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| Ferro's Faves: Albums 2k16
The big one. The large one. Tis here. | | 52 |  | BADBADNOTGOOD
IV
[Nu Jazz]
For a BBNG album that has more guest appearances than any other, it’s quite disappointing that they’re pretty hit or miss. With artists like Sam Herring and Colin Stetson, sparks fly. With Mick Jenkins and Charlotte Day Wilson...not so much. The latter feel tacked on rather than feeling like a genuine collaboration. With the non-collaborative cuts, BBNG deliver some pleasant jazz that’s great to chill out to, but don’t expect anything that’s going to keep you on your toes, with the title track as a possible exception.
Stream & Download: https://badbadnotgoodil.bandcamp.com/album/iv
“Confession, Pt. ll (feat. Colin Stetson)”: https://youtu.be/rfRxeD34unQ | | 51 |  | Vulfpeck
The Beautiful Game
[Funk / Pop Soul]
Give the bass player on this record a medal. Half of the enjoyment I get out of this record is how damn good the bass grooves on here are. Though there are some fine tunes to back up these grooves too. Vulfpeck obviously have a sense of humor and don’t take themselves too seriously (i.e. Sleepify). On this record, this is a strength (“Conscious Club”) and a weakness (“1 for 1, DiMaggio”). Around the ⅔ mark of the album things get a bit underwhelming, but there’s a handful of tunes on here that make this worth at least a single, fun listen.
Stream & Download: http://vulfpeck.bandcamp.com/album/the-beautiful-game
“Dean Town”: https://youtu.be/le0BLAEO93g | | 50 |  | Flamingods
Majesty
[Neo-Psychedelia]
This album tries SO DAMN HARD to be tropical. There’s the album cover, the song titles, their cover photos, and the overall aesthetic of Majesty. But even though they’re so close to being tryhard, they make it work. The band’s love of incorporating instruments from around the world works to their benefit, as they introduce a variety of interesting sounds that compliment the warm vibe Majesty tries so hard to give off. Plus, on cuts like “Gojira” the band blast out some wonderful performances. Very few of the tracks really stick in the brain, but Majesty is a fine enough record that I wish I heard back during the summer.
Stream & Download: https://flamingods.bandcamp.com/album/majesty
“Jungle Birds”: https://youtu.be/31f04cdKtY8 | | 49 |  | The Drones
Feelin Kinda Free
[Experimental Rock]
To set things straight, the first four tracks of ‘Feelin Kinda Free’ are absolutely stellar. Over these handful of tracks, the band shows off their versatility by blasting out a humongous experimental rock opus of an opener, a succinct, punchy noise rock banger, and heart touching ballad back to back to back. But the 2nd half is far too spotty for me to consider this a wonderful record from front to back, especially considering how little room for error The Drones made for themselves with only 8 tracks. However,even if the low points drag down the overall quality of the record quite a bit, the highlights are strong enough to make this a record worth mentioning when talking about the music of 2016.
“To Think That I Once Loved You”: https://youtu.be/XibHLDrlUls | | 48 |  | Thao And The Get Down Stay Down
A Man Alive
[Art Rock / Singer-Songwriter]
If there’s one thing to be gathered from ‘A Man Alive’, it’s that Thao Nguyen is a personality worth paying attention to. The instrumental aspect of the record is decent no doubt; there’s a very rough, loose aesthetic to the record that gives it a taste of its own. However, a lot of the most interesting moments on the record come from Thao herself. Sometimes it’s her occasionally confrontational lyrics that have her standing ground as a strong female figure, while also showing needed moments of vulnerability. Other times her vocals are the main point of interest; Thao sounds like a rougher, indie-er Björk at times. All these elements don’t come together every single time, when they do ‘A Man Alive’ delivers some singer/songwriter magic.
“Nobody Dies”: https://youtu.be/fokoZs6SLdI | | 47 |  | Death Grips
Bottomless Pit
[Experimental Hip Hop]
Death Grips are back, and come with a record that, for the first time in their career, doesn’t come with an overhaul of sound. Instead, ‘Bottomless Pit’ takes a bit from all of their past records and applies these sounds to some of their most straightforward, most songs yet. The highlights on this are some of Death Grips’ best material, like “Eh” and “Spikes”. However, this is probably the group's most inconsistent record too; some of the songs on here are something that I’d never expect a Death Grips song to be: boring. In the end, ‘Bottomless Pit’ is still a decent Death Grips record, but fails to rank as one of the band’s absolute best.
“Eh”: https://youtu.be/uOJFhKriSH8 | | 46 |  | Deakin
Sleep Cycle
[Psychedelic Folk / Experimental]
Animal Collective, one of my favorite groups of all time, have disappointed me for the past two albums now. Panda Bear’s and Avey Tare’s latest solo efforts have failed to impress me as well. So here we have Deakin, coming out of nowhere with the best AnCo-affiliated studio recording since ‘Fall Be Kind’. With only 33 minutes, Deakin is able to make good use of his short time with a handful of tracks that either touch the heart with their intimate sincerity, alter the mind with some psychedelic sound crafting, or doing both at the same time. We even get a hint of ‘Here Comes The Indian’-era AnCo with “Footy”. The fact that my main issue with this record is that there isn’t enough of it proves that Deakin really came through and showed people why AnCo was one of the greatest acts of the previous decade.
Stream & Download: https://deakinjams.bandcamp.com/releases
“Just Am”: https://youtu.be/UmaJTpJpUiU | | 45 |  | Chance the Rapper
Coloring Book
[Pop Rap]
It’s a miracle that this made it onto my list. Songs like “All We Got” and “All Night” are borderline garbage, and even some good songs like “Smoke Break” are majorly flawed. The faults stacked up against this record are plentiful. However, when the very low lowlights of the album are taken out, what’s left is some very sweet, lovable, and just plain inspiring pop rap. Songs like “Angels” and especially “Finish Line/ Drown” take the sounds of jazz and gospel and manage to translate them to a mainstream audience and not drain all the good things out of those two genres. Through his music and his overall persona, Chance has been an absolute joy to spectate with the sheer amount of positivity and charisma that emanates from him. Essentially, at his best, Chance and ‘Coloring Book’ is exactly what we needed in 2016 to fend off everything else.
