2016 was an interesting year for music for me so my top albums stray from my norms. I spent much more time listening to singles of new artists opposed to entire albums. I also spent much more time listening to podcasts which was new for me. There are definitely albums I would have liked to listen to but never got a chance. That being said, here’s my top 10 albums of 2016:

10. Jentrify – Elujay

I’ve never been exposed to Elujay prior to this year and I’m glad to have stumbled upon him. The 20 year old from Oakland, CA really impressed me with Jentrify. The album was filled with honest soulful music and a variety of styles throughout the entire album. It’s a breath of fresh air away from mumble rap.

Favorite Song – Respirate/Atlas

9. The Colour in Anything – James Blake

James Blake, deep blues and grey, chilly, sad. This album strays away from some of his previous work in various ways yet still is unparalleled and deeply textured. The album is almost entirely about lost love which can be draining but it’s worth it. Let’s be honest, sometimes that’s exactly what we want.. need to hear.

Favorite Song – Love Me In Whatever Way, Choose Me

8. Three – Phantogram

Compared to Phantogram’s other albums this was the most disappointing to me however still a solid album. Phantogram continues to separate themselves in uniqueness and production and are often overlooked in their lyricism to me. With tracks about suicide, destroying relationships, and cruelness it’s hard not to appreciate Phantogram.

Favorite Song – Same Old Blues, Destroyer, Cruel World

7. Malibu – Anderson .Paak

Man, I can’t praise Anderson .Paak enough for his work. After bursting onto the scene on Dr. Dre’s Compton Album .Paak has been everywhere. He has such a unique and conversational voice and this album portrays that. It’s sincere and soulful. “I spent years being called out my name, living under my greatness,” This line in the album alone gives me chills everytime I hear it. Malibu is an excellent album and perhaps to low on my top 10.

Favorite Song – The Season/Carry Me, Heart Don’t Stand A Chance, The Dreamer

6. Sunlit Youth – Local Natives

Local Natives has one of my top 3 favorite albums of all time so to say this was a let down isn’t saying much. The album is dependable and gratifying though not the most innovative. The album covers aging, change, and where life has left you. I would recommend Local Natives to anyone who appreciates Indie Rock and Alternative.

Favorite Song – Fountain of Youth, Dark Days, Past Lives

5. The Narrative – Sho Baraka

Arguably the best rap album of the year if it wasn’t for another higher on my list. Sho Baraka, a well known Christian rapper tackles some of the most prominent issues in the black community to date. Discussing racism, poverty, red lining, the problem with simply voting democrat and even more humbling tracks such as loving his son with autism, this album is incredible all around. Literally the only song I don’t like is 30 & Up and that’s because I’m 25. Sho touches topics no one is willing to touch.

Favorite Song – Maybe Both, Myhood, U.S.A., Fathers

4. The Human Condition – Jon Bellion

Jon Bellion is one of my favorite artists currently and this album didn’t disappoint. Usually I stray far away from straight pop music but Jon has a rawness and honesty about him that’s hard not to admire. He’s also one of the few musicians I know that uses his voice in unique ways to create instrumentals in the way Kanye does. Although the album is mainly pop, Jon dives deeper into the façade of an American Dream, Fashion and his flaws as a human being. This album is very well done and the production is incredible.

Favorite Song – All Time Low, Maybe IDK, Overwhelming, Hand of God

3. Blond – Frank Ocean

Blond should be on everyone’s top 10 for 2016 let alone mine. Frank Ocean’s transparency throughout the entire album is contagious and humbling. The characters he creates throughout the album allows us to escape yet experience our own reality. I can converse over this album for hours over its complexity. Well done Frank Ocean.

Favorite Song – Nights, Self-Control

2. Coloring Books – Chance The Rapper

My favorite rap album of the year and unmatched in my opinion compared to other rap albums this year. Chance really solidified himself as a force to be reckoned with in not only just rap but music in general. Unsigned to any label, Chance was able to expand on his musical talents without worrying about creating a hit although he still did that. From anthems like No Problems to feelings of Nostalgia on Summer Friends, to dance songs like All Night and undisputed lyricism in Blessing pt. 2. Chance is the real deal and also a great role model.

Favorite Song – No Problems, Summer Friends, Blessings Pt.2

1.  How To Be a Human Being – Glass Animals

Man… this album is great. It satisfied all the weirdness in me while expounding on my imagination and still remains incredibly human. Every song is filled with unique synths, noises, instrumentals and carries meaning with lyrics. I’m just disappointed it took me so long to listen to it. This was my favorite album of the year and I recommend it to anyone.

Favorite Song – Agnes, Season 2 Episode 3, Life Itself, Youth