[Favorite Albums Series] My Favorite Albums of 2016

 

Time traveling back to 2016, after the break!

2024 Update:

*Searching for the words for this while re-reading everything below*

I was a better reviewer back then, huh? Hmm.

Quite proud of all the output throughout my time as Late Nights: LA. Spent most of those days seated on my couch, HP Laptop on my thighs, clacking away while watching TV shows whenever I wasn't in the office. That was my process as I wrote, edited, and posted in 2016. Didn't do much music sharing during that time either. Only select 1st Songs. Mostly concert showcases & fun features.

Didn't stop me from keeping up with Holiday season traditions, which I love doing (obviously). Writing about my favorite albums gives you readers the soundtrack of my year. What makes the names below even more important is I also covered their concerts around LA around that time! They all capture... and recapture... the thoughts and feelings I had during that evolving moment in my side hustle. 

Hindsight allows me to appreciate these times more than I did back then. I never really respected the journey I went on before finally burning out. What the past me saw as a failure, the current me sees as a wonderful moment of food, friends, and long drives, surrounded by these amazing Late Nights. One I can't lose due to their immortal text on a blank white page. 

Yes, the list below holds up immensely and I wouldn't change anything. Spending too much time vibing to them all at the moment! Enjoy this look back... 

(Happy Birthday Papa!)

Original Words (from December 2016):

My Favorite Albums of 2016

#25 – ‘Beulah’ by John Paul White

There will never be another Civil Wars. It’s heartbreaking to know that I witnessed the genesis & destruction of an age-defining duo that was John Paul White & Joy Williams. Joy released her solo effort – Venus – last year with the acoustic LP rendition dropping in July. It’s quite heartfelt, empowering, and deep. John went a similarly different route. Reaching into his intense feelings and letting out the ghosts of Barton Hollow producing the dark ‘Beulah’.   

‘Beulah’ showcases John Paul White’s solo chops amazingly well. He remains restrained compared to his Glen Hansard-like debut – “The Long Goodbye”. [More Tennessee less Alabama, I guess.] Shows that everything he learned during those successful 5 years with TCW shines through the piercing lyrics & solid production values. There are even some quaint female harmonies that mirror that outdated The Civil Wars’ style. But what you get is a pure, unfiltered, Troubadour. It will grab you while commanding your attention. 

“The Once and Future Queen” is probably the most haunting folk-indie rock ballad I have heard in ages. Play it on repeat. I sure have.

Noteworthy Tracks: 

“The Once and Future Queen”, “Fight For You”, and “Hate The Way You Love Me”.

 #24 – ‘The Hamilton Mixtape’ by Various Artists

Confession time. I have listened to Hamilton Broadway Soundtrack more than any album on this revealing list. Obsessed is a good word. It deserves to be my #1 record of 2016. Straight up. 

Pity I missed it in 2015. Would’ve beaten The Weeknd’s “Beauty Behind The Madness” hands down. The problem with so much amazing music in the world… never enough time nor does it happen to reach your ears in a timely fashion either. Luckily, Lin-Manuel Miranda put together the ultimate Hamilton “Mixtape” so I could give it credit to these amazing pieces. The full record is only a few days old. That’s the only reason why ‘The Hamilton Mixtape’ ranks at #24 on this list. Otherwise, much higher. Still prefer the Broadway Cast over the All-Stars, but it is the original tracks & demos that really steal the show here.  

You get 23 custom-made tracks by Lin-Manuel, The Roots, and Friends tackling the masterpiece that is America’s Musical. The remixed & revised get the job done… even though on some tracks (Helpless, Satisfied, Quiet Uptown) I include the original lyrics over the mainstream giants. For this is not a true musical adaption of Hamilton. 

The rap stars bring their life stories & mirror Hamilton’s experience with their own. Nas particularly kills his verse on “Wrote My Way Out” so and does Common on “Who Tells Your Story”.  Lin-Manuel makes guest appearances throughout. So there is that. But it’s his deep “Valley Forging (Demo)” & profound “Cabinet Battle 3” that keep the album grounded. Lin even channels 2 Pac’s “Hail Mary” on the later. 

What I hope is listeners jump over to The Hamilton Soundtrack after hearing this. Both give me chills. Gotta keep moving “non-stop”. 

