25. Cash Cash – Blood, Sweat
& 3 Years
In an age where DJs dropping albums is becoming extremely common, Cash
Cash enters the arena like gladiators. Relying mainly on smaller names, they
unleashed some pure pop magic.
Tracks: 12/16 – 75% - 750 points
Plays: 160 points
Total: 910 points
Keepers: How To Love (feat. Sofia Reyes), Hero (feat. Christina Perri),
Devil (feat. Busta Rhymes, B.o.B., & Neon Hitch), Aftershock (feat. Jacquie
Lee), Bada Boom, Arrows in the Dark (feat. Anjulie), Take Me Home (feat. Bebe
Rexha), Sweat (feat. Jenna Andrews), The Gun (feat. Trinidad James, Dev, &
Chrish), Turn (feat. Little Daylight), We Will Live (feat. Night Terrors of
1927), Surrender (feat. Julia Michaels)
Duds: Millionaire (feat. Nelly), Broken Drum (feat. Fitz of Fitz &
the Tantrums), Escarole, Lightning (feat. John Rzeznik of Goo Goo Dolls)
24. Miranda Lambert – The Weight
of these Wings
This was one of my most anticipated albums of the year. You can imagine
how my excitement doubled when I found out it was a two disc album. But, I
should learn that’s not always a good thing. Sometimes more is less. I expected
Miranda to return with some fire and vegenance after her divorce from Blake
Shelton. However, disappointingly enough, the majority of what she delivered
was downtempo or even depressed. There are enough good songs to keep me hooked,
but a lot of the tracks flatlined. I’ve Got Wheels has been my life anthem as
of lately though.
Tracks: 16/24 – 67% - 670 points
Plays: 248 points
Total: 918 points
Keepers: Keeper of the Flame, Vice, Runnin’ Just in Case, Highway
Vagabond, We Should Be Friends, Covered Wagon, I’ve Got Wheels, Ugly Lights,
Things That Break, Tomboy, Six Degrees of Separation, Good Ol Days, You
Wouldn’t Know Me, Use My Heart, Tin Man, Bad Boy
Duds: Pink Sunglasses, Dear Old Sun, Smoking Jacket, For the Birds, To
Learn Her, Getaway Driver, Well-Rested, Pushin’ Time
23. Bastille – Wild World
Short of their one big radio hit, I had never paid Bastille much mind,
but Good Grief was so good that I was readily checking for this album. The
major problem was the length where a lot of similar sounding filler material
was included. Once you separate the best tracks from the bunch, you have some
real gems to enjoy.
Tracks: 13/19 – 68% - 680 points
Plays: 239 points
Total: 919 points
Keepers: Good Grief, The Currents, Blame, Fake It, Way Beyond, The
Anchor, An Act of Kindness, Warmth, Power, Send Them Off!, Lethargy, Snakes,
Shame
Duds: Glory, Two Evils, Four Walls (The Ballad of Perry Smith), Winter
of Our Youth, Oil on Water, Campus
22. Ariana Grande – Dangerous
Woman
Ariana slips chart position from where she ranked up with 2014’s My
Everything. While Dangerous Woman delivers some amazing hits, there was a lot
of filler material that could have been left out. In the filler tracks, I feel
she’s trying too hard to recreate Mariah’s legacy. The album as a whole is
still worth giving a listen to. It had to grow on me, but I have come to really
enjoy it.
Tracks: 11/18 – 61% - 610 points
Plays: 315 points
Total: 925 points
Keepers: Be Alright, Into You, Side to Side (feat. Nicki Minaj),
Dangerous Woman, Greedy, Let Me Love You (feat. Lil Wayne), Bad Decisions,
Focus, Leave Me Lonely (feat. Macy Gray), Everyday (feat. Future), Touch It
Duds: Moonlight, Sometimes, I Don’t Care, Know Better / Forever Boy,
Thinking Bout You, Step On Up, Jason’s Song (Gave It Away)
21. Rebecca Ferguson –
Superwoman
I checked this album out on a whim and was instantly hooked. Her voice
is to die for and she infuses such attitude yet beauty into each song. Don’t
miss Bones, Superwoman, or Oceans. Rebecca certainly does not receive the
attention she deserves from the music market.