Stream: https://soundcloud.com/chancetherapper/sets/coloring-book
“Angels feat. Saba”: https://youtu.be/eedeXTWZUn8 | | 44 |  | Dr. Lonnie Smith
Evolution
[Jazz-Funk]
This dude has been kicking for nearly 50 years, and this record shows it. But I don’t mean that in a bad way. Rather, ‘Evolution’ sounds like the work of someone who know’s what he’s doing. Smith’s ability to build a strong groove alongside his band members, as well as show off his keyboard expertise, just proves he is an expert of his craft. Though there are feelings that this isn’t too special of a record; it’s just a solid jazz-funk record that slumps with the “My Favorite Things” cover, but recovers with the wonderful closer. It’s crazy that a man reaching 75 years old is able to funk harder than a lot of other guys in the game.
“Play It Back”: https://youtu.be/VTWDlpJvB-A | | 43 |  | Jacob Collier
In My Room
[Jazz Fusion / Pop]
I probably respect this album more than anything. The fact that this guy is only 22 years old and he’s already more musically proficient than most seasoned veterans is something to be applauded. His virtuosity is displayed all over his debut record, as so many types of instruments are fit under one release, and all of them are played with expert-level tact without the wankery that’d be expected by that description. While his talents as a song crafter aren’t 100% there yet and his constant self-harmonizing can grow old, the highlights are there and they are glorious. Give this young man a few years and he’s going to be much more than just a Musical Youtuber.
“Hideaway”: https://youtu.be/4v3zyPEy-Po | | 42 |  | D.R.A.M.
Big Baby D.R.A.M.
[Pop Rap / Contemporary R&B]
D.R.A.M. has shown with his debut LP that he has the potential to become one of rap’s best hit-makers. There are lowlights on here, no doubt: D.R.A.M. over the top, goofy voice does not belong on nocturnal trap beats like “Change My #” at all. Also, like ‘Coloring Book’, the hip house track was not needed. But singles like “Broccoli” and Cash Machine” are not only some of the best singles of the year, but are promising indications that D.R.A.M. can do so much with his vocal talent and irresistible personality, and deep cuts like “Monticello Ave” and “100%” prove that he also has the chance to make a stellar full album. Also that album cover: aww.
“Cash Machine”: https://youtu.be/9rx0eqQl8wk | | 41 |  | Soda Island
A Trip To Soda Island
[Future Bass / Downtempo]
With the first two tracks off this record, I was expecting a record that consistently delivered the hyper-energy sound to be expected from future bass, and for few great tracks on ‘A Trip…’, that’s what I got. However, what made this record stand out to me were the deviations from future bass aesthetic that this collaborative outfit took throughout record. On the subdued, cuts, the producers are given a chance to really let their textured instrumentals shine, as well as just establish a mood that makes this record truly feel like I’m exploring the sedative shores, beaches and forests of a candy-coated tropical island. Though the last ¾ feels like the group lost focus and subtly, the first half of the record establishes its mood well enough that I’m willing to forgive.
Stream & Download: https://sodaisland.bandcamp.com/releases
“Soda Ritual”: https://soundcloud.com/sodaisland/refraq-soda-ritual | | 40 |  | Rihanna
ANTI
[Alternative R&B / Pop-Soul]
I’ve had mixed feelings about Rihanna for a while. Depending on the track, she’s either one of the more bearable pop stars out there or the bane of the Billboard Hot 100. On ‘ANTI’, there are moments when Rihanna and her writers and producers dip into the latter, but more often than not this record is filled with some of her best material yet. The first half is filled with some great Alt R&B-inspired pop bangers and the second sees Rihanna diving into more soul-oriented sounds and solid balladry, while showing off her pipes in the process. ’ANTI’ has its blemishes, and they’re severe: “Work” has one of the laziest choruses of the year and “Woo” and the Tame Impala cover are complete wastes of space. However, the moves Rihanna and Co. make on ‘ANTI’ yield great results more often than not.
“Kiss It Better (NSFW)”: https://youtu.be/49lY0HqqUVc | | 39 |  | The Suffers
The Suffers
[Soul / R&B / “Gulf Coast Soul”]
I’ve been anticipating this group’s debut record ever since their ‘Make Some Room’ EP. This record isn’t quite as consistent as the the EP, a lot of the highlights off this record were actually on EP, but it’s still a commendable debut. The deep cuts manage to keep a consistently nice, old-school mood with slight hints of reggae added to mix things up. But it’s the highlights that boosted this album so high. Songs like “Gwan” and especially “Giver” show the band at their absolute best. Give this band another album or two and these highlights are gonna be the standard for them.
“Giver (Live)”: https://youtu.be/vTBWZYQn658 | | 38 |  | NxWorries
Yes Lawd!
[Neo-Soul]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/72034/NxWorries-Yes-Lawd/
‘Yes Lawd!’ Has been compared to the likes of ‘Madvillainy’ quite a bit, as they both have this sketchbook style of song crafting that keeps songs at a succinct 2+ minute runtime. Though there is a more important connection to be made. Both record give their two collaborative forces equal chances to impress, and on both albums each collaborator manage to do so. Even as the lesser of the two major .Paak-affiliated projects to be released this year, ‘Yes Lawd!’ is still a strong, and sexy, soul release worth some of your time.