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Wrote My Way Out”
• “It’s Quiet Uptown”
• “Valley Forge”
• “Congratulations”

#23 – ‘Daniel Son; Necklace Don / Hibachi For Lunch’ by 2 Chainz

Tie!

Even without “Big Amount” (which was strangely released as a solo single)… 2 Chainz made a shit load of music this year. He released 4 Albums. However, it is the last 2 records – ‘Daniel Son; Necklace Don’ & ‘Hibachi For Lunch’ – that were his best. I consider ‘Hibachi’ to be an accessory to ‘Daniel Son; Necklace Don’. That’s why I combo’d them together. Daniel Son is mostly all 2 Chainz. Hibachi has guest cameos galore and soars over anything 2 Chainz has ever done within 7 tracks. 

Passion of Weiss’ review of ‘Hibachi for Lunch’ named 2 Chainz as “one of the best rappers in the game” today. Something I totally agree with. I have gone from joking over his lyrics to praising the wordplay that spews from Tity Boi’s lips on these records. Like this instant classic:

…I don’t believe in karma, but I believe in Kama Sutra. Put one leg on the other leg. Then I skate away like Winnipeg.

Whether you agree with me or not, doesn’t matter. Those couple of lines should’ve put a smile on your collective faces. And 18 tracks of pure 2 Chainz… that’s happiness right there. 

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Diamonds Talkin’ Back”
• “Chirp”
• “Good Drank”

#22 – ‘Weezer (The White Album)’ by Weezer

Alt Rock made a big return splash in 2016. We had bands like Blink-182, Yellowcard, Simple Plan, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. drop solid-unexpected efforts year long. The one that stuck (to me) is Weezer’s Self-Titled ‘White Album’. 

It was definitely a “California State of Mind” sort of experience that most listeners wouldn’t get, respect, or care about. ‘The White Album’ dropped a few months before summer letting the cool crisp Santa Monica vibes melt in before the sun daze kicked in. There was nothing like rolling down the windows, hitting play, and coasting down the 405 to Japantown with the wind blowing right in your face.

Sure, the White Album isn’t Weezer’s best, worst, or critically acclaimed LP in their discography. But I sure do like listening to it on these Los Angeles weekends. Pick up The White Album If you ever want a road trip record that will transport you to the West Coast for a solid hour.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• King of the World
• L.A. Girlz
• California Kida

#21 – ‘Ripcord’ by Keith Urban

Controversial pick, as this is my ONLY Country music entry on the countdown. Have to say… Miranda Lambert’s ‘The Weight Of These Wings’ probably ranks in the high 30s because it takes a lot to listen to. Love the record. The right mindset is definitely needed. Regardless, ‘Ripcord’ soars because of its formulaic mainstream country-pop mixture. Something that felt fantastic on shuffle.

I listen to 85% of my music in the car. Keith Urban’s music sounds best in that environment. The topics of semi-country bar life, relationship drama, and empowering ballads brought out the Carpool Karaoke side of me every time. Even the cheesy collaboration with Pitbull left me a smile. Cheesy works. Carrie Underwood duets are a blast to burst a speaker. Even deep meaningful tracks like “That Could Be Us” or “Break On Me” shape the experience in a cool way.

Fun albums can be great albums. Don’t ever let the elite blogosphere shape the way you listen to music.   

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
• “That Could Be Us”
• “The Fighter (feat. Carrie Underwood)”
• “John Cougar, John Deer, John 3:16”

#20 – ‘Blond’ by Frank Ocean

Was expecting to absolutely love ‘Blonde’ (Blond) when I discovered it- by chance- on Saturday, August 20th before heading off to some shindig. Have been a huge fan of Frank Ocean since his early Odd Future days. His ‘Channel Orange’ ranked high on my 2012 Favorite Albums. But as ‘Blond’ progressed with its minimal tracks & weird interludes… I lost interest fast.

In the first half of the record – “Nikes”, “Ivy”, “Pink + White”, “Solo” etc. – I really like it. The back half has the same effect too (especially “Godspeed”, “Futura Free”, and “White Ferrari”). The middle isn’t particularly stable… just flashes of futuristic moments/thoughts that I consider very “Odd”. Andre 3000’s “Solo (Reprise)” comes at a cool shock in between the short interludes. Yet… didn’t make driving with the record much fun. On Vinyl, yes, truly recommend listening to ‘Blond’. You need a clear mind to appreciate the delicate beats & poetry that flows from Frank’s stories. 