Tracks: 10/12 – 83% - 830 points
Plays: 106 points
Total: 936 points
Keepers: Bones, Superwoman, Oceans, Hold Me, Stars,
Pay For It, Don’t Want You Back, Without a Woman, Waiting for Me, I’ll Meet You
There
Duds: Mistress, The Way You’re Looking at Her
20. Nick Jonas – Last Year Was
Complicated
Sitting here in 2017, Nick’s album title seems to perfectly capture
2016. The album was a slow burner in my iTunes library, generating moderate
play consistently throughout the year. Some tracks would fade into the woodwork
with nothing to make them pop or standout. However, there two standout tracks
for every mediocre one.
Tracks: 11/15 – 73% - 730 points
Plays: 236 points
Total: 966 points
Keepers: Champagne Problems, Close (feat. Tove Lo), Chainsaw, Touch,
Bacon (feat. Ty Dolla $ign), Don’t Make Me Choose, Voodoo, Under You,
Comfortable, The Difference, Unhinged
Duds: Testify, When We Get Home, That’s What They All Say, Good Girls
19. Bruno Mars – 24K Magic
Once I got past the fact that I waited 4 years for this and Bruno only
gave us 9 songs, I was hooked. 24K Magic comes off the coattails of Uptown Funk
and delivers a smash of a lead single. The album is solid with only one dud.
Bruno brings the funk and the R&B to a whole new level. I am sure we will
be listening the radio abuse the singles off this album for a while.
Tracks: 8/9 – 89% - 890 points
Plays: 97 points
Total: 987 points
Keepers: 24K Magic, Chunky, Perm, Finesse, Too Good to Say Goodbye,
Versace on the Floor, Calling All My Lovelies, That’s What I Like
Duds: Straight Up & Down
18. Idina Menzel – idina.
Idina has made some decent pop music in the past that the general public
has paid virtually no mind. I literally only discovered it playing around on
iTunes. However, idina. proves to be the most solid entry into her slowly
growing catalog. Showing that she’s ready to fight against the big dogs of the
vocalist world, i.e. Celine Dion, etc.
Tracks: 10/12 – 83% - 830 points
Plays: 161 points
Total: 991 points
Keepers: Perfect Story, Small World, Like Lightning, Queen of Swords,
Cake, Nothin’ in This World, Last Time, Show Me, I Do, I See You
Duds: Everybody Knows, Extraordinary
17. DNCE – DNCE
I was instantly hooked when I heard Cake By the Ocean and eagerly
anticipated this album. While I’m giving this a very positive score, I do have
to say that the major downside of this album is how much each track sounds like
the last. I understand it’s their “signature sound,” but give it a rest after
so many songs. Truthfully is a nice break, but the album could have used much
more variation. However, the music lives up to the group’s name and it will get
you grooving.
Tracks: 12/14 – 86% - 860 points
Plays: 134 points
Total: 994 points
Keepers: Blown (feat. Kent Jones), DNCE, Cake By the Ocean, Body Moves,
Toothbrush, Good Day, Truthfully, Pay My Rent, Almost, Naked, Zoom, Unsweet
Duds: Doctor You, Be Mean
16. The Weeknd – Starboy
The Weeknd had a tough act to beat in comparison to his last album,
Beauty Behind the Madness, but he continue the ride on his shooting star to
fame with a solid follow-up. With solid pop hooks mixed with his R&B
vocals, he serves up modern musical confections sweet to taste, but with deep
meanings. It’s true to say there are not many doing what The Weeknd does.
Starboy proves to be a solid album with only a few duds.
Tracks: 15/18 – 83% - 830 points
Plays: 166 points
Total: 996 points
Keepers: False Alarm, Starboy (feat. Daft Punk), Secrets, True Colors,
Sidewalks (feat. Kendrick Lamar), Love To Lay, Party Monster, Reminder,
Rockin’, Ordinary Life, Nothing Without You, Six Feet Under, Attention, Die For
You, I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk)
Duds: Stargirl Interlude (feat. Lana Del Rey), A Lonely Night, All I
Know (feat. Future)
15. Good Charlotte – Youth
Authority
In the midst of my middle school angst, Good Charlotte cemented
themselves in my heart with their album, The Young & the Hopeless.