Stream & Download: https://nxworries.bandcamp.com/
“Lyk Dis”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hEm94gx1y8 | | 37 |  | Xenia Rubinos
Black Terry Cat
[Art Pop / Neo-Soul]
On her Anti Records debut, Xenia Rubinos has already proven that she has something going on that’s worth much more attention than she’s been given. Even through the rather lo-fi, murky production the musicality of the record is eclectic, eccentric, and exciting, blending her influences in a really interesting way to make some great instrumentals. Rubinos also proves she knows her way around a hook on tracks such as “Mexican Chef”, “Right?”, and “Lonely Lover” and that she has a lyrical perspective that is authentically her. Already showing great promise on just her 2nd effort, I could see Xenia Rubinos becoming much more of a big deal among more people sooner than later.
Stream & Download: https://antirecords.bandcamp.com/album/black-terry-cat
“Mexican Chef”: https://youtu.be/7u1VAa1HBpM | | 36 |  | Chairlift
Moth
[Indie Pop / Synthpop]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/69690/Chairlift-Moth/
If this ranking was based of the power of the album’s single(s) alone, this’d be up with the best of them. Tracks like “Romeo”, “Crying In Public”, and “Ch-Ching” are some of the best, slickest pop tracks of the year. Whether it be on the hard-hitting bangers or the ballads, the well crafted instrumentals, smooth production aesthetic, and Caroline Polachek’s beautiful voice combine to form some true indie pop gems. The points in the record where the band deviates from pop-oriented tracks and try to do something a bit more abstract are pretty hit or miss, but overall ‘Moth; is one of the better pop records to come out in 2016.
“Romeo”: https://youtu.be/CncbXK6vURA | | 35 |  | Case/Lang/Veirs
Case/Lang/Veirs
[Singer-Songwriter / Folk]
You know what I’ve forgotten how much I enjoy? A good ol’ singer-songwriter record, and this is super solid one that reminded of that. Each of the three artists prove their chemistry through not only some amazing vocal harmonies that pop up quite a lot throughout the record, but the constant loveliness that emanates from these 14 tracks. The warmth of the vocal performances and melodies Case, Lang, and Veirs deliver are a breath of fresh air in a year that hasn’t let up with it’s disappointments and general awfulness. ‘case/lang/veirs’ was a great first impression of all three of the artists involved and a solid singer-songwriter record through and through.
Stream & Download: http://caselangveirs.bandcamp.com/
“I Want To Be Here”: https://youtu.be/Dskj0nqnIIY | | 34 |  | A Tribe Called Quest
We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service
[Jazz Rap]
It’s been 18 years since the last Tribe album, and the rap world has changed a hell of a lot since they’ve left. But on ‘We got it from Here…’, the group proves their relevance in 2016 by simultaneously keeping true to themselves while also making a record that doesn’t sound like a relic of the early ‘90s. The beats are unmistakably Tribe, though spotty mixing-wise in the first half, and everyone involved comes through with some nice flows, lyrics, and energy. I honestly wasn’t ready for “Lost Somebody”, a wonderful tribute to Phife that only emphasized the fact that Tribe’s time, at least in their most known incarnation, are over. It’s a bit overlong, but ‘We got it from Here…’ is a great farewell record that has Tribe going out on a high note.
“We The People…”: https://youtu.be/vO2Su3erRIA | | 33 |  | Blood Orange
Freetown Sound
[Alternative R&B / Synthpop / Synth-funk]
I’m gonna be honest, I REALLY didn’t like ‘Cupid Deluxe’. I found it to be one of the most unrewarding and musically lukewarm records to come out of the ‘80s-revivalism boom of the ‘10s. With ‘Freetown Sound’, it’s basically night and day. I found with this album that the songwriting was much more sharp, the production was much more rewarding and pleasant-sounding, and the vocal guests brought much more to the record. Dev Hynes’ vocals are still a bit of an acquired taste for me, but it’s still an improvement on his vocals on ‘Cupid Deluxe’, much like nearly every other element on ‘Freetown Sound’.
“Augustine”: https://youtu.be/NXtzcViZPGA | | 32 |  | Matmos
Ultimate Care II
[IDM / Musique concrète]
Genius can come out of nearly anything. This is something that Matmos has shown they believe through their history of pulling samples from the most absurd of places. That sentiment is especially felt on ‘Ultimate Care ll’, as the duo were able to not only create an entire 36 minute piece out of only the sound of a washer, but make one of the best electronic records of the year in the process as well. Listening to how Matmos manipulates these washer sounds to make them fit into the context of an IDM record, as well as making unedited sounds fit in as well, continues to be a thrill throughout the entire album. ‘Ultimate Care ll’ is another example of artists taking sample-based music to a whole ‘nother level.
Stream & Download: https://matmos.bandcamp.com/album/ultimate-care-ii
“Ultimate Care ll Excerpt 9”: https://youtu.be/jS1Ii77n8iA | | 31 |  | Terrace Martin
Velvet Portraits
[Funk / Jazz / Soul]
Terrace Martin’s ‘Velvet Portraits’ is proof that even more than a year after its release, the ripples of ‘To Pimp A Butterfly’ can still be strongly felt. On ‘Butterfly’, Martin had a hand in most of the best instrumentals; ‘Portraits’ is somewhat of an extension of the style he brought to the record. Over the 60+ runtime, various tones of funk, soul, and jazz are played with, with mostly fruitful results. The album could’ve benefited from more adventurous sounds and performances during it's more jazz-oriented moments, but the great funk pieces and soul tracks more than make up for those weaker ends.