‘Blond’ is as poetic as Kendrick Lamar’s “To Pimp A Butterfly”. Shows Frank’s genius while letting us into his secret normal “non-god” lifestyle. An album like this will only get better as the years pass by. For it might be ages until Franky graces us with his presence. You best hold tight to this. 

#19 – ‘Georgica Pond’ by JOHNNYSWIM

Spoke about The Civil Wars earlier. JOHNNYSWIM appeared shortly after their demise; filling that “indie rock duo” void in my heart. Loved their debut – ‘Diamonds’. “Powerful feelings” is how I can describe it. ‘Georgica Pond’ features a tamer Johnnyswim where the devil lies in the details. They are now parents. So you’d think it would change the dynamic of their music. Sort of. Where Johnnyswim excels is the fusion between Amanda & Abner’s personal lyrics. They are flirting and discussing their intimate problems between the bars. Something I imagine they do every second of every day around their home. Because to me Johnnyswim are “relationship goals”. Music is the definition of love & therapy.

Enjoy this because it fills my heart with such love…. or the prosperity of true love.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Summertime Romance”
• “Drunks”
• “In My Arms”
• “Villains”

#18 – ‘Views’ by Drake

Hate the way people **** on albums that basically shatter records. ‘Views’ was everywhere over the summer. In the end, it was the most streamed album with countless weeks at number #1 on Billboard. Culminating in a being immortalized as 4x platinum.

People. Listened. To. This. Record.

Sure it doesn’t make it “The BEST ALBUM of 2016” by default by any means. But to deny Drake, his team of production wizards, and those countless ghostwriters just seems wrong. Even summer blockbusters win Oscars. Sure it’s under technical most of the time… but they are still winners. Drake has never put out a bad record. His business structure doesn’t allow for it. Cause there are moments on ‘Views’ where his vision is crystal. Betcha those Dance Hall tracks (“One Dance”, “Controlla”, and “Too Good”) got you moving during 2016.  

My issue with this record is all those dead spaces at the end of each track. Works with “Redemption” which captures the classic ambiance of the essence of ‘Take Care’. Yet, not necessary when all you wanna do is dance. Balance is key for albums to be amazing and ‘View’ is unbalanced. The “year in 6” premise swerved in, out, and around. That’s the problem with artists who are a mixture of genres. Doesn’t always hold a candle.

‘Views’ is best listened to as singles. When they come on. I enjoy myself. Even The Throne-less “Pop Style” or repetitious “Grammys”. 

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “One Dance”
• “Redemption”
• “Controlla”
• “Feel No Ways”

#17 – ‘Kairi Chanel’ by Dave East

Harlem rose up. Dave East’s ‘Kairi Chanel’ mixtape is the definition of classic street sh*t. The album (really his 10th mixtape) hits hard, capturing east Coast metropolitan hustin’ in all its glory. Dave’s lyrical skills behind the mic are the major selling point here. The features are nice. But you cannot ignore East’s punctuated bars. Reminds me of classic Nas or Biggie. The instrumentals by Mr. Authentic, Cardo, Buda & Grandz, and others have the heart of NYC pulsating through each drum hit.

Being named after his daughter, ‘Kairi Chanel’ finds Dave East at his most personal. Thus showing his chops at being one of the best upcoming rappers in the game today. He’s inches away from mainstream success… can’t wait till the suburbs have him on repeat. Check out his slice of life below! 

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Again”
• “Type of Time”
• “Can’t Ignore”
• “The Only Thing” 
• “From The Heart”

#16 – ‘The Colour in Anything’ by James Blake

Definitely a hard listen in the car. Spent most mornings when James Blake’s ‘The Colour In Anything’ fighting off sleepy eyes. It wasn’t until I bought the vinyl that my love for this record bloomed. Such details within the musical fabric. But that’s always been the case with Mr. Blake. Been a HUGE fan of James since my early music days. His Gothic-Gregorian chants over dubstep electronic pulsations truly are an acquired taste. I love how the motif of repetition is represented through so many coarse means. Something like flesh-ripping beauty at its finest.

