Ask any music lover about the best year for modern pop albums, and 2016 will undoubtedly be on this list. Looking back, it was a year defined by a wave of artistic freedom and storytelling, genre-bending experiments, and defining career transitions for some of the biggest icons of our generation.
The world was also going through a turbulent time. Artists responded by delivering personal, emotional, and unforgettable projects, proving that music wasn’t just background noise, but the ultimate soundtrack to a transformative era.
With that in mind, we highlighted eight albums that stood out the most in 2016. Check out:
1. Anti by Rihanna
The singer Rihanna turned late-night loneliness and heartbreak into raw songs, calling out those who let her down. The tracklist shows off her growing versatility as a singer, with “Work (feat. Drake)” as the key track of the album, and becoming a global phenomenon with an addictive dancehall riddim.
2. This Is Acting by Sia
The album was made of tracks that Sia originally wrote for other major pop artists (such as Adele, Rihanna, and Beyoncé) and were ultimately rejected. The concept revolves around the idea of “acting” while performing songs intended for the voices of others; for example, “Cheap Thrills (feat. Sean Paul)“, originally intended for Rihanna, blew up thanks to its uplifting party narrative and danceable groove.
3. Mind of Mine by ZAYN
This was Zayn‘s debut album after leaving One Direction. It explores his transition into a solo career, exploring themes like vulnerability, creative freedom, love, intense passions, and heartbreak. Also, the album invites the listener into his most intimate thoughts, anchored by “PILLOWTALK”, which captured the intensity of desire and established him as a mature artist.
4. Lemonade by Beyoncé
A cultural landmark that transcended music by addressing infidelity, healing, the grief of Black women, and systemic racism in the US through an iconic visual album. “Formation” is a representation of this celebration of the black culture that turned into a social and political shout.
5. Views by Drake
This album stands out as a tribute to the diversity of Drake‘s hometown, Toronto, and its lasting impact on the artist he has become. Drawing inspiration from the Canadian city’s Afro-Caribbean roots, which peaked with “One Dance (feat. Wizkid & Kyla)”, it resulted in one of his biggest successes.
6. Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande brings to this project the concept of a “dangerous woman”, representing female empowerment and taking control of one’s own desires without needing external validation, marking the singer’s transition from a “teen star” image to a mature and confident pop artist. This era’s beginning was solidified by “Into You”, widely praised for its thrilling rush of attraction.
7. Blonde by Frank Ocean
Following years of anticipation, Frank Ocean delivered a minimalist, introspective work on youth, love, heartbreak, and identity, anchored by “Nights”, a track celebrated for its iconic transition between youth and adulthood, becoming the soundtrack to a generation’s emotional isolation.
8. Glory Days by Little Mix
This is an album focused on female empowerment, moving on from heartbreaks, and celebrating friendship, best exemplified by “Shout Out to My Ex”, a breakup anthem with relatable lyrics about moving on stronger than ever. It brings a danceable and energetic pop soundtrack designed toward commercial success and arena-scale performances.
Honorable Mention (Brazil)
Como. Sempre Feito. Nunca by Jorge & Mateus
In Brazil, the sertanejo duo dominated the streaming charts, crafting the most listened-to Brazilian album of the year. Packed with mega-hits like “Para Sempre Com Você” and “Vou Voando“, the live project captured the full power of modern sertanejo within the country’s pop culture in 2016.
The result of such an intense period was an impeccable lineup of albums that stood the test of time and remain remembered and viral to this day. Each of these works found a unique way to translate the moment and connect millions of people through art.
Which of these albums impacted you most in 2016, and which one is still on your playlist? Tell us!
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The article above was edited by Isabelle Bignardi.
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