The Top Ten Albums of 2016 | The Odyssey Online
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The Top Ten Albums of 2016

I rated the albums that came out this year.

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The Top Ten Albums of 2016
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2016 was a terrible year, as far as most things go. Harambe and caveman Spongebob became memes. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt separated. Donald Trump got elected. However, musically, this may be the best year on record in the history of ever. There has been so much beauty, originality, artistry and creativity displayed in this year's music. I truly believe in music again. I'm not saying everything was great; however, there is some good left in the world of music. I've done this list the past three years on Twitter, but have yet to have a place for it to be accurately published. Here are my choices for the top ten albums of the year:

10. The Altar -- Banks

Banks is an artist I happened upon and I'm not quite sure I remember how. Either way, this Californian has a voice that sets her apart from the rest. Her music is low-key, a dark mixture of R&B and alternative that becomes something moving. I had absolutely no idea Jillian Banks was releasing an album this year, however, I was sold from the second I heard it. I love the vibe she gives off but also the sincerity of her lyrics. My favorite songs are "27 Hours," "Judas," and "Poltergeist."

9. Views -- Drake

Drake is not my favorite rapper. "Views" is not my favorite Drake album. However, I did listen to it and I do think it deserves to be on my list. This album was much anticipated and I do very much appreciate it. I like Drake, and whenever he makes music, people listen, which I think is amazing and important. "Views" provided some different beats and interesting vibes and I thank him for that. The best songs are "Pop Style" and "Grammys (ft. Future)."

8. Don't You -- Wet

As I 'm sure I've already shared, Wet opened for The 1975 on their summer tour. Every since then, I haven't stopped thinking about or listening to them since. They very much have a solid electronic element to their music but also somewhat of an R&B splash as well which makes for some interesting songs. My recommendations from "Don't You" by Wet include "Move Me," "Don't Wanna be Your Girl" and "It's All In Vain."

7. Kinda -- LANY

I heard about LANY from some friends online. I went to see what this was all about, and now I'm hooked! Their music is groovy but you also low-key want to cry a lot. LANY is a smooth band with a smooth sound but the lyrics are very relatable and I appreciate that. "Kinda" is a beautiful representation of all of these elements. Although I'm not sure whether "Kinda" is an EP or LP I can tell you that it is wonderful. The best tracks from kinda include "like you lots," "quit" and "current location."

6. 4 Your Eyez Only -- J Cole

Now, I'm going to confess that I've never been a huge fan of J Cole. I like him, but he's never been on of my favorite rappers. This album may have changed that for me. The sincerity, heartfeltness, realness and the severity with which J Cole rhymes on this album blew me away. "4 Your Eyez Only" is beautiful and it may bring you to tears. He talks about real things concerning him, his daughter and the world, which actually matter -- something that cannot be said for most rappers in today's music world. I hear quite a few people bashing this album online but I will not have it! Just because it's not full of mindless songs about alcohol, money, women and parties doesn't mean it isn't good. The best songs are "She's Mine Pt. 1," "She's Mine Pt.2" and "Change."

5. "Awaken, My Love!" -- Childish Gambino

Childish Gambino is my favorite rapper ever in life and at one point I had convinced myself I was going to marry him. Basically, I love everything he does and in my eyes, Donald Glover can do no wrong. I also watched "Atlanta" just because he created it. So, when someone told me Gambino had a new album I was crazy excited. It's so groovy and funky, and "Awaken, My Love!" gives me strong 70s vibes. It's so chill -- it's the perfect album if you're just sitting around with your friends or if you're riding in the car. Splendid tracks are "Zombies," "Terrified" and "California."

4. Mind Of Mine -- ZAYN

As a One Direction fan, I had some seriously mixed feelings about this album when it came out. However, once I listened to it, I couldn't deny that it was straight fire. It's not that I didn't know it would be good, I just wanted to deny it in my head. "Mind of Mine" is so smooth and sultry. It's the kind of album you listen to with your significant other on your one year anniversary. It's that level of deepness. Please listen to it! The best songs include " TiO " and "PILLOWTALK"

3. The Ride -- Catfish And The Bottlemen

Catfish and The Bottlemen are one of my favorite bands on the planet, so hearing them announce their second album made me tear up jus a bit. "The Ride" is a fun continuation of "The Balcony," Catfish's debut album. It has the same sincere lyrics, the same high energy and the same classic indie rock sound that made me fall for Catfish and the Bottlemen the first go 'round. Jams from this album are "Twice," "Soundcheck" and "Heathrow."

2. Joanne by Lady Gaga

I've waited three years for Lady Gaga to make another pop album so when she finally released a single and announced her album this year I screamed! As I've said before, I've loved Gaga since I was eleven. I call her "Mom" very frequently. I have posters and pictures of her in my room. Some could say I'm obsessed. So saying I was excited for "Joanne" is an understatement. This album added some elements of country to Gaga's pop sound but also showcased her voice very well. Needless to say, I loved it! My favorite songs are "John Wayne," "Dancin' in Circles" and "Hey Girl (ft. Florence Welch)."

1. I Like It When You Sleep For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It -- The 1975

I don't think this is a surprise to anyone that I would choose this album. However, I have a good reason. This is my favorite band on Earth, yes. But, I also have not stopped listening to this album from the second it came out. It's such a beautiful experience. "Iliwysfyasbaysuoi" very much has some pop and electronic elements as well as a bit of gospel. Certain parts are stripped other are very guitar heavy. It is a soup of sounds but the best soup you'll ever listen to. It is the best album of 2016, hands down. My favorite songs from iliwys are "Paris," "She's American" and "Somebody Else."

These are simply my humble, yet correct opinions. If you disgree at all, please let me know with comments or rants. I'll genuinely appreeciate it.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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