Obviously, I was pretty pumped when I saw they were planning to release a new
album this year.
Tracks: 10/12 – 83% - 830 points
Plays: 196 points
Total: 1,026 points
Keepers: Life Changes, Life Can’t Get Much Better, Makeshift Love, 40
Oz. Dream, Stray Dogs, The Outfield, War, Moving On, Keep Swingin’ (feat.
Kellin Quinn), Reason to Stay (feat. Simon Neil)
Duds: Cars Full of People, Stick to Your Guns (Interlude)
14. Rachel Platten – Wildfire
Rachel Platten’s debut album vaguely reminds me of Tori Kelly’s debut
last year. She’s a relatively plain blonde with decent vocals. Some of the
tracks just felt bland, but overall, the majority of them were likeable.
Despite listening repeatedly, I still cannot figure out who Chelsea is in
Angels in Chelsea, but I like the message of the song.
Tracks: 9/12 – 75% - 750 points
Plays: 280 points
Total: 1,030 points
Keepers: Fight Song, Stand By You, You Don’t Know My Heart, Speechless,
Better Place, Hey Hey Hallelujah (feat.
Andy Grammer), Lone Ranger, Astronauts, Angels in Chelsea
Duds: Superman, Congratulations, Beating Me Up
13. Emeli Sande – Long Live the
Angels
This album hit me like a freight train. I had not been a fan of her
last album and checked this out just to do my due diligence. I was instantly
hooked into this raw, personal album that cut straight to my heart. The most
notable track being Somebody, I have spent countless hours listening to her
angelic vocals. If you’re only into upbeat music, do not miss Highs & Lows!
Tracks: 16/18 – 89% - 890 points
Plays: 161 points
Total: 1,051 points
Keepers: Somebody, Selah, Hurts, Give Me Something, Shakes, Right Now,
Sweet Architect, Highs & Lows, Kung Fu, Breathing Underwater, I’d Rather
Not, Lonely, Tenderly feat. Joel Sande & The Serenje Choir), Every Single
Little Piece, This Much is True, Babe
Duds: Happen, Garden
12. Jennifer Nettles – Playing
With Fire
I came into this album a bit skeptical after disliking her last album,
That Girl. I was completely baffled when I instantly fell in love. Jennifer
hits us with fun tracks like Playing With Fire, Drunk in Heels, and Hey
Heartbreak before knocking us dead with heart-wrenching and cathartic ballads
like Way Back Home and Unlove You. This is a must-listen for any country fan…or
anyone who loves a strong vocalist.
Tracks: 10/12 – 83% - 830 points
Plays: 226 points
Total: 1,056 points
Keepers: Playing With Fire, Way Back Home, Salvation Works, Stupid
Girl, Drunk in Heels, Unlove You, Hey Heartbreak, Sugar, Chaser, My House
(feat. Jennifer Lopez)
Duds: Three Days in Bed, Starting Over
11. Green Day – Revolution Radio
I spent the 2016 political primary season jamming out to American
Idiot, so you can imagine my excitement when I heard Green Day was dropping an
album in the midst of the strangest election of all time and that the album was
going to be political in nature. While it is no American Idiot 2.0, Revolution
Radio still delivers that loveable political punk they have notoriously
produced. They also won my heart for speaking out for Bernie, who has become
one of my biggest inspirations.
Tracks: 11/12 – 92% - 920 points
Plays: 154 points
Total: 1,074 points
Keepers: Still Breathing, Bang Bang, Revolution Radio, Troubled Times,
Say Goodbye, Ordinary World, Forever Now, Youngblood, Bouncing Off the Wall, Outlaws,
Too Dumb to Die
Duds: Somewhere New
10. Karmin – Leo Rising
After a departure from their label following Pulses, I expected that
Karmin was done for. However, the underdogs strike back with their second LP.
While not at all what I was expecting, the infectious pop tracks found a way
into my regular listening. I promise, despite its weird cover, this album will
not disappoint you.
Tracks: 12/14 – 86% - 860 points
Plays: 219 points
Total: 1,079 points
Keepers: Sugar, Didn’t Know You, No Suitcase, Along the Road, Can’t
Live, Easy Money, Blame It On My Heart, Save Me Now, Dance With You, Come With
Me (Pure Imagination), Everything, I Got You
Duds: Maybelline, Yesterday
9. Grace – FMA
Standing for “forgive my attitude,” FMA put Grace on the map this year.
