1.)
Nights by Frank Ocean
Neo-Soul. Melancholy, nostalgic, reminiscing about a former relationship
2.)
How Can You Leave Me On My Own by The Divine Comedy
Chamber Pop. Destined to become a classic. Funniest song of the year and a catchy tune as well. Sometimes people get lazy when left to their own devices, and this song taps into that feeling. I don't know how autobiographical the song is. Considering it's Neil Hannon, it's somewhat tongue-in-cheek. Margaret Glaspy's Emotions and Math, also from 2016, could be considered a sister song.
3.)
Cranes in the Sky by Solange
Alternative R&B. Solange’s attempts at avoiding painful feelings by keeping busy
4.)
Hands of Time by Margo Price
Best country song of 2016. Timeless lyrics. A promising new artist
5.)
Amends by Garbage
Alternative Rock. 2016 was a strong year for music about infidelity, Beyoncé obviously made headlines with Lemonade. Amends got less attention but is likewise emotional and honest, with a distintive melody. Garbage's Shirley Manson described it as her favorite from new album: "I felt like I coughed up something that I needed to cough up, and get out. And get rid of. I felt relief when we wrote it. I love it and I'm proud of it. And whenever I hear it, it soothes me"
6.)
Neon Demon by Cliff Martinez
Film Score. Retro 80s theme from Nicolas Winding Refn’s film of the same name. Sitting in the cinema, not knowing what to expect, and then watching the dazzling and alluring opening credits with this music was a treat.
7.)
I Feel It Coming (feat. Daft Punk) by The Weeknd
Alternative R&B. A great closer on an underwhelming album. Sounds a bit like Michael Jackson
8.)
Tunnel Vision by Kate Tempest
UK Hip Hop. A political anthem about the sickness of our culture and a call to action. Killer lyric: "Staring at the screen, so we don’t have to see the planet die"
9.)
Another Day of Sun by La La Land Cast (La La Land Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
A happy, upbeat song. From the opening traffic jam sequence.
10.)
Girl In Amber by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Singer-Songwriter. Can bring me to tears, quite possibly the saddest song of the year. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. A lullaby to his deceased son. An album/song you can use in your own life to process loss.
What do you think? As always, comments are welcome
What do you think? As always, comments are welcome
An interesting list as always, Chris. I could never get into Frank Ocean, but I did buy the Margo Price album on your recommendation and enjoyed that a lot...although many of the songs reminded me very much of earlier records. Not always a bad thing.
ReplyDelete@Rol: Thank you, I know you approve of The Divine Comedy pick. Glad you gave Margo Price album a try and enjoyed. My dad said something along the same lines when he heard her, that she was not doing anything groundbreaking. It’s a fair point, yet didn’t concern me since I’m mostly unfamilar with the classic country albums. In time, I hope to explore what came before, such as Emmylou Harris’ 70s output.
DeleteHaven't really been able to keep up with current stuff of late but always enjoy The Weeknd, who do pop up on my radar from time to time. Perhaps as you say because the sound reminds me of MJ who was more from my era.
ReplyDelete@Alyson: Sorry for the late reply, I've been on holiday. The Weeknd has some praiseworthy songs. His albums are a bit uneven though.
DeleteGreat to see Neon Demon in top 10! I love Cliff Martinez's scores and this one was one of my favorites from last year. It added so much to the movie.
ReplyDelete@Sati: Yep, Cliff Martinez's score adds to the mood of Neon Demon. I especially love the title track.
DeleteVery good pick at number 1. Really like that one. Solange's whole album is amazing. Glad to see her get a spot here. Interesting choice for top song from La La Land. I thought it was a cute number but it evaporated from memory once the scene ended. And Kate Tempest floors me. It's a great song from a great album. I'll be forever grateful to you for introducing me to her.
ReplyDelete@Wendell: Another Day of Sun from La La Land has really grown on me. It’s so inspiring and timeless, and can put me in a positive frame of mind.
DeleteCity of Stars I have at #85 in the top 100, the way it sticks in my head I find slightly annoying to be honest.
I think you admire Kate Tempest even more than I do! :)