Stream & Download: https://ropeadope99.bandcamp.com/album/velvet-portraits
“Mortal Man”: https://youtu.be/-it0IZ8a0hg | | 30 |  | The Hue
Aurora
[Hip Hop]
This is probably my favorite-sounding hip hop record of the year. While the other components of ‘Aurora’ are solid enough and sometimes cross into wondrous, the “Fiyah Flies”-”7eaven” stretch is especially mind-blowing, it’s the production that really sets the record apart from the rest. The jazz rap and neo-soul elements are solid enough, but it’’s when the album’s space-oriented themes bleed into the beats that things get interesting with some wonderful instrumental oddities and some great synth tones all over the record. The 2nd half’s parts are better than it’s whole, and in general drags a bit, but the greatness of the first 6-7 tracks makes up for them easily.
Stream & Download: https://thehue.bandcamp.com/album/aurora-deluxe-version
“Slick (feat. Ladybug Mecca)”: https://youtu.be/owuzkvtCLTw | | 29 |  | Plague Vendor
Bloodsweat
[Punk]
‘BLOODSWEAT’ is a rather fitting title for this record. Over the 34 minute runtime, Plague Vendor manage to keep the energy high across these 11 rough, gruff, and explosive tracks that embody an old-school “punk” sentiment. The guitars are fiery, the production and hooks are super sharp, and the vocals are vigorous and have their own little quirks. I can sense quite a few Jack White-isms coming from this lead vocalist. Nothing revolutionary, but still a really great rock record that doesn’t have any major flaws to point out.
Stream & Download: http://plaguelyfe.bandcamp.com/
“Jezabel”: https://youtu.be/aEmJFOq-t2A | | 28 |  | Oddisee
The Odd Tape
[Instrumental Hip Hop]
I have a few hang ups when it comes to some instrumental hip hop records. One of them is I often find myself enjoying what I’m hearing on first listen, but I never feel the desire to return to them unless they bring something especially unique to the table. This latter case is where ‘The Odd Tape’ comes into play.The material Oddisee comes through with is super melodic; gives me something to grab onto and return to the record for. In general, these classy beats Oddisee comes through with are consistently hypnotic and plain ol’ chill. This has been one of my go-to studying records for the year and one of my favorite hip hop records of 2016.
Stream & Download: https://oddiseemmg.bandcamp.com/album/the-odd-tape
“Brea”: https://youtu.be/kLtzdQIDoGU | | 27 |  | Okkervil River
Away
[Indie Folk]
When I came into this record, I expected one specific thing: this was gonna be some beautiful sounding shit. I was correct for the most part; the instrumentation throughout the record isn’t too envelope pushing or even that challenging, especially in the 2nd half, but it’s consistently very organic, well-produced, and as lovely to listen to as the cover is to look at. What I didn’t expect as a first-time Okkervil River listener is how self-conscious the lyrics are (though I guess I should’ve saw it coming with a song title like “Okkervil River R.I.P.”). It was definitely a pleasant surprise. The lyrical content of 'Away', fit with the somber and indie folk af vocals of Will Sheff, are certainly some of the more captivating I’ve heard this year.
Stream & Download: https://okkervilriver.bandcamp.com/album/away
“Okkervil River R.I.P.”: https://youtu.be/4BpA_MqGBtk | | 26 |  | Idris Ackamoor and The Pyramids
We Be All Africans
[Spiritual Jazz / Afrobeat]
As the opener rolled through with it’s memorable refrain, incredibly funky backing instrumentation, and just generally upbeat nature, I was expecting a album that followed in suit. But ‘We Be All Africans’ subverted my expectations just enough. There are still parts of the albums that share a similar sound to the opener, but more off-kilter, subtle, and challenging moments do pop up to give the record that much more of an edge. What stays consistent throughout the record is how much of a treat Idris Ackamoor is. His sax playing is not only consistently bold and ear-perking, but the amazing production on this record makes his performances sound that much better. I may not be cool enough to had already heard of The Pyramids, but I’m definitely looking forward to give them a listen after this.
Stream & Download: https://idrisackamoor.bandcamp.com/album/we-be-all-africans
“We Be All Africans”: https://youtu.be/V5jzWoRA2qk | | 25 |  | Snarky Puppy
Culcha Vulcha
[Jazz Fusion]
For a band that has seen much more acclaim for their live records than their studio recordings, ‘Culcha Vulcha’ still manages to impress me quite a bit. It’s obvious from this record that the people behind it obviously have a deep understanding and appreciation of their craft. It’s impressive how much personality can be felt from these instrumental compositions; they can be super funky, sensual, quirky, or even epic. But that may be aided by just how instrumentally full ‘Vulcha’ is. With the instrumental size that these songs carry already, imagining how big live records like ‘Sylvia’ must sound with the addition of an entire orchestra leaves me watering at the mouth.
“Grown Folks (Live)”: https://youtu.be/4DSEGZ4fLV4 | | 24 |  | Kishi Bashi
Sonderlust
[Indie Pop / Baroque Pop]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/71703/Kishi-Bashi-Sonderlust/
The chances of ‘Sonderlust’ meeting its expectations were slim, considering what it had to follow up. When your predecessor is one of the best pop albums to come out in a while, the odds are stacked against you. However, Kishi made a smart move and didn’t try to recreate ‘Lighght’. There are similarities between the two: they’re both beautiful, creative, and well-written records that deserve appreciated. But this one takes a bit more bittersweet tone that may not appeal to everyone who fell in love with ‘Lighght’, but there’s merit to it. There are even songs that match up to the highlights on ‘Lighght’, which is a accomplishment in itself. This could be considered a “step down”, but even a lesser Kishi record is still better than most pop albums.
