Top 10 Albums of 2016

by Cassie Florido
Dec 21, 2016
4 min read

Here is my list of the top 10 albums released in 2016. This list is based on my own personal opinion and taste in music.

10) Distant Like You Asked - Like Pacific

Filled with angry-toned tracks, Distant Like You Asked is the ultimate "screw you" album all pop-punk fans need in their life. Many of tracks, fueled by hatred, contribute to the overall passionate tone of the album. Singer Jordan Black delivers hard-hitting and well-thought-out lyrics on every song on the album. While much of the album sounds similar instrumentally, the lyrics drive the album and set the tone for a great all-around album.

Favorite Song: Worthless Case

9) Be Nothing. - Boston Manor

Boston Manor's debut album Be Nothing. quickly secured their spot as an emerging band in the alternative music scene. The rock-driven album is accompanied by haunting lyrics. The album opens up with aggressive-toned "Burn You Up" which sets a powerful tone for the rest of the album. Notable tracks such as "Cu" and "Broken Glass" show the genre-bending style that Boston Manor brings to the table.

Favorite Song: Lead Feet

8) Double Dare - Waterparks

Waterparks nailed it with their first album release with Pure Noise Records. With standout songs like "Royal" and "Gloom Boys," Waterparks creates catchy melodies to accompany somber lyrics. Double Dare showcases singer Awsten Knight's vulnerable side. His vocal abilities shine through on "21 Questions" and "Powerless." Double Dare is the perfect introduction to the electric, pop-punk music Waterparks will make during their inevitable successful career.

Favorite Song: 21 Questions

7) ANTI - Rihanna

Rihanna has consistently released top charting singles throughout her career. With her ANTI release, she finally delivered an album that should be viewed as a full body of work. ANTI shows off Rihanna's incredible vocal range with songs like "Close To You" and "Love On The Brain." ANTI focuses on all aspects of love. Rihanna talks about new love, old love, sex, being alone and wanting more out of love. ANTI is Rihanna's most emotionally revealing album and will be remembered as one of her best works.

Favorite Song: Needed Me

6) I like it when you sleep, for you are so beautiful yet unaware of it - The 1975

After switching from their black & white aesthetic, people were intrigued to find out how "the new" The 1975 would sound. With this album, The 1975 show growth with connections to old lyrics. However, Matty Healy still struggles with the same issues he faced on their self-titled album. Healy deals with struggles in his personal life and his battle with drugs and mental health. Complex lyrics and soulful instrumentals produce the overshadowing theme of the progression of The 1975 after their thrust into the spotlight.

Favorite Song: Somebody Else

5) Chemical Miracle - Trophy Eyes

When Trophy Eyes released a few singles prior to the album release, it was obvious Chemical Miracle was something special. Trophy Eyes strayed from their previous sound and tried something new. It paid off in a major way. Chemical Miracle features a more controlled, yet still edgy sound. Addressing heavy issues, lead singer John Floreani perfectly delivers haunting lyrics about depression and suicide. Each song on the album delivers an important message and leaves listeners hanging on every gut-wrenching lyric.

Favorite Song: Daydreamer

4) Starboy - The Weeknd

With his new album, The Weeknd refers to himself as a "Starboy" which is Jamaican slang for someone of importance. Starboy talks about The Weeknd's money, status, love life and party lifestyle. The album features songs that contrast each other. On one hand, with songs like "Rockin'" The Weeknd only wants the pleasure a woman can give him. Then, in songs like "Die For You" he would give everything up for the girl he had to let go. The Weeknd's struggle between what he wants and what he can have is what drives Starboy.

Favorite Song: A Lonely Night

3) Better Weather - With Confidence

Australian-band With Confidence burst into the scene with their debut release, Better Weather. This pop-punk album is arguable one of the best pop-punk debuts by a band in recent years. Addressing the subjects of mental health, loss and flawed relationships, many of the tracks go deeper than the catchy melodies heard on the surface. Better Weather has successfully secured With Confidence as a growing force in the pop-punk scene.

Favorite Song: Voldemort

2) Misadventures - Pierce The Veil

The long-awaited return of Pierce The Veil did not disappointment. With cleaned-up instrumentals and incredible vocals from Vic Fuentes, it's no doubt the band's sound has grown since their previous release in 2013. Vic Fuentes creates beautiful, yet tragic stories as he sings about suicidal tendencies, the pressures of pleasing others and the struggles of love. Anyone who questioned PTV's status in the music scene, needs to give Misadventures a listen. Pierce The Veil aren't going anywhere.

Favorite Song: Floral and Fading

1) Blush - Moose Blood

Moose Blood had a lot of pressure to deliver an album that could stand up next to their debut album. Blush did just that and more. With a shift to a more blissful, emo-pop style, Moose Blood have grown while staying true to their sound. The melodic guitar-driven sounds mixed with relatable lyrics of love make Blush a standout. Blush also features gloomy lyrics about being away from loved ones and dealing with loss. Blush was the release of the year due to each tracks' well-rounded sound and perfectly crafted lyrics.

Favorite Song: Knuckles