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Frank Ocean, Blonde © Boys Don't Cry

As the year winds down, the elite albums of 2016 will further separate themselves from the rest of the pack.  The year has seen several solid album releases, but truly, it’s easy to pick out the crème de la crème.  In an age where tracks seem to carry more weight and are more likely to earn RIAA certification, the top-five albums on this edition of the 10 best albums are near-locks.

1. Beyoncé, Lemonade

[Sony]

Beyoncé, Lemonade © Sony

  • Gems: “Hold Up,” “Don’t Hurt Yourself,” “Sorry,” “Sandcastles,” “Freedom” and “Formation”
  • Potential Grammys: Album of the Year, Best R&B Performance, Best R&B Song, Best Urban Contemporary Album

 

 Photo Credit: Columbia


the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.