Stream & Download: https://kishibashi.bandcamp.com/album/sonderlust
“m’lover”: https://youtu.be/tJy2R31xpl8 | | 23 |  | King Gizzard and The Lizard Wizard
Nonagon Infinity
[Psychedelic Rock / Garage Rock]
First of all: I love the concept for this record, I think it’s a really clever idea that makes listening to this album on Spotify/Apple Music/etc. an interesting experience. The songs within this infinitely loopable record are very tight too, thankfully. The first half of this record is a nonstop hellscape filled with burning melodic and rhythmic guitars, entertaining vocal performances from Stu Mackenzie, and live set-level energy. Tracks like “Gamma Knife” and “People-Vultures” are some of the best rock singles of the year no doubt. The 2nd deviates more in pace and sound, a smart move that would’ve kept the record from feeling like a tiring, homogenous drag. In summation, ‘Nonagon Infinity’ is one of the best psych rock records of the year and record that I wouldn’t mind seamlessly looping more than a few times.
Stream & Download: https://kinggizzard.bandcamp.com/album/nonagon-infinity-2
“Gamma Knife / People-Vultures”: https://youtu.be/4oNVggJylq | | 22 |  | Atlanter
Jewels Of Crime
[Progressive Pop]
If I had to pick one album that I’d consider the underdog of 2016, it’d this. Hailing from Norway, Atlanter came out of nowhere for me and came out with one of the most enjoyable rock records of the year. The production is oddly clean for a rock record, which would be a downside for me on most occasions, but something about how Atlanter crafts their songs make it an upside in their case. Or maybe the songwriting is so solid and the instrumentation is so tight on ‘Jewels of Crime’ that I just excused the slightly sanitized sound.
“Jareeze”: https://youtu.be/t28qZaC4quk | | 21 |  | Solange
A Seat At The Table
[Neo-Soul]
‘A Seat At The Table’ is an addition to a long list of recent records that have concerned themselves heavily with the social and political issues we’ve seen develop over the past couple years. But it’s not redundant addition. What Solange does on this record is take the struggles of the black community and rather than try and make bold, wide-reaching statements, she lowers the scale to an exclusively personal level. This approach results in a record that comments on various issues black community faces today in a way only Solange could. Fitting with the very intimate themes of ‘A Seat’ is the soft, subtle neo-soul instrumental stylings Solange and her collaborators take up on this record that may not absolutely blow minds, but will not fail to be incredibly lovely on the ears.
“Don’t Touch My Hair (feat. Sampha)”: https://youtu.be/YTtrnDbOQAU | | 20 |  | Leon Vynehall
Rojus
[Deep House]
This album has very helpful to me whenever I get the occasional burning itch to listen to some deep house. On the best tracks on ‘Rojus’, Vynehall will take a standard house rhythm and build upon it with his own array of colorful, vivid sounds, whether they be vocal or instrumental samples, synthesizers, or other various electronics. The tropical vibe felt on a handful of tracks, particularly “Kiburu’s”, is also a vibe I’m personally down for even if it’s the trendy new thing that even Justin Bieber is hopping on. I don’t really have that much to say about why I enjoy this so much, it’s just an incredibly solid set of deep house cuts that get me grooving (plus I know hell all when it comes to writing about most electronic music).
Stream & Download: https://runningbackrecords.bandcamp.com/album/rojus-designed-to-dance
“Blush”: https://youtu.be/Lrq1ZTjqUHs | | 19 |  | Injury Reserve
Floss
[Hip Hop]
The boys are back, and it seems they’ve come with a huge stylistic change. Indicated by the singles and confirmed by the rest of the record, the jazz rap vibes that were so prevalent on ‘Live From The Dentist Office’ are almost entirely gone, which is honestly a bit disappointing. However, the trio made up for it by coming through with some of the best rap tracks of the year. The first half of this record is a nonstop barrage of Grade-A bangers with killer hooks and some fantastic production from Parker Corey. The second half isn’t as filled up with highlights, but there are some more sentimental cuts thrown in there for emotional variety with more hits than misses. Overall, ‘Floss’ proves that Injury Reserve can still come through with a quality, personality-filled record even with a more streamlined sound.
Stream: https://soundcloud.com/injuryreserve/sets/floss
“All This Money”: https://youtu.be/jcZ1Te9-1go | | 18 |  | Sarah Neufeld
The Ridge
[Post-Minimalism]
To be honest, I wasn’t too enthralled with ‘Never Were The Way She Was’ Neufeld’s heavily praised collaborative album with Colin Stetson. It was a respectable effort, but for someone who wasn’t too familiar with the type of music they brought to the table, it was out of my mental grasp. Saying there was more of a connection between me and the music on ‘The Ridge’ is an understatement. Neufeld finds so many ways to make her violin playing and overall compositions absolutely gorgeous, varied, and captivating. Much like how Kamasi Washington’s ‘The Epic’ acted as a wonderful introduction to modern jazz and jazz in general, ‘The Ridge’ has piqued my interest in getting into much more classically-inclined music and post-minimalism.
Stream & Download: https://sarahneufeld.bandcamp.com/
“The Ridge”: https://soundcloud.com/sarahkneufeld/the-ridge-1 | | 17 |  | Gold Panda
Good Luck And Do Your Best
[Downtempo / Microhouse]
‘Good Luck and Do Your Best’ isn’t exactly groundbreaking for Gold Panda. His textured, organic, sample-heavy sound he broke through with on records like ‘Lucky Shiner’ is still alive and well. What is being done differently is Gold Panda doing Gold Panda at his very best. Many of the tracks on here rank as some of his best compositions to date, and overall this might be his strongest project yet. This is also the prime album of 2016 to admire nature to. ‘Good Luck’ is just so naturally serene and gives of so many relaxing vibes. Listening to this album during the summertime, in the shade, with a slight breeze was no doubt one of the most rewarding listening experiences of the year with an already rewarding record.
