First, a disclaimer: obviously, these are purely opinion. I tried to pick ones that were not only enjoyable to listen to but were also culturally or socially significant. That being said, if your favorite album of 2016 is not on this list, it’s in no way definitive. I, myself, had to ignore my actual idol Lindsey Stirling because I had to keep it at 20 (21 just isn’t as pretty, yo.)
I’ve organized it in a timeline of sorts to keep things nice and linear. I hope you see your faves on this list and maybe get to pick up a few new ones.
JANUARY
Rihanna’s “Anti”
Best tracks: “Love On The Brain”
Panic! At The Disco’s “Death Of A Bachelor”
Best Tracks: “Hallejulah”
FEBRUARY
Kanye West’s “The Life Of Pablo”
Best Tracks: “Ultralight Beam”
MARCH
Miike Snow’s “iii”
Best Tracks: “Genghis Khan”
Zayn’s “Mind of Mine”
Best Tracks: “sHe” and “Like I Would”
APRIL
Beyonce’s “Lemonade”
Best Tracks: “Pray You Catch Me,” “Formation” and “Don’t Hurt Yourself”
The Lumineers’ “Cleopatra”
Best Tracks: “Ophelia” and “In The Light”
MAY
Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman”
Best Tracks: “Dangerous Woman” and “Bad Decisions”
Fifth Harmony’s “7/27”
Best Tracks: “Scared of Happy” and “That’s My Girl”
Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book”
Best Tracks: “Blessings” and “Summer Friends”
JUNE
Jon Bellion’s “The Human Condition”
Best Tracks: “All Time Low”
Tegan and Sara’s “Love You To Death”
Best Tracks: “100x” and “Hang On To The Light”
JULY
Grace’s “FMA”
Best Tracks: “Hell Of A Girl” and “Coffee”
AUGUST
Frank Ocean’s “Blonde”
Best Tracks: “Ivy”
Ingrid Michaelson’s “It Doesn’t Have To Make Sense”
Best Tracks: “Light Me Up”
SEPTEMBER
Solange’s “A Seat At The Table”
Best Tracks: “Junie,” “Rise,” “Weary” and “Cranes In The Sky”
Bastille’s “Wild World”
Best Tracks: “Good Grief”
Shawn Mendes’ “Illuminate”
Best Tracks: “Mercy”
OCTOBER
Lady Gaga’s “Joanne”
Best Tracks: “Diamond Heart,” “Joanne,” “Hey Girl” and “Perfect Illusion”
NOVEMBER
The Weeknd’s “Starboy”
Best Tracks: “Starboy” and “Party Monster”
DECEMBER
????????????
As I’m writing this, December is a day away. However, I know we have an album coming on December 2 from my biggest celeb crush, Childish Gambino. Also, I don’t know if this is wishful thinking, but I’m expecting a surprise album drop by Nicki Minaj. Or, at least, that thought is what’s getting me through the rest of 2016.
See, at its most basic, music is important to inspire our economics essays, to get us through finals or to make our drive homes at night less scary.
At its most important, music can save us, inspire us and give us something to talk about when there is absolutely nothing to say anymore.
And there isn’t much to say about 2016 anymore.
2016 was a hard year for all of us for a host of different reasons. However, I think 2016 proved, if anything, we always have music to keep us company. 2016 reminded us that when life is bleak and the world is a little too confusing to make sense of, there’s always a melody to step to.