Always find that the chaos is misleading when you focus merely on that aspect of an electronic record. Strip every beat away from ‘The Colour In Anything’ and you’ll find this innocent angelic voice making sense of pain. You’re really just lost in a mysterious, drake brooding, forest-like maze filled with ambient sound. Grab hold of James’ vocals for they are your only guide down through it

The sounds around the voice might not be for you. In that case, recommend smoking something. (kidding)

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Love Me In Whatever Way”
• “F.O.R.E.V.E.R”
• “I Need A Forest Fire”
• “My Willing Heart”
• “The Colour In Everything” 

#15 – ‘Love You to Death’ by Tegan and Sara

Sucker for pop. Something about sweet bubblegum beats that sends me into an uncontrollable funk. Every track here sounds like senior prom. Only the best bits of the dance, of course. From the synchronicity to high production value, ‘Love You To Death‘ is probably the best collection of material… sisters  Tegan and Sara … have ever released. The variety of pop on this LP is fun, bubbly, and upbeat. ‘Love You To Death’ dances through love, hate, relationship struggles, and a variety of real-life experiences.  However, if you examine closely, there are some really heartbreaking lyrics emitting from some of the anthems. “White Knuckles”… all I’m saying.

There isn’t a track on ‘Love You To Death’ that I can’t recommend highly. You’ll probably enjoy each track separately. Better is to hit play. Let each track of this Pop Perfection hit you over the head with electronic drums & cool vibes.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Dying To Know”
• “BWU”
• “Stop Desire”
• “White Knuckles” 

#14 – ‘Thick as Thieves’ by The Temper Trap

Probably an unfavorably choice to some. My retort: “Did you ever listen to ‘Thick As Thieves’ while on a weekend road trip???” No. Then you probably don’t appreciate this record as much as I do. For most music reviewers consider their debut -‘ Conditions’ – to be better than ‘Thick as Thieves’. Good for them. Then chain the band down by that initial (500) Days of Summer entry. Sad, lazy reviewing. Still understandable.

Love putting Temper Trap on road mixes because most times my friends/lovers turn to me with an inquisitive glance. Happens almost every time. Such a great feeling. You need wind in your sails to truly appreciate what you’re listening to. Especially on ‘Thick as Thieves’. The percussion momentum… unrelenting as Dougy sings to the heavens. Hell, the track "Riverina" runs fast while describing a high-octane drive. Every inch of these dream pop tracks captures pieces of sunlight through a window pane. All you gotta do is roll with it.

As my last couple of picks showcases… music should be a fun experience. Pick up the deluxe edition for the complete experience.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Lost”
• “Alive”
• “Ordinary World”
• “Riverina”

#13 – ‘Phase’ by Jack Garratt

Owe it to her?

Actually…. I really don’t. Owe it to the blogs. Falling in love with Jack Garratt’s romantic brand of self-made electronic R&B pop in the endless sea of music blogs I swim through on a daily happened like “Love at first note”. “Weathered” floored me. That’s all I needed from ‘Phase’. Luckily there was a lot more. The heartbeat of drums, guitar veins shooting within Jack’s machinery choir. Wasn’t until I saw Mr. Garratt at The Fonda back in March (geez that was a while ago) that my love for this record ignited. He put on one hell of a show. I mean, one of my favorites of 2016 too. Go read the glowing article.

This type of synthesized pop music does play better when you’re watching it be created… live & in person. That’s why I also recommend you go see James Blake live. You need an audience. What Jack creates is moments. ‘Phase’ is the afterimage. Something you can touch. Sink your teeth in it. Examine. Because there are deep souls engraved in grooves. Jack could be the robotic version of Ed Sheeran. One that manifests the deep rich soul of Craig David.

What you should grasp from ‘Phase’ is a sense of maniacal futurism. One that is artsy & sellable. I love ‘Phase’ because vulnerability becomes Jack Garratt. Hear what love from the future sounds like below.  

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Weathered”
• “Fire”
• “Breathe Life”
• “My House Is Your Home”
• “Worry”

#12 – ‘Starboy’ by The Weeknd

My initial feeling upon completing ‘Starboy’ was that The Weeknd had repeated as my favorite album. “Back-to-Back” in less than 2 years. Incredible feat by Abel. Most artists would absorb the extra 365 days or even more between LPs. However, our modern musical structure panders to workaholics. If you’re not dropping an album every 6 months, you’re bound to get lost in the new music seas. That’s how Abel got his start: three quick EPs. Did he make the right decision with a quick turnaround… sort of? 

