Albums | Year in Review | 2016

11:58 AM

I listened to a lot of good music this year. Here are my top ten favorite albums of the year, followed by a playlist of my favorite songs from these albums (except Beyoncé - #SpotifyProblems), as well as some random tunes that I have been loving in 2016.

Note: I never said I was good at talking about music. I'm just good at listening to it.


10. Death of a Bachelor - Panic! at the Disco
  • When Panic! at the Disco first appeared on the scene, I loved them. Their debut record was catchy, smart, and addictive. As their career wore on, however, and their lineup shifted and sound evolved, I lost a little bit of interest. With this new album, though, I was fully re-captured by Brendon Urie's vocals and presence. This is a gem of a listen.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Hallelujah," "LA Devotee," "The Good, the Bad and the Dirty"

9. Darkness and Light - John Legend
  • Before this album, I had only heard the songs of Legend's that were played on the radio. Shame on me, right? Darkness and Light is a really strong offering, and I love so many of its tracks. The guest features are strong and Legend's voice is at its peak.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Love Me Now," "Darkness and Light (feat. Brittany Howard)," "Surefire"

8. All My Demons Greeting Me as a Friend - Aurora
  • I was introduced to Aurora by a Booktuber that I watch and, once I heard "I Went Too Far," there was no going back. This album is, I'll admit, kind of hit-and-miss for me, but the majority of it is absolutely wonderful.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Runaway," "I Went Too Far," "Murder Song (5, 4, 3, 2, 1)"

7. Glory Days - Little Mix
  • Objectively, this album probably shouldn't be on the list but, really, I don't care. It is so fun and catchy, and I can not stop listening to it. These girls continue to impress me, even if they aren't making it big in the United States like I think they should. 
  • Favorite Tracks: "Touch," "Your Love," "Nothing Else Matters"

6. Lemonade - Beyoncé
  • It's Beyoncé. Of course this is going to make the list.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Don't Hurt Yourself (feat. Jack White)," "Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar), "All Night"

5. Beautiful Lies - Birdy
  • I'm not sure how I started listening to Birdy but it was around when the song "Wild Horses" was first released. To this day, that song remains my favorite off of this album. Her voice is so beautiful and calming, and her lyrics are ones that I find to be really impressive.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Wild Horses," "Keeping Your Head Up," "Silhouette"

4. Wild World - Bastille
  • This album was a long time coming and it was incredibly worth it. Just like with their first album, the band is back with catchy upbeat songs, powerful ballads, and an overall quality listening experience.
  • Favorite Tracks: "The Currents," "Warmth," "Snakes" 
3. All I Need - Foxes
  • Foxes is really, really good. That's all I have to say, but if I'm forcing myself to say more: these songs stick with me for hours and I never get tired of listening to them.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Cruel," "Amazing," "On My Way"

2. Love You to Death - Tegan and Sara
  • Tegan and Sara are my favorites. Their music consistently makes me feel and yearn and dance and love. This album, as a whole, isn't my favorite of theirs, but it is still remarkably strong and left a huge impression on me. Seeing these songs live, as well, only added to my relationship with this album.
  • Favorite Tracks: "Stop Desire," "Dying to Know," "100x"

1. The Weight of These Wings - Miranda Lambert
  • I'm just as surprised as you are (are you?). I don't listen to a lot of country music, but I have loved Miranda Lambert for a long time. This double album is incredible. There is such a strong thread that weaves all of the songs together - through message, through concept - and I can't help but sing along and feel what Miranda is feeling.
  • Favorite Tracks: "You Wouldn't Know Me," "Pushin' Time," "Keeper of the Flame"

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