Gambino – TBA
At this point I believe most people are aware of the enigmatic and elusive Childish Gambino. Before reaching the star heights he has now attained, he was just a comedian making videos with friends. Eventually he found himself on the TV show "Community" (hilarious show, by the way). He then released the album “Camp” which featured some more cheerful raps containing brags about his life and his dick. It wasn’t received too well by critics even though the album sold many copies and did fine among his fans. He released a mixtape in 2012 and then went silent for the most of 2015 until about the summer time. He had just released a song titled “3500,” and it showed off a new sound for the rapper/actor while also displaying his upgraded singing abilities. This led to the heavily conceptual album "Because the Internet," which still remains one of my favorite albums. The album contains some dark production while also having lighter moments. The album is highly existential and remains one of his most poignant releases. Well, at least until this new one comes out. Trust me, he’s been even more quiet about this one than "Because the Internet," so you already know it’s going to be spectacular.
3. Drake – Views From The Six/6/6ix
The 6 God is watching. After starting off 2015 with a bang with the surprise release of “If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late,” a mixtape/album where Drake showed a tenacity not seen on prior releases. He was hungry and he wanted to establish that he’s still one of the best. All of the songs contained a darker vibe while still containing Drake’s usual flare. The mixtape had a good amount of tracks, never got tiring, and gave the listener a new favorite song with each listen. Seriously, I still can’t get “Jungle” and “6PM In New York" out of my head. Mixtape Drake and album Drake are two different entities, though, while “Take Care” may or may not have disappointed as an album, “Nothing Was the Same,” his third studio album, was a huge success both commercially and critically as he faced his songs with more maturity. Since Drake is making another album, he’ll be able to show off more skills with his lyricism and ever changing conscience, and it’ll probably be better than the last. Especially if we still get that Beyoncé feature. You've got to love it.
2. The 1975 – I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It
Alright, so this band took me by surprise. Evoking sounds along the likes of Sugar Ros, Peter Gabriel, and Prince, at first glance you would probably consider this band to be a “boy band” mostly due to the group’s overwhelmingly teenage fanbase with their affinity for lead singer Matty Healy. Though, they’re a lot more than that, I can assure you. While the album title is a long one, the band hopes to find a new sense of direction with this new album, almost as if they were born again. Their usual black aesthetic has been replaced with lighter pinks and blues and they start releasing music again. Their first album, “The 1975,” shot them across the world to be one of the more impressive musical acts due to their extensive and rigorous touring life. With the change of aesthetics, a change in sound can be heard. While on their first album they embraced more alternative sensibilities, this new album (based off their currently released singles) embraces the poppier side while also implementing sounds of funk and maintaining the sounds of alternative rock in their music. Their first album was so well done; all of the songs were catchy, fun, and delivered some form of emotional weight. With this album I hope they succeed in finding a new life while also expanding their new sounds and discovering new emotional and memorable territory.
Honorable Mention: Kanye West – Swish
Who doesn’t want a new Kanye record?
1. Frank Ocean – Boys Don't Cry/Untitled & Radiohead - Untitled
Alright, so I might be cheating on this one, but these two artists have ascended past the realm of mortal music and have already achieved “God-Status” in their careers. Both elusive artists Frank Ocean and Thom Yorke are respectable in their own right. They can create pure masterpieces with the simplest effort. If not, they at least make it look easy. In 2012 a singer took the world by storm by unleashing an open letter onto his tumblr page, expressing his sexuality and inspiration for the album. Many went on to check out Channel Orange. This album was one of those albums that changed everything very quickly. This colorful album with heavy themes of love, loss, and living life, this albums has stuck to the hearts of many while already starting its trip down to being a “classic” album. His first mixtape “nostalgia, ULTRA” was well received so when this fantastic piece of work dropped, it proved that Ocean’s success was no fluke. Ever since, he has disappeared off the face of the earth. No one knows where he is or when his new album is coming out but it’s been too long. I have faith in this year and that Frank won’t pull a D’Angelo or a Lauryn Hill and abandon us.
Radiohead has also disappeared. After dropping off their album “The King of Limbs” in 2011, the band retreated after it garnered some mixed reviews. Radiohead is known for the humanity of their music, so the switch to mostly electronic music didn’t go too well for everyone. Their entire discography is the night sky, while each song is just a star shining above. They’re seriously that good. So, of course, with a new year comes the expectation of a new album. They recently dropped a new song that was supposed to be for the James Bond movie rather than Sam Smith’s, but it never worked out. We’re still greeted with a beautifully haunting piece that shows the world why Radiohead is one of the best bands to ever hit the stage.
These are my most anticipated albums of 2016. How about yours?