Delivering everything I needed Lana Del Rey to evolve into, I was instantly
hooked with its catchy mid-tempos. For a debut album, it was nearly seamless
with only one track I couldn’t get into. If How to Love Me doesn’t raise the
hair on your arms, you probably aren’t human. And so what if you aren’t? Put on
Grace’s debut LP and get your sassy on.
Tracks: 13/14 – 93% - 930 points
Plays: 228 points
Total: 1,158 points
Keepers: Church on Sunday, Hell of a Girl, Hope You Understand, Crazy
Over Here (feat. Parker), You Don’t Own Me (feat. G-Eazy), How to Love Me, Feel
Your Love, Boyfriend Jeans (Remix), Song Cries and Amens, Say, Coffee, Boys
Boys Boys
Duds: New Orleans
8. Sia – This Is Acting
It seems ironic that Sia’s best album is the one consisting of tracks
that she penned for other artists who then rejected them. Her ballads are so on
point and the majority of the album is absolutely phenomenal. No one has quite
the pipes that Sia boasts and she’s so empowering. I just wish she had left the
gig of hiding her face in the 1000 Forms of Fear era.
Tracks: 13/18 – 72% - 720 points
Plays: 447 points
Total: 1,167 points
Keepers: Alive, Bird Set Free, Cheap Thrills, Move Your Body,
Unstoppable, Reaper, House on Fire, Footprints, Broken Glass, Space Between,
Fist Fighting a Sandstorm, Confetti, The Greatest (feat. Kendrick Lamar)
Duds: One Million Bullets, Sweet Design, Summer Rain, Midnight
Decisions, Jesus Wept
7. Britney Spears – Glory
When I first heard Make Me…, I thought, “oh great, here comes Britney
Jean 2.0.” I could not have been more wrong. Britney recovered from that
terrible BJ with a vengeance. This is easily one of the best pop albums of
2016. Its heavy hitting pop beats, clever lyrics, and fun yet ultimately mature
vibe skyrocketed Britney back to the pop legend status she deserves. This is
her best album since Femme Fatale, if not since In the Zone.
Tracks: 15/18 – 83% - 830 points
Plays: 340 points
Total: 1,170 points
Keepers: Liar, Slumber Party, Invitation, Make Me… (feat. G-Eazy),
Private Show, Man on the Moon, Just Luv Me, Clumsy, Do You Wanna Come Over?,
Just Like Me, Mood Ring, Love Me Down, Hard to Forget Ya, What You Need, Change
Your Mind,
Duds: If I’m Dancing, Coupure Electrique, Better
6. Lady GaGa – Joanne
This is just what I needed from GaGa! For years, I’ve complained about
the gimmicks and outlandish antics. I felt like she had lost herself in the
fame and I could no longer personally connect to her. Then came Joanne. The
stripped back, production-scarce vocals annoyed me at first, but I grew to love
the vibe she was delivering. Diamond Heart is easily the best track and my new
personal anthem. The raw beauty of Million Reasons makes it one of her best
ballads in years.
Tracks: 12/13 – 92% - 920 points
Plays: 294 points
Total: 1,214 points
Keepers: Diamond Heart, A-YO, Joanne, John Wayne, Dancin’ in Circles,
Perfect Illusion, Million Reasons, Angel Down, Grigio Girls, Sinner’s Prayer, Hey
Girl (feat. Florence Welch), Come to Mama
Duds: Just Another Day
5. JoJo – Mad Love.
Finally revealing to the world her long awaited third studio album,
JoJo wins the award for comeback of the year. After being trapped in a terrible
recording contract for nearly a decade and a few failed singles, she finally
was free and this album is almost impeccable. There’s heartwreching ballads and
unapologetic anthems comprising one of the most solid albums of the year. This
is a can’t-miss.
