Year-End List: 40 Best Albums of 2016

11. Kanye West, The Life of Pablo

 [Def Jam]

The Life of Pablo gives Kanye West another fine album, if not the crowning achievement of his illustrious career.  Even with question marks and an odd rollout for an album that eventually debuted on the Billboard 200 at no. 1, there’s ample praise.  Opener “Ultralight Beam,” for example, is easily among the best songs of West’s career. “Famous” (featuring Rihanna) is controversial AF, yet intriguing in spite of that same controversy. There’s also a superstar collaboration with Kendrick Lamar on “No More Parties in LA” that can’t be overlooked.

Gems: “Ultralight Beam,” “Famous,” “Waves,” “No More Parties in LA” & “Facts”

12. Panic! At the Disco, Death of A Bachelor

[Fueled by Ramen]

Brendon Urie is a god –  a musical god that is! Panic! At the Disco continually plays to their strengths: incorporating a wide variety of styles and a heavy dosage of eccentricity.  Some might consider Death of a Bachelor a weird album, but its idiosyncrasies make acknowledgeable among the year’s best. Filled with thrilling moments, among the crème de la crème is the Sinatra-like title track and epic closer, “Impossible Year.”

Gems: “Victorious,” “Don’t Threaten Me with A Good Time,” “Hallelujah,” “Death of A Bachelor” & “Impossible Year”

13. Bastille, Wild World

 [Virgin]

British alternative, indie-pop collective Bastille deliver a gem with sophomore album Wild World. Consistent from start to finish, Wild World spoils the listener with a wide variety of sounds and flawless falsetto from frontman Dan Smith. Even so, somehow, Wild World ended up being one of the most underappreciated, underrated albums of 2016.  Sad considering the presence of such elite singles as “Good Grief,” “Send Them Off,” and “Fake It,” not to mention non-singles “The Currents” and “Four Walls (The Ballad of Perry Smith).”

Gems: “Good Grief,” “The Currents,” “Glory,” “Send Them Off!”, “Four Walls (The Ballad of Perry Smith)” & “Fake It”

14. Tyler Glenn, Excommunication

[Island]

Tyler Glenn (Neon Trees) delivered another exceptional if underrated alternative album in 2016.  Excommunication centers around Glenn’s exit from the LDS church.  He wasn’t excommunicated as the title suggests, but as he sees it throughout the album, the church wasn’t LGBT friendly (Glenn is openly gay).  He doesn’t bite his tongue throughout the synth-heavy affair, whether it’s the lack of choice (“G.D.M.M.L. Grls”) or feeling liberated (“Devil”).  Early single “Trash” raised eyebrows ahead of Excommunication, among prime examples of Glenn denouncing a “Bad Religion” to quote Frank Ocean.

Gems: “Sudden Death (OMG),” “G.D.M.M.L. Grls,” “Trash,” “Shameless,” “First Vision” & “Devil”

15. Childish Gambino, “Awaken, My Love!”

[Glassnote]

Donald Glover Aka Childish Gambino is incredibly talented. Known for his acting and rapping, on his third studio album, “Awaken, My Love!”, he trades rap for singing.  It’s a risk, but the reward is great. “Awaken, My Love!” is a throwback soul album, unlike anything else released over the course of 2016.  Gems are abundant, whether it’s the love-centric “Me and Your Mama,” the lustful “Redbone,” or the paternal “Baby Boy.”

Gems: “Me and Your Mama,” “Boogieman,” “Redbone” & “Baby Boy”

https://youtu.be/Aud86OSqQ1w

16. Michael Kiwanuka, Love & Hate

[Polydor]

There should be nothing but love for Michael Kiwanuka, a talented British musician who oozes with soul yet is equally gifted as a singer/songwriter.  Like so many underrated musicians, Kiwanuka is something like a “best kept secret.” He shouldn’t be. His radiant sophomore album Love & Hate proves why.  10-minute opener “Cold Little Heart” is ambitious, emotional, and thoughtful to the nth degree.  “Black Man in a White World” does brilliantly opens discussion about social issues and eliminate stereotypes. The grand title track is worth the time it takes to percolate.

Gems: “Cold Little Heart,” “Black Man in a White World,” “Love & Hate,” “Rule the World” & “Father’s Child”

17. Kendrick Lamar, Untitled Unmastered

[Interscope]

On our mid-year list, Untitled Unmastered sat at no. 4.  While it slips a smidge on the year-end rankings, that shouldn’t dissuade against its exceptionalness in the least. Untitled Unmastered is as good as an collection of B-sides gets. While it isn’t on the level of his two studio albums, it’s not that far off.  One of the appeals of this album is that every song can be broken down analytically – there is a distinct message.

Gems: “Untitled 01,” “Untitled 02,” “Untitled 05” & “Untitled 08”

18. J. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only

[Dreamville / Roc Nation]

A rap album with no guest features? That’s no problem for rap standout J. Cole.  On 4 Your Eyez Only, he delivers another award-winning album. 4 Your Eyez Only is a personal, authentic offering that requires a couple of listens to completely sink in. Arguably not his best album, it is his most personal and thoughtful.  “Immortal” represents the crème de la crème, where Cole profiles the lot in life for black males (stereotypes).  He also pays ode to his wife (“She’s Mine, Pt. 1” and “Foldin Clothes”) and his daughter (“She’s Mine, Pt. 2”).

Gems: “Immortal,” “Change,” “Neighbors” & “Foldin Clothes”

19. Anthony Hamilton, What I’m Feelin’

[RCA]

Traditional R&B doesn’t get the respect or notoriety that it should.  Regardless, Anthony Hamilton delivers an exceptional album from start to finish.  What I’m Feelin’ is another magnificent addition to Hamilton’s stacked discography. It is a reminder that R&B it IS NOT DEAD.  “Amen” manages to incorporate hip-hop without compromising Hamilton’s neo-soul sound.  “Take You Home” sounds like Sunday morning services.
Gems: “Save Me,” “Ain’t No Shame,” “What I’m Feelin’,” “Amen,” “Grateful” & “Take You Home”

20. Common, Black America Again

[Def Jam]

Common is the KING of underrated. Nonetheless, he delivers a tour de force with Black America Again, arguably his best album in years. Black America Again is socially and politically charged affair.  The reason why this album is spot-on is because of its relevancy to the times. A number of notable songs grace the effort, including “Home,” which references both the Biblical and black experience. “Pyramids,” another standout, finds Common denouncing empty rap in favor of rap serving a bigger, worldwide purpose.

Gems: “Home,” “Black America Again,” “Red Wine,” “The Day Women Took Over,” “Rain” & “Letter to the Free”