‘Starboy’ truly is an incredible record about how the fame monster recently brought out the dark side of The Weeknd. What it lacks in conceptional narrative (which was one of the high points of his last album)…  is hidden well by the all-star production team. They steal the show. Daft Punk, Max Martin, Cashmere Cat, Daft Punk, & countless others provided The Weeknd with some dynamite weapons. Every track through Sidewalks (feat. Kendrick Lamar) could be a radio smash banger. You’ll feel like you’re listening to Michael Jackson at his best. Expect to live a truly out-of-control Rockstar lifestyle. 

Ultimately, really wish The Weeknd took more time to polish some of the later tracks. 'Starboy' would’ve been such a wonderful EP with B-Sides and such that didn’t make the cut on 2015’near-perfects near perfect ‘Beauty Behind The Madness'. But I’m not complaining. The Weeknd could drop an album every month & I’d eat it up. Abel continues to only put forth great music. Which as a fan makes hitting play always a pleasure. (Especially when Lana Del Rey is singing about getting phucked… XD)

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Starboy”
• “Party Monster”
• “Reminder”
• “Six Feet Under”
• “Stargirl Interlude” 

#11 – ‘Blackstar’ by David Bowie

From Starboy to Star Man…

I (and probably the artist himself) consider ‘Blackstar’ to be the “mic drop” on David Bowie’s wonderful life. Man. What a way to go out. Doing what you love. Leaving a legacy. Kind of epic. Sadly, this writer wasn’t a big fan of Starman’s previous discography. Don’t throw stones! Just because I was ignorant of it.

But ‘Blackstar’ feels otherworldly. The jazz compilations behind Bowie’s fragile vocals provide an ethereal journey through galaxies never explored. You’re listening to a man at the end of life. Expressing himself the only way he can… universally through song. Gives me chills. ‘Blackstar’ is the final chapter of Starman’s journey. Hearing him go through stages of grief makes this iconic character so damn real.

Also, love “Girl Love Me’s” chorus of “Where the phuck did Monday go…” For a day – today in fact – we all are supposed to hate, Bowie seems bittersweet to let even that fade away. “How are you not crying?”, I ask myself. 

Not many people get to say goodbye like this. We’ll see you soon Mr. Bowie. For one day we’ll be able to catch up to that Starman in the sky.

Noteworthy Tracks… the entire record.

#10 – ‘We Got It from Here… Thank You 4 Your Service’ by A Tribe Called Quest

When an album appears like a superhero at the perfect time & moment, something magical happens.

We needed Tribe to come to us in November. The world had changed. ‘We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service’ grabbed hold of me with perfect retro hip hop, politically charged messages, and standout features. It’s as if the guys knew the outcome of that manipulated election. There are anthems already fighting & resisting. Yep… the essence of classic Tribe still burning bright. 

Q-TIP, the musical master, produced the last true OG Tribe album by curating every single detail. Pity we lost Phife Dawg back in March. His memory will live forever because of this album (and that SNL tribute). By including Kendrick Lamar & Anderson .Paak to the Legends style brings mad flows on Disc 2. Andre Benjamin, Busta Rhymes, & etc., do have standout moments on Disc 1.  

But I pretty much love everything here. Prepare yourself for a couple hours of perfect beats & poetic lyrics. Pity I don’t live in NYC. Probably captures the city wonderfully.

Noteworthy Tracks: 

• “Solid Wall of Sound”
• “We The People…”
• ‘Conrad Tokyo”
• “Movin Backwards”
• “The Killing Season”

#09 – ‘Lemonade’ by Beyoncé

Didn’t surprise me that 'Lemonade' was the #1 album on almost all the major blogs. Part of me feels they awarded Beyoncé because of the buzz ‘Lemonade’ caused. Which, is understandable. I have no right to deny Beyoncé either. She put out a record that is so damn truthful. I believe Jay Z & Beyoncé really did go through everything this album tells. I trust a Virgo to be vengeful. And there’s nothing more true than a Sagittarius fooling around on their partner.

‘Lemonade’, on top of being an abstract film, is a concept album. Beyoncé combined a variety of styles to tell this story. She even recruited every single one of my modern-day favorites – Jack White, The Weeknd, Ezra Koenig, James Blake, Kendrick Lamar, etc. – as collaborators. But the narrative – about a wife leaving her husband, wrestling with her fatherly demons, to coming back and forgiving – makes the record. You’re enthralled by our heroine’s journey. Will she ever forgive? Or has she gone to the dark side permanently?

