The crushing realization that I will never get to listen to as much music as I used to hit me this year and while I’m sad about this, life moves on. Still, 2016 was a great year for music and I still have a lot of catching up to do, so here’s a list of my favorite albums this year from what I did listen to.
Chairlift – Moth
Chairlift makes good music and Moth continues the group’s upward trajectory. This album was peppered with singles including two tracks that were especially stellar – the modern sadness that is Crying in Public and the dance floor filler Moth to the Flame. As usual, the band accompanied their tracks with creative videos although they will never top Amanaemonesia
Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book
What can you say about this record? Just a fantastic record in a year dominated by hip hop. Kinda wish I saw him when he visited this year.
Tegan and Sara – Love You To Death
A hook filled 80s inspired pop record that is irresistible once you put it on, I actually had to stop listening to this album for awhile to avoid burnout. Tegan & Sara are that rare band that seems to write better songs as they age, although I wouldn’t be surprised if they change course after this album – you can’t go any more pop than this.
PJ Harvey – The Hope Six Demolition Project
PJ Harvey never goes wrong, she keeps on creating new and interesting projects. The Hope Six Demoliton project is just in an endlessly long line of great albums. Looking forward to seeing her in the spring time.
Shura – Nothing’s Real
Two years in the making, UK singer Shura’s debut record is just about pop perfection. Shura’s debut borrows enthusiastically from 80’s sounds and has no shame about it. That’s the beauty of it. The anthems soar, the hooks grab you and never let go and you are just in a head nodding bliss. The more tender songs such as Touch showcase Shura’s skill as a songwriter as well and well, between her and Jessie Ware, it makes you wonder what else the UK pop factory has in store for us.
Haelos – Full Circle
Probably my favourite album of the year, Haelos combined the XX and Portishead and managed to create a moody, atmospheric slightly trip-hop album. It’s not an album for a sunny afternoon but a perfect album for when the sun goes past the horizon and you want to feel all dramatic and shit.
Anyways, I’m sure this list will change as I listen to more and more records. For example, the new Tribe Called Quest album is probably going to be added, but it’s too soon.