here's the top five albums 2016, a fantastic year for music, RANKED in reverse order...
FIVE Lemonade, Beyoncé
I have issues with this album - it's a little too much about her marriage. This project by Queen B is one of her most personal albums ever, with many seeing it as being about her relationship with husband Jay-Z. Songs like ‘Don’t Hurt Yourself’ grabbed the headlines for its savage lyrics. However, perhaps these words are there just to grab attention. There has not been any consistent talk about the two being in an unstable relationship. This is one of Beyoncé's most conceptual and mature albums to date. It takes elements of almost very genre of music, including R&B, hip-hop, country, rock, you name it, it is all here. This album has made headlines for many reasons, whether for Beyoncé's politically charged performance during the Superbowl or her very personal lyrics. It grabbed my attention for none of these reasons, but for being a great album, full stop.
FOUR Blonde, Frank Ocean
Oh how we have missed Frank Ocean these past few years. Since leaving Tyler the Creator’s Odd Future, Frank has been one of the world's most promising pop artists. He writes for people like John Legend and his debut release ‘Channel Orange’ made shock waves across the music landscape as one of the best albums of 2012. Since then, Frank has been away from the limelight... until now. He has released two albums this year, with the visual album ‘Endless’ posted 24 hours before 'Blonde'. The later album is different sounding to his previous records. There are subtle uses of acoustic guitar and Frank’s voice is heavenly, especially track ‘Self-Control.’ It is a very stylish LP that was well worth the wait.
THREE I Like It When You Sleep for You are So Beautiful Yet so Unaware of It - The 1975
It’s a very long title isn’t it? It doesn’t really surprise me though when it was the idea of their frontman, Matthew Healy. If you have not read my concert review of The 1975 that I did back in March, check it out now - they are amazing live. The band's formula has not changed from their self-titled album in 2013. It is bubble gum rock at its very best, with a wonderful mix of keyboards and synthesisers. These come together particularly in the single ‘Love Me.’ The 1975 are making waves around the world, going to number one on the Billboard Top 100 and selling out the O2. They are one of my favourite bands for their personality and style.
TWO Konnichiwa, Skepta
I never was a fan of grime until last year, until JME blew up with his hit ‘Man Don’t Care.’ I then took notice of JME’s older brother and fellow Boy Better Know member Skepta. His new LP ‘Konnichiwa’ has changed my view of grime music, which is a combination of hip-hop and British underground. This album deserves recognition for many different reasons. Whether that would be ‘Lyrics’ for its fast pace and banger beat, or ‘Crime Ridden’ for its message on policing. Skepta’s was victorious in the Mercury Music Award, defeating the likes of Radiohead, Bat for Lashes and even the late David Bowie. Perhaps Skepta will change people's opinion on the grime genre.
ONE Bottomless Pit, Death Grips
Um what is this, you may ask? Many may have never heard of this band before, but Death Grips are defined as a glitch-hop band, consisting of rapper MC Ride and producer Zach Hill. Think of it as combination of heavy metal, electronic and hip-hop. Songs like ‘Spikes,’ ‘Three Bedrooms in a Good Neighbourhood’ and ‘Trash’ have some of the catchiest riffs in music today and the lyrics that can only be summarised as brutal. I can see why many people would not like this album, it is not exactly... subtle in nature. However, what it does brilliantly is combine three genres that you would, at first, think could not fit together. It works, but weirdly; it is psychotic and fantastic. This album has been given universal acclaimed by critics, who cite it as one of the most experimental projects in years. This album is why I love being born in a musical period where music can go pretty much anywhere it wants.
Views expressed are author's own and do not represent those of Knights Templar School or its staff. When purchasing music or visiting websites, remember to check for any parental advisory message or age restrictions