Beyoncé doesn’t make bad records. To see her challenge herself, alongside her personal problems, makes her current discography the diary of a reclusive celebrity. She doesn’t need to do interviews. Just release an album every one & half years.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Sorry”
• “Hold Up”
• “Freedom”
• “Forward”
• “Daddy Lessons” 

#08 – ’22, A Million’ by Bon Iver

This was one weird record… at first. Didn’t know what to make of this new chaotic Bon Iver. found on ’22, A Million’. Then, I hit repeat… over… and over again. Instead of a wilderness vibe, the forest – in which I describe all of Bon Iver’s sounds – has become corrupted like a virus. You really have to relax your mind as a listener. Otherwise, the million sounds will drive you nuts. But in between the auto-tuned distortions are these heavenly moments of romantic sincerity. Something you won’t find anything else.

What I love about Justin Vernon & Bon Iver’s musical mission statement is that they continue to make their albums as difficult as possible to understand. Like each track is a way to piss us off. “You want something straight forward… naw, phuck that. 100 horns blaring at once. That’s what you get.” This is what I imagine when they are in the studio together.

In an age where music is digital over analog… ’22, A Million’ dives deeper than I ever possibly thought. Historians will look back on this record as a grand experiment most likely. Which is cool. Because the men of Bon Iver did a great job at shattering musical structures in the artsy way possible. Consider this your indie rock gospel record for the ages.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “33 “GOD””
• “8 (CIRCLE)”
• “22 (OVER S∞∞N)”
• “715 – CR∑∑KS”  

#07 – ‘The Life of Pablo’ by Kanye West

So Help Me Gawd… SWISH… Waves… Damn Gina. Kanye West started out 2016 on the road to his 7th LP. ‘The Life of Pablo’ dropped back in February. Remember watching the Madison Square Garden livestream at work. My co-worker wasn’t too impressed by Kanye’s new sounds. Neither was I really. Heard some cool moments. Wasn’t until the first initial pass at ‘Pablo’ dropped (because he released & re-released ‘Pablo’ two more times up to this point) that I could see brilliance in simplicity. Kanye brought his music back to his roots – a mixture of hip-hop & gospel – that is as glorious as it is vulgar. Pain is redefined… he even calls outcalls his mortal enemy. Reigniting a feud that scorched 2016 celebrity news.

‘Pablo’ took fixing, but this broken-rushed product finally got the production value it needed to succeed. And it succeeded. So much you could say this is probably the most universally loved Kanye West album since ‘College Dropout’. You got all sides of the Old-New Kanye. Is that because the album is a combination of all these different album concepts? Maybe? I just like listening to it. The tracks are stacked perfectly so that you get this high-low-high pacing. Thus making ‘Pablo’ an enjoyable ride. I can find my groove on any of these tracks. Again, my only complaint is all these songs don’t have enough meat on the bones. 

‘Pablo’ shows us the real Kanye as he struggles through real-life issues – money, groupies, fake friends, family, kids, relationships, etc. He hasn’t let go of his beliefs or his ego. But it’s hard out there for a maniac superstar. That’s the true story of ‘Pablo’. 

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “FML”
• “Ultralight Beams”
• “Father Stretch My Hands P. 1 & Pt. 2”
• “Fade”
• “Wolves”
• “Famous”

#06 – ‘Gore’ by Deftones

Take great pride in owning the Vinyl to ‘Gore‘. I’ve only played it once – mostly because I haven’t had time for wax – but the moment was wonderful. Deftones really up their game. You can feel the conflict between the band members as the album goes on. Visceral emotions bloom from the deadly rifts. Moreno’s howls are the only relief.

Perfectly executed metal records could be considered a lost art in 2016. The genre lies in the underground of the mainstream. Deftones don’t seem to care. Their pain must be shared. Reaching out from the speakers to grab hold of your poor unfortunate souls. ‘Gore’ guts you with such intensity from out the gate. The album does calm down in its final moments. A pace reminiscent of a dying man: sheer terror until calming rest. 