Tracks: 14/15 – 93% - 930 points
Plays: 301 points
Total: 1,231 points
Keepers: High Heels, I Am, F**k Apologies (feat. Wiz Khalifa), Music, I
Can Only (feat. Alessia Cara), FAB (feat. Remy Ma), Mad Love, Vibe, Honest, Like
This, Clovers, Reckless, Good Thing, Rise Up
Duds: Edibles
4. LeAnn Rimes – Remnants
Released overseas in 2016, Remnants shows LeAnn rising from the ashes,
determined to shake off the negative and overcome. Every lyric is poignant and
sharp, driving the messages home. LeAnn is one of the biggest voices of my
generation and her last two studio albums have been absolutely amazing as she
shows us a raw, personal side following the major controversy in her life.
Anyone who knows my story and listens to Remnants will know exactly why this
album was a grand slam in my eyes. Plus, who doesn’t love a country album that
comes with a parental advisory sticker?
Tracks: 14/14 – 100% - 1,000 points
Plays: 256 points
Total: 1,256 points
Keepers: The Story, Love Line, Outrageous Love, Remnants, Long Live
Love, I Couldn’t Do That to Me, Humbled, Do It Wrong With Me, How to Kiss a
Boy, Love Is Love Is Love, Dang Dang, Give Me Something (I Can’t Give Myself),
Mother, Learning Your Language
Duds: None.
3. Rihanna – ANTI
For Rihanna who seemed to release an album a year throughout her
career, the 3 and a half year wait for this album seemed almost unbearable
until one Thursday night in January when she unleashed ANTI. Upon the first
listen, I thought I had just listened to an experimental pop album that Rihanna
recorded in some stranger’s dark basement while tripping on acid. However, I
will openly admit I’m prone to hating Rihanna’s albums initially, and, just
like the others, this grew on me. I proceeded to spend the following months
screaming some of the best tracks at the top of my lungs like Love on the Brain
and Close to You. There’s a handful of duds on it, but, given the risks she
took on it, I wouldn’t say that’s too bad. Goodnight Gotham would have been a
good song, but giving it the Birthday Cake treatment annoyed me.
Tracks: 14/19 – 74% - 740 points
Plays: 603 points
Total: 1,343 points
Keepers: Love on the Brain, Close to You, Needed Me, Consideration
(feat. SZA), Kiss It Better, Work (feat. Drake), Desperado, Same Ol’ Mistakes,
Higher, Pose, FourFiveSeconds, Bitch Better Have My Money, American Oxygen,
Never Ending
Duds: James Joint (Interlude), Woo, Yeah I Said It, Goodnight Gotham,
Sex With Me
2. Gwen Stefani – This Is What
The Truth Feels Like
It’s been a decade since her last solo album, and Gwen certainly makes
up for lost time. Never aging, Gwen appears flawless as ever when she popped up
in late 2015 with the tear-jerking Used to Love You. The brutally emotional
lead single lead into the upbeat Make Me Like You. Her comeback album is
probably her most solid work to date.
Tracks: 16/18 – 89% - 890 points
Plays: 536 points
Total: 1,426 points
Keepers: Misery, You’re My Favorite, Where Would I Be?, Make Me Like
You, Truth, Used to Love You, Red Flag, Asking 4 It (feat. Fetty Wap), Naughty,
Me Without You, Rare, Rocket Ship, Getting Warmer, Obsessed, Loveable, War
Paint
Duds: Send Me a Picture, Splash
1. Beyonce – Lemonade
On a Saturday night in April, Beyonce unleashed yet another amazing
surprise release. The album chronicled the different stages of emotion after
being cheated on, ending in forgiveness & reconciliation. Not only was the
music on point, but the visual album was an English majors dream, loaded with
metaphors and imagery. Every track is well-crafted and significant to move the
album along in a smooth storytelling fashion. Hands down, this was the album of
the year.
Tracks: 12/12 – 100% - 1000 points
Plays: 490 points
Total: 1,490 points
Keepers: Sandcastles, Sorry, Daddy Lessons, Formation, All Night, Don’t
Hurt Yourself (feat. Jack White), Hold Up, 6 Inch (feat. The Weeknd), Pray You
Catch Me, Forward (feat. James Blake), Freedom (feat. Kendrick Lamar), Love
Drought
Duds: None.
So there we have it, another year of music in the books. I look forward to seeing what 2017 brings musically. We are expecting some big releases like P!nk, Christina Aguilera, and Katy Perry!
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