2016 : From favorite to least favorite
I tried to get on Sputnik Music a few years ago but I never really gave enough time to this experience, so I'm starting it all again. This is just my ongoing list of releases I listened to from this year. |
| 1 |  | Benjamin Biolay
Palermo Hollywood
Biolay's seventh full-length is an inspired and inspiring journey inside the mind of an artist who find and lost love, while discovering Argentina's culture. Beneath all the introspection and self-deprecation still lies the biting social commentary and brillant instrumental work of Biolay's back catalogue. This is probably his most complete and ambitious record yet, and a highly rewarding listen for sure. |
| 2 |  | Radiohead
A Moon Shaped Pool
Radiohead's art-rock/breakup record is exactly what it sounds like : a difficult and at points downright depressing listen. However, the songs are so well-realized and intricate, it is hard to deny the impact this album can have on the listener. A true emotional rollercoaster... |
| 3 |  | David Bowie
Blackstar
Bowie's cryptic reflection on his own death and legacy is gut-wrenching : the jazz-influenced experimental instrumentals on this thing are mesmerizing as is Bowie's cracked voice delivering his last few haunting melodies. |
| 4 |  | Xiu Xiu
Plays The Music Of Twin Peaks
A surprisingly cohesive listen, filled with beautiful and creative interpretations of classic themes from the classic TV show. Stewart's performances on the vocal cuts are incredible, and the whole thing just perfectly captures the tone of Twin Peaks, and adds a lot to Lynch's denunciation of american conformity. |
| 5 |  | Lemon Demon
Spirit Phone
Neil Cicierega's return to his main musical project is filled with darkly comedic, socially aware and absurdly catchy new-wave inspired pop songs, helped by a sharper production than usual. The supernatural themes and nerdy demeanor of the whole thing are just further proofs of the complete success of this release. |
| 6 |  | Get Well Soon
Love
Konstantin Gropper's attempt to go in a more pop-centric direction is a true success as it maintains the composer's ear for melody, while treating the common theme of love in an original manner. Both satirical and highly emotional, Love is another fantastic record for Get Well Soon. |
| 7 |  | Car Seat Headrest
Teens of Denial
The structuring ambition exposed here could be a trick to hide a lack of interesting content, but Will Toledo knows better : his great vocal performance and meaningful lyrics, backed by a dense mix of guitar, bass, drums and the occasional synths and horns, forms a quietly devastating tale of existential despair. |
| 8 |  | The Drones
Feelin Kinda Free
The Drones' acerbic take on modern society is as exciting as ever here, but the electronic experimentation and eerie melodies of this record give their music a new dynamic. It's to the point without being simplistic and every track has its own spin on a sound palette that could sound tiring in the hands of a lesser band. |
| 9 |  | Kyle Craft
Dolls of Highland
Kyle Craft's amalgamation of 70's sounds is pretty unique, as is his over-the-top delivery. For all its theatrical presentation and loud instrumentals, Dolls of Highland is a highly romantic and genuinely heartfelt debut that should not be overlooked as much as it is. |
| 10 |  | Iggy Pop
Post Pop Depression
A blunt reflection on death, by a man with nothing to prove. The instrumentals are pretty varied and show the mastery of the musicians as both players and songwriters. The tracklisting is not as consistent as it could be, but it is overall a great record nonetheless. |
| 11 |  | Philippe Katerine
Le Film
Katerine's midlife view of what it is to be human nowadays. The minimalist "voice with piano" approach works damn well with the singer's wild personality and thought-provoking melodies. The lyrics are quite sad when you really pay attention to them, but their playfulness and Katerine's trademark extravagant presentation make it a really engaging listen. |
| 12 |  | Yeasayer
Amen & Goodbye
The sense of musical discovery on Yeasayer's fourth record enthralls you right away, despite the dark intensity of the lyrics. Linear structures, disturbing interludes, and sticky pop melodies all come together in a cohesive whole. Not a perfect record however, as the ending is quite disappointing. |
| 13 |  | Suede
Night Thoughts
Suede do what they usually do really well : hooky, lyrical britpop with a theatrical edge and irresistible guitar melodies. The atmosphere build on this record and its flow are impressive, but the songwriting gets a little off-putting in the second half. Still incredible they're releasing albums this good today... |
| 14 |  | M83
Junk
The sound they're using here takes away a lot of their unique characteristics. However, the dynamic composition, interesting structures and poignant nostalgia are undeniable signs of greatness for me. A few duds but a really satisfying record as a whole. |
| 15 |  | Savages
Adore Life
This is not the sophomore slump that could have happened with a band this serious that uses such a specific sound. Beth's point on view on love is fascinating and the writing is nuanced enough to get her points across seamlessly. A few production issues, slightly repetitive songwriting, and less memorable songs stops this from being a home-run, but it is still a quality release. |
| 16 |  | Weezer
The White Album
I'm in the minority here, but Cuomo's lyrical tropes seem like tired clichés at this point and all the self-awareness and newfound maturity of their last record have not translated to this record, while musically it doesn't have the scope of their best work. This is just some more catchy empty-headed summer pop... |
| 17 |  | Dionysos
Vampire en pyjama
Dionysos' trademark energetic pop-rock sound, their lyrics full of haunting and surreal imagery, and bittersweet melodies are gone in this toothless folk-pop record centered around lead singer's fight against aplastic anemia. While there are definitely emotional highlights here, a lot of this record feels just uninspired. This is not a bad record, just not on par with their back catalogue : in reality, it feels more grounded in reality yet much less universal and relatable... |
| 18 |  | The Last Shadow Puppets
Everything You've Come To Expect
Not that great of a follow-up to an album that is already a little overrated in my book (let's say time has been kind to it). Yes, the arrangements are well-done, but am I the only one tired of Alex Turner's insufferable lyrics about superficial relationships ? The melody writing is not that strong neither. Really disappointing. |
| 19 |  | Panic! At the Disco
Death of a Bachelor
A disappointing and overblown mess of a pop record, lacking the gripping emotions Brendon Urie is known for and a sense of purpose and interest for the most part. A few really good tracks and a solid central performance makes up a little for the production and writing issues. |
| 20 |  | Kanye West
The Life of Pablo
A generic and far from compelling mess with so many filler tracks it's hard to remember them all. Easily West's weakest release, and I am kinda sad for him as he is seemingly losing his mind and letting his ego taking the control of his superficial life. |
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