You need more albums like this. Something that projects your inner pain, allowing you to rage out. Find it hard not to head bang to each & every track here. ‘Gore’ is the perfect metal record. Something that revitalizes a genre in dire need of some mainstream attention. 

Noteworthy Tracks… all of them (cause there aren't many tracks)!

 #05 – ‘Freetown Sound’ by Blood Orange

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Hope you all got ‘Freetown Sound’ under your trees because we have entered my top 5 albums of 2016!!!

I blame Daisy Ridley. She’s the one that got me addicted to Blood Orange’s ‘Freetown Sound’. Used to visit her Instagram & she gave Dev Hynes’ latest project a glowing review earlier in 2016. Spent the following days addicted to the breezy personally political LP featuring Blood Orange & his sirens – Nelly Furtado, Empress Of, Carly Rae Jepsen, Zuri Marley, etc. The album has no problem taking you away on an enlightening journey. For Dev’s poetic pop words have the power to sway hearts & minds.

These are important issues that concern on modern world today. Mostly on the issues of race & sexual identity. The jazzy pop does a masterful job of hiding these messages behind East Coast disco vibes. You’ll be doing the hustle while telling yourself empowering words of self-love. Dev’s vocal range is beautiful. ‘Freetown Sound’ breaks up these high moments with audio interludes & slam poetry describing real-life sh*t. This imaginary town Freetown – named after Dev’s father’s hometown in Sierra Leone – isn’t supposed to be this happy. That’s what gives ‘Freetown Sound’ its complexity. 

Luckily you can enjoy the catchy singles without bother. You really have the choice to be ignorant or involved… kinda like real-LA parties. But you’ll miss the bigger picture if you pigeon yourself to just “Best of You”. Dev had a lot to say. Best open your ears because this is rhetoric worth being apart of.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Hadron Collider”
• “Best of You”
• “But You”
• “Better Than Me”
• “Augustine”
• “With Him”

#04 – ‘Malibu’ by Anderson .Paak

My favorite memory… listening to ‘Malibu’… was on the return to Hollywood (from WonderCon) with “The Danger Sandwich” rolling in the passenger seat. At the corner of my eye, I could see his fingers tapping on my window to the beat of “Celebrate”. Must’ve been speeding beyond 70mph on the 5 Freeway; crisp clear Saturday all around us. Anytime that human-to-music connection happens in my car shows me how great the collective experience of truly listening to music is. Talk about primo music conditions for an album like this. Because Paak’s  ‘Malibu’ defines my California soundtrack.

Anderson .Paak’s 2016 sophomore LP heightens lazy days in LA. You can’t go wrong with its melting pop of musical genres & vintage interludes. The multi-talented Dr. Dre Protégée builds this eclectic structure within simple means. But each lyric not only defines Paak as an artist, but as a man. You can learn so much about his past struggles just by examining each lyric. It doesn’t get any more personal than Malibu. You can even smell the sweetness of a honeycomb tree through each precise beat. There is no fluff. Just good times. Blame the drums. Which Anderson performs masterfully. Had the chance to see Paak live twice in 2016 & they both rank quite high on my favorite shows of the year too. Especially that surprise BET Experience spot.

Your life will change if you walk down the Malibu boardwalk starting with track one. Trust me… that heart won’t stand a chance.

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Come Down”
• “Celebrate”
• “Heart Don’t Stand A Chance”
• “Put Me Thru”
• “Silicon Valley”

#03 – ‘Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight’ by Travis Scott

Definitely in the minority here (unless you count Complex). Because I remember reading a 1-star review for this LP a few months ago where the author – forget who… Tiny Mixtapes?  – crucified ‘Birds In The Trap Sing McKnight’ by Travi$ Scott for being unlistenable. I, on the other hand, felt completely different. My first listen wasn’t really memorable. But I liked what I heard. Then “Wonderful” jumped out at me at random. The Weeknd’s short verses were fire. Maybe hit repeat for the entire 40-minute freeway drive. Then these dark nightmarish started to consume like a virus. Now can’t stop listening to this LP.