Stream & Download: https://goldpanda.bandcamp.com/album/good-luck-and-do-your-best
“Time Eater”: https://youtu.be/mUYfa072n-4 | | 16 |  | The Jezabels
Synthia
[Synthpop / Art Pop]
One current musical trend that I could definitely do without is the surplus of ethereal, subtle, and absolutely bland and boring indie-flavored synthpop and dream pop (listen to Wet’s album ‘Don’t You’ for an example). With ‘Synthia’, The Jezabels give us an album in this style that isn’t completely disposable and instead deserves the descriptor of “epic”. The instrumentals are what truly make this record so wonderful; they’re heavenly yet climactic, and come with a bit of a left-field twist. A close second would have to be Hayley Mary’s soaring vocals that lift these songs even higher than already soared. The Jezabels reached for the stars with this record, and I have to say they fought an uphill battle and still came out victorious.
“Pleasure Drive”: https://youtu.be/dMV_O_z6-6U | | 15 |  | Bruno Mars
24K Magic
[Contemporary R&B]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/72263/Bruno-Mars-24K-Magic/
Bruno has always had the potential to make a great record. He made baby steps toward that goal with ‘Unorthodox Jukebox’, which featured some of the best pop hits of 2013 alongside a bunch of disposable rubbish that made his debut the bane of pop music at the turn of the decade. After a sneak peak at Bruno’s potential with “Uptown Funk”, ‘24K Magic’ sees Mars fully meeting his solo potential, as well as making the best mainstream pop record of the year (sorry Ariana). Everything that made songs like “Uptown Funk” and “Treasure” so great, some swagger-filled vocal performances from Mars, funky production heavily informed by ‘80s R&B and synthfunk, and slick as hell hooks, makes each of the 9 tracks on ‘24K Magic’ an absolute blast.
“That’s What I Like”: https://youtu.be/mPIm_ZZ0yVw | | 14 |  | Jeff Rosenstock
Worry.
[Pop Punk / Indie Rock]
I understand the reason this album has gotten its acclaim. For people who have been following Mr. Rosenstock’s music for a long time, an album of this variety is going to mean much more to them than people that are just getting into him. However, as someone whose first exposure to Jeff’s music was with ‘Worry.’ and someone who usually has a disdain for pop punk, I still found this to be an incredibly entertaining record filled with catchy hooks, wonderful guitarwork, and tons of energy. The vocals took a couple listens to get accustomed to, but I’ve grown to really enjoyed how passionate Jeff comes across, especially on tracks like the opener. In a year where I’ve slowly given pop punk more of a chance, this is my best find from my efforts. I also intend to check as much of Rosenstock’s previous material as I can, because I am hooked.
Stream & Download: https://jeffrosenstock.bandcamp.com/album/worry
“Wave Goodnight To Me”: https://youtu.be/z7MPzv78cWs | | 13 |  | Glass Animals
How To Be A Human Being
[Indie Pop]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/71543/Glass-Animals-How-To-Be-A-Human-Being/
A pretty huge improvement from these guys. ‘How To Be A Human Being’ might not work quite as well as a mood record as its predecessor, but rather shows Glass Animals as much more quirky, dynamic, and bold group. From front to back, ‘Human Being’ is filled to the brim with infectious, hook-heavy pop songs with lyrics that might not always be poetically beautiful, but carry the concept tied to this record with gusto. All of these qualities are tied together by vibrant, colorful beats that pull from hip hop, R&B, rock, indie, and world music and fuses all of them effortlessly. Definitely one of the records I’ve had the most fun with this year.
“Season 2 Episode 3”: https://youtu.be/x2Kwos_oWSc | | 12 |  | Andy Hull
Swiss Army Man OST
#10: Andy Hull & Robert McDowell - Swiss Army Man OST
[a Cappella]
The concept of a Cappella has always been more fascinating to me in theory than the executions I’ve heard. Artists like Pentatonix do next to nothing interesting with the concept, and even though I love Björk, ‘Medulla’ was a bit too left-field for me to fully enjoy. What Andy Hull and Robert McDowell have done with this soundtrack is find the perfect middle ground between the two. With almost no instrumentation, Hull and McDowell are able to bring up more emotions out of me than most artists ever could with some beautiful harmonies, raw vocal performances, and surprisingly varied emotional spectrum considering. Also props for making “Cotton Eye Joe” a true tear-jerker.
“Montage (feat. Daniel Radcliffe & Paul Dano)”: https://youtu.be/VrYCAHIccc8 | | 11 |  | Anderson .Paak
Malibu
[Neo-Soul / R&B / Hip Hop]
Within the 16 tracks and 61 minute runtime of ‘Malibu’, so much ground is covered. Soul, Jazz, West Coast Hip Hop, R&B, and Pop are all thrown in there to give birth to the smooth, funky, kind of trendy, but almost always solid musical palette of the album. Lyrically, ‘Malibu’ is introspective, retrospective, seductive, and celebrative, and does a great job of displaying these moods tactfully. All of these sounds and moods and themes are held together by .Paak, who’s got enough personality and raw talent to keep control of a project that would’ve fallen apart in the hands of nearly anybody else. There are a few filler cuts in the middle that could’ve been left out, but overall ‘Malibu’ is the crown jewel of .Paak’s huge 2016 résumé and one of the most promising records to come out this decade. Let’s just say this isn’t the last we’ll be hearing of .Paak.
“The Season / Carry Me / The Waters (feat. BJ The Chicago Kid)”: https://youtu.be/y_Ka5wiQBEw | | 10 |  | Charles Bradley
Changes
[Soul]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/70476/Charles-Bradley-Changes/
If you’re looking for an album that’s going to be boundary breaking, ‘Changes’ probably won’t be for you. But even if this isn’t the most original record to come out this year, which is obviously not what Bradley was going for, this record is awe-inspiring based off unbridled soul alone. There is no need for trendy sounds or gimmicks. Rather, ‘Changes’ is a powerful record thanks to it’s collection of tightly written soul & funk tracks that tastefully call back to the sounds of soul’s early days and the sheer power and emotion that comes from Bradley’s voice. Bradley has proven on previous records that he’s currently one of the most impressive vocalists in music; ‘Changes’ is just the album where everything else came together to make his best record yet.
