Believe it or not, 2016 is almost halfway over. In these past couple of months, many artists have come out with genius albums, some branching out from their usual sound and some sticking close to home. Nonetheless, I have compiled a list of eight albums that demonstrate catchy songs, brilliant lyrics, inventive instrumentation, or perhaps all of the above. Here are just a few of my favorite albums of 2016, featuring a variety of genres.
8. Animal Collective,"Painting With."
Animal Collective is known for their eccentric songs and instrumental experimentation, and "Painting With" deems no exception to their usual sound. The album is fresh but sticks to Animal Collective's outlandish vibe. The song-to-song transitions in this particular album stick out, and because of these transitions "Painting With" flows very nicely. This is evident in the transition between "Hocus Pocus" and "Vertical" (Tracks two and three) especially. Personal favorite: "Golden Gal."
7. Chance the Rapper, "Coloring Book."
Although not actually an album, Chance the Rapper's surprise demo "Coloring Book" was a hit immediately. Featuring hits such as "Angels (feat. Saba)" and "All Night (feat. Knox Fortune)," the demo is especially a hit among younger audiences. The songs all have catchy beats and genius lyrics, yet this demo differs from Chance's usual music because it features more gospel-like tunes. The demo is beautifully done.Personal favorite: "Finish Line/Drown."
6. Weezer, "Weezer (White Album)."
Weezer's new album stays to their original sound -- hard rock with Rivers Cuomo's unique vocals. It is a wonderful follow-up album to 2014's "Everything Will Be Alright In the End," an album that helped re-establish the 90s sound we know Weezer for. The album is coherent and flows very nicely, and represent's Weezer's original sound yet features new catchy and meaningful lyrics. Personal favorite: "Jacked Up"
5. Born Ruffians, "RUFF (Deluxe Version)."
Although "RUFF" actually came out in 2015, the new and improved Deluxe version came out very recently and features the bonus songs "I Need Ya," "It Could Be So," "You Loser", and "Shade to Shade". Born Ruffians have certainly made a comeback with these catchy songs since their last 2013 release. The album also features my favorite album artwork on the list. Personal Favorite: "Don't Live Up"
4. The Knocks, "55."
The Knocks' debut album is simply spectacular. As production and DJ power duo, these guys certainly have skills; their remixes of Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," Tegan and Sara's "Closer" have gained much popularity over the last couple of years. The long-awaited album "55" features guest artists like POWERS, Wyclef John, X Ambassadors, Walk the Moon, and Carly Rae Jepson. It's certainly one for the books. Personal Favorite: "Classic (feat. POWERS and Fetty Wap)."
3. Miike Snow, "iii."
In third place, Miike Snow's "iii" contains synth-pop tunes that flow in such a solid manner that when listening to the album as a whole, its almost sounds like one song. The songs are extremely catchy and easy to sing along to. You've probably heard of their mega-hit, "Genghis Khan." You can find a full review of the album here. Personal Favorite: "Lonely Life."
2. Kanye West, "Life of Pablo."
The most talked about album of the year, thus far, deserves to be talked out. Not only is "Life of Pablo" inventive and emotional, it may be Kanye's best album yet. Jam-packed with genius lyrics, guest artists, and soulful tunes that clearly have meaning, "Life of Pablo" is an album that one can become addicted to just listening to it. There's a lot more to it than "Famous" (which is still a great song--don't get me wrong). Personal Favorite: "Real Friends."
1. David Bowie, "Blackstar."
Need I say much more? Many rock critics argue that the late David Bowie's "Blackstar" is the most inventive of his records -- and they're talking about the most inventive man in music history. May Bowie rest in peace knowing that we greatly appreciated his last work of art. The album is simply genius, and there's a reason it's my number one. Personal favorite: "Lazarus."