I’ve tried to, but ‘BITTSM’ is always on when I’m doing stuff around the house. Straight up. No chasers. (haha) Sucks that it came out in the shadow of Frank Ocean’s ‘Blond’. All those hipster hip-hop fans totally overlooked all the wonderful qualities that Travis brought. Consider It is the most Kid Cudi record since ‘…Mr. Rager’. Actually praise Travis for bringing a similar style to Cudi’s new LP – ‘Passion, Pain, & Demon Slayin’. Because if you like Cudi mixed with Kanye West’s ‘Yeezus’… then this is the perfect record. Not to mention you get amazing features from Andre Benjamin (aka Andre 3000), Kendrick Lamar, The Weeknd, Young Thug, Quavo, and the aforementioned Cudder. 

Definitely don’t mind all the repetitive Autotune because it creates such a futurist sound. And this album plays like a junkie robot’s worst nightmare materialized. What’s more rock star than that?

Noteworthy Tracks:

• “Through the late night”
• “wonderful”
• “goosebumps”
• “Outside”
• “Guidance”
• “way back”

#02 – ‘Encore’ by DJ Snake

I prefer bubbly EDM pop most of the time. Easy to bump in the car. Audience friendly. For driving purposes, it works. That’s why a track like ‘Middle’ by DJ Snake (one of the standout pop tracks of 2016) transcends “the journey”. You can put it over video clips or on repeat in the front seat. A purely electronic record – Tycho’s ‘Epoch’ for example – is only rooted in the beats that materialize with each passing second. Much harder to transform into. I loved Tycho’s artistic ‘Epoch’. But my wanderer’s soul connected deeply with DJ Snake’s ‘Encore’. Another record not found on many blog’s ‘Best of 2016’ lists. And the only pure EDM record of my 25. 

You… meaning I… can listen to this album on repeat & non-stop. Which says heaps. The album roots itself in the formulaic structure of the EDM genre. Thus proving that genre, if done correctly, can be as popular more than something so “out there”. The main reason why genre exists. Loved how DJ Snake peppered his LP with a variety of styles: conventional dance, Skrillex dubstep, hip hop, R&B, pop, and ballads. DJ Snake is the star of this record. No feature – with maybe the exception of Justin Bieber – overpowers the precise beats designed by DJ Snake. Well, unless you become obsessed with George Maple like I was for a time after hearing “Talk”. 

‘Encore’ is near perfect in my book probably because it is very much “a party in the Las Vegas desert “kind of record…. made for everyone. Play it on a drive home from the club to keep the buzz going past 2 A.M. That’s the perfect time for some “Talk” while cooling down to “Sober” levels. 

Noteworthy Tracks.

• “Pigalle”
• “The Half”
• “Talk”
• “Let Me Love You”
• “Middle”
• “Sober”
• “Oh Me Oh My”
• “Here Comes The Night“

#01 – ‘Coloring Book’ by Chance The Rapper

Chills. Every. time.

Still, remember how happy Chance The Rapper’s ‘Coloring Book’ made me on the ride to work on May 13th. iTunes rearranged the tracks so the first song I got was “Summer Friends”. Oh boy.  Wanted “Angels” because that was the first single & I loved that one too. Nevertheless… “Summer Friends” floored me. Francis (who I thought was Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on first listen) and The Lights’ Ying to Chance’s Yang set one hell of a mood alongside that hot summer sun rising. It only got better from there. 

If 2016 truly was as nightmarish as we are going to remember it… then 'Coloring Book' serves as the glimmer of hope we all needed. This is one happy record. Full of gospel grace, kindness, real-life truth, and most importantly… fun. 

At its core, ‘Coloring Book’ is technically a gospel record. Don’t think it’s that simple though. I see it as a slice of Chance’s life that is full of these glorious memories. Sure some of the topics are adult issues but the way that Chance weaves positive vibes with powerful blessings.

Try not to smile upon hitting play. Chance sure isn’t hiding behind a frown. Because every inch of this album projects “hope”. He definitely made this for his kid… who will one day go exploring to find out her father is or was. It’s all there with breezy Donnie trumpets, Kanye West drum machines, Kirk Franklin’s prayers, and chi-town poetry from family & friends. There’s no other record this year that will make you feel this grounded. Hell, you might jump back on Facebook and reconnect with those friends you long forgot. 

Crazy that ‘Coloring Book’ still is a free mixtape. Can you imagine Chance’s debut LP? He’ll be running around every other artist in the game. Hell… he already has. This is Chance’s ‘College Dropout’. A record that will be the bar for everything that comes in the future. 

Are you ready? Don’t forget the happy thoughts. 

Thanks for reading this far!