Stream & Download: https://charlesbradley.bandcamp.com/album/changes
“Changes”: https://youtu.be/xi49yirJiEA | | 9 |  | Weezer
The White Album
[Power Pop]
With the release of ‘Everything Will Be Alright In The End’, many were claiming it was the true redemption of Weezer. Little did we know that we hadn’t seen anything yet. ‘Everything Will Be Alright In The End’ definitely had its highlights, ones that do match the high points of this new one, but it was still plagued by a handful of duds. On the flip side, ‘The White Album’s greatest quality is just how consistently wonderful it is from front to back. It’s an album that obviously pulls from the band’s past, especially the debut, but it does so with equally impeccable writing and an extra dash of influence from Sunshine Pop to really enforce the summer vibes that seep from the record. Also, it is my favorite album nicknamed “The White Album”.
“California Kids”: https://youtu.be/GMeu0ZubufU | | 8 |  | Esperanza Spalding
Emily's D+Evolution
[Jazz Fusion / Art Pop / Neo-Soul]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/69980/Esperanza-Spalding-Emilys-DEvolution/
Answer me this: would anyone be able to guess that one of the most adventurous, electrifying, and inventive records of 2016 would come from Esperanza “Grammy’s Best New Artist” Spalding? Based off the opener to this record, it’s obvious that we’re listening to the evolution of an artist. Each track on ‘Emily’s D+Evolution’ manages to bring a new sound or mood to the table, but it all manages to feel at home. Alongside social protest songs like “Ebony and Ivory” are Willy Wonka covers, and elements of folk, funk, jazz, soul, and experimental rock all fit under one umbrella thanks to Spalding’s instrumental prowess, vocal wonders, and songwriting expertise that she’s let loose on what is easily her best project yet.
“One”: https://youtu.be/bGqmoWH-t1c | | 7 |  | David Bowie
Blackstar
[Art Rock]
When the title track for this record first dropped back in November of last year, it was already an incredible song that was insanely experimental for someone of Bowie’s age. When the album came out and I listened to it for the first time, it was a wonderful, mind-blowing experience that appealed to someone who’d only heard one or two previous Bowie albums, something incredibly rare for someone as incredibly deep into their career as Bowie. Then Monday hit. Every listen since has felt like a whole new record. Songs like “Lazarus” that I originally felt were just decent became absolutely soul-crushing when put into context. ‘Blackstar’ is a record that owes a good amount of its emotional power to the circumstances it was released under, but that doesn’t make it any less credible as a stunning swan-song that still would’ve wowed if Bowie never passed.
“Lazarus”: https://youtu.be/y-JqH1M4Ya8 | | 6 |  | Stimming
Alpe Lusia
[Tech House]
When you take the emotional, organic sounds and textures of a Gold Panda project and fuse them with the solid and hypnotic grooves to be expected from a house record, there is no other way to intrigue my interest faster when it comes to electronic music. Thankfully, with ‘Alpe Lusia’, Stimming is able to meet expectations and exceed them with one of the most beautiful, climactic electronic albums to grace my ears in a long time. Each element that Martin Stimming throws into these already incredible grooves, whether it be some enforcing strings, Eastern music influences that enforce the Gold Panda vibes even more, or some absolutely gorgeous vocal samples and choirs, builds the emotional intensity up even higher. What you’re left with is a record that will make you groove in your seat while letting a single tear shed down your cheek.
“Prepare”: https://youtu.be/7Kimj3pPScY | | 5 |  | Ty Segall
Emotional Mugger
[Garage Rock]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/69540/Ty-Segall-Emotional-Mugger/
As you can tell from this list and basically everything else I’ve done on this website, I listen to virtually no “heavy music” à la metal, hardcore punk, etc.. So it’s rare for an album to become a favorite of mine based on how heavy it is. Then came along ‘Emotional Mugger’, which didn’t blow my mind the first time I heard it, but rather had a delayed impact that hit almost as hard as the riffs on this record. Tracks like “Diversion” and “Mandy Cream” are the garage rock masterpieces and go harder and heavier than anything else this year. Working in tangent with the pure kickass musicality of ‘Mugger’ is some of Segall’s finest songwriting to date. ‘Emotional Mugger’: it’s rough, it’s fuzzy, it’s well-written, it’s guitars are scorching, and the guitar solos are to die for. It’s everything I want out of a garage rock record and more.
"Candy Sam": https://youtu.be/lXyD4L6vgVA | | 4 |  | James Blake
The Colour in Anything
[Alternative R&B / Art Pop]
There was a something about this record I was enamoured with that I couldn’t put my finger on for a long time. It wasn’t the instrumentals; the beautiful, icy, and surprisingly vast production stands as some of Blake’s best and stood out to me almost immediately. It wasn’t the vocals; Blake has a voice that may not appeal to everyone, but his elegant vocals definitely got to me. Besides, with some of the best, most melancholy melodies of the year, it wasn’t hard for that to be the case. I did eventually figure out what that certain something was: vividness. Whenever I listen to this album, all I can imagine are caves made of solid ice, dripping icicles, and frost overtaking Blake as he sings these songs in his self-imposed icy seclusion. Wonderful records are able to paint a picture within the listener’s mind, and no record in 2016 did so quite as beautifully as ‘The Colour In Anything’.
