The trials and tribulations of the 2016 election overshadowed many big moments throughout the last year, including music. 2016 was a spectacular year for the music industry. From the late David Bowie to the revival of A Tribe Called Quest, it seemed like everyone released music this year. In no particular order, this list contains some of the most influential albums of the year.
1. Coloring Book - Chance the Rapper
This was arguably the best Hip Hop album of 2016. "Coloring Book" tackles social issues without straying from the joyful optimism of gospel undertones. Every song that Chance created oozed passion and left his audience in awe.
2. The Life of Pablo - Kanye West
This album was not perfect. Kanye knew that. That is why he continued to work on "TLOP" even after it was released. However, even in the midst of imperfection, Mr. West proved that he can still create a work of art.
3. A Seat at The Table - Solange
This album explores the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of being black in America. "A Seat at the Table" came at a pressing time in our current political and social climate where the self-empowerment of black womanhood were being questioned. As Master P said on the album, “if you don’t understand her album, you don’t understand her, so this is not for you.” But you can still take a listen.
4. Anti - Rihanna
With this album, Rihanna did the unexpected. "Anti" made us reimagine the Rihanna we came to know and love and it made us reimagine what we should expect from her. Vocally, Rihanna sounded great and she did a complete turnaround with "Anti."
5. 22, A Million - Bon Iver
"22, A Million" is an album of thought and emotion. However, this record is different from this folk star's usual sound. It is more of an indie rock album with a few artful moments.
6. The Colour in Anything - James Blake
7. Lemonade - Beyonce
Beyonce is known as Queen B for a reason. Her ability to produce different genres of music on one album is unheard of. From the pop infused "Sorry" to the country sound of "Daddy Lessons," each song served some purpose in describing the emotional highs and lows of self-reclamation and the meaning of being a black woman in America.
8. Blonde - Frank Ocean
Finally. The wait for a new Frank Ocean album finally ended. Many of us replayed songs from "Channel Orange" until "Blonde" was released. "Blonde" was worth the wait. This album provided with us the emotion of R&B we are used to while channeling his inner-rapper.
9. Blackstar - David Bowie
David Bowie's final album was a bold farewell that offered complexity and heart. David Bowie's "Blackstar" offered something new with every listen, which made the album even more puzzling and refreshing to hear.
10. A Moon Shaped Pool - Radiohead
For once in Radiohead's 25-year career, they have other musicians on their album, such as London Contemporary Orchestra and Johnny Greenwood. After eight albums of clever alienation from fans, Radiohead finally became more human.
11. Malibu - Anderson .Paak
12. Here - Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys has always been a soulful singer that fans could admire. "Here" was different. The subject matter was different. The subject matter came in sync with the raspy and honest voice of Alicia Keys.
13. Jeffery - Young Thug
Before listening to "Jeffery," I could not understand the appeal surrounding Young Thug. But Jeffery was different. Each track, named after one of his idols, except "Harambe," had an undeniable sense of humor that challenged traditional aesthetics of the genre.
14. You Want It Darker - Leonard Cohen
"You Want It Darker" may be the perfect eulogy. He created his own soulful eulogy as his darkness became darker and darker. In the midst of the darkness, Leonard Cohen finds humor and light even after death.
15. We Got It from Here... Thank You 4 Your Service - A Tribe Called Quest
This is the album of 2016 that we did not deserve. After an 18-year drought, A Tribe Called Quest returned to create songs about harsh realities, such as gentrification or the removal of the Confederate Flag in Charleston, SC. These great vibes were a revolutionary way to end a career.