“I Need A Forest Fire (feat. Bon Iver)”: https://youtu.be/sAJgs1P-uUE | | 3 |  | Car Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial
[Indie Rock]
My Review: http://www.sputnikmusic.com/review/70788/Car-Seat-Headrest-Teens-of-Denial/
‘Teens of Denial’ has it’s fair share of angst. Hell, the 12 minute mammoth that is “The Ballad Of The Costa Concordia” compares Will Toledo’s early ‘20s blues to the sinking of a cruise ship. However, it’s also a kind of angst that I, someone who had thought that he had skipped over the angsty phase, relate to on a disconcerting level. Nearly every stress that Toledo articulately laments over as he tries to transition from a directionless, emotionally conflicted youth to a self-sustaining adult over the course of this record is one that I am either facing right now or fear may be in my near future.
Aside from all the lyrical reliabilities that won’t matter to someone who isn’t in a similar position, Toledo and co. still manage to make a wonderful rock record that recontextualizes the sounds of ‘90s indie rock for the internet age to a tee. | | 2 | | Car Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial
‘Teens of Denial’ particularly shines in the songwriting department; Will Toledo manages to keep the ambitious song structures of previous Car Seat Headrest projects alive and well while making the punchiest, most immediate album in his discography yet. Even aside from any context, Toledo writes lyrics with a wonderful balance of depression, introspection, and wit that few artist this year rivaled in sheer enjoyability.
If you were to ask me if I think this is objectively the best record 2016 has to offer, I’d probably have to say no. I’d probably go for a more conventional ‘Blackstar’ choice. But I usually base my choice for album of the year based off this question: Which record will be the one that will first come to mind when I think of when I think of this year in music 10 or so years later? ‘Teens of Denial’ would have to be the answer to that question, as no other album has stuck with me more or defined my year more than this one. | | 1 | | Car Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial
Stream & Download: https://carseatheadrest.bandcamp.com/album/teens-of-denial
“Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales”: https://youtu.be/ccztRby3FAk | |
wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | Presenting the most self-indulgent thing ever. Enjoy.
If any of the links don't work, make sure to tell me.
Happy New Year | Conmaniac
01.03.17 | yayyy nice man props for 1 (:
will read through these nice effort | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | Thanks Con! | FullOfSounds
01.03.17 | This was really needed during all this drama n stuff.
Amazing list | 50iL
01.03.17 | [2]
Feature needed tbh | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | Glad that I could be of help. I've been watching that unravel...it's pretty fucking ugly. | FullOfSounds
01.03.17 | Oh indeed it is... Despicable behavior.
Feature needed tbh [2] | AlexKzillion
01.03.17 | Sweet list ferro, love these descriptions | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | Thank you! 18 and 32 were no doubt one of the most interesting records I heard this year, and 23 was just a hunk of fun. Excited for their 5 other albums coming out this year (supposedly).
and yeah, I just spent the last couple months just writing out these blurbs when I didn't have anything else going on. Eventually these blurbs became for me more than anything else, hence "self-indulgent thing ever". | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | bump because I posted this at the worst possible time | Dewinged
01.03.17 | Sweet list Ferro, some of the stuff I am not familiar with and i wanna take my time to read those descriptions so bookmarked. | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | Thanks man, which ones in particular were interested in? | Dewinged
01.03.17 | For starters, apart from 6 and 7, I haven't jammed your top 10, and I've seen CSR in more than one list. | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | I feel like out of all my top 10 (that you haven't heard), I feel the most likeable is that Charles Bradley. Just a bunch of solid af soul tracks. Plus it's a mad overlooked record on Sputnik, so you'll be a part of my cool kids club 😎 | BlushfulHippocrene
01.03.17 | Great list, Ferro. I've listened to most of the stuff on here that would interest me much, but well done on the descriptions. I might check 25. | Dewinged
01.03.17 | Haha ok man, I'll check Charlie. | wtferrothorn
01.03.17 | @Blushful Yeah, 25 is a fun one.
In case anyone was interested, here's my honorable mentions:
YG - Still Brazy
Open Mike Eagle & Paul White - Hella Personal Film Festival
Weyes Blood - Front Row Seat To Earth
Mary Lattimore - At The Dam
Hikrahe - Lily (The Wilt) | Dewinged
01.03.17 | Weyes' latest was good but the one before was waaaay better. | AsleepInTheBack
01.04.17 | wonderful list, been meaning to check a lot of these. Much love for car seat of course | VaxXi
01.10.17 | Man this list fell under the radar hard, good stuff ferro. | wtferrothorn
01.10.17 | Well I was a dummy and posted this just as the sach-mods controversy was in full force, so I guess the site's attention was on something else. But thanks man! | theBoneyKing
01.10.17 | Wow this is an awesome list, why the hell wasn't it featured? | MyNameIsPencil
01.10.17 | yeah what VaxXi said d00d | FullOfSounds
01.10.17 | Just listened to 32 a few days ago, it was so fuckin cool | theBoneyKing
01.11.17 | Wait now I'm confused. Was this featured or not? Because now it is. | wtferrothorn
01.11.17 | http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634174&page=191
"http://www.sputnikmusic.com/list.php?listid=172309
This came out last week, but feature anyway pls? Stellar descriptions and the works, props Ferro"
btw ty Full!
| FullOfSounds
01.11.17 | No problem! It def deserved it | theBoneyKing
01.11.17 | Ah, thought I was crazy for a second there. Congrats Ferro. Was working on my own descriptions today and they're not half as good as yours. | wtferrothorn
01.11.17 | Ok, thanks Jom. I actually decided not to intervene because I uploaded this list just as the debacle with sach started, so I felt poking into the thread in that condition asking for a feature wouldn't have been the best timing. I guess I could've asked earlier when that drama was over, but oh well. Still appreciate the feature! | FullOfSounds
01.11.17 | 'Tis a shame but at least the thought is there | wtferrothorn
01.11.17 | yup | theBoneyKing
01.11.17 | 'Tis a pity sach was a whore | ashcrash9
01.11.17 | oh fuck yeah, I'm surprised I missed this last week
excellent list, ferro! |
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