Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 1-10)

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

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 20-11)

11.)
Sister by Angel Olsen
Indie Rock. Singer/Songwriter. The most affecting track on her latest. Olsen has named it her favorite from the album, "a reflection on love which isn't romantic". Perhaps a plea for a sister and what Angel Olsen would teach this sister about growing up. Whether you've always wanted a sibling, or already have them, this might hit you in the gut. Pitchfork interpreted the song as an existential struggle: Though some may think Olsen is singing about her actual sibling, her inward reflection suggests that the sister is within, the parts of herself that she’s learned to love over time.


12.)
Four Years of Chances by Margo Price
Country.


13.)
Dollar Days by David Bowie
Experimental Rock.


14.)
To The Rescue by The Divine Comedy
Chamber Pop. My favorite of the non-singles, which can be read on several levels, presumably there's a shout out to My Lovely Horse Rescue, a charity Hannon co-founded with his girlfriend and animal lover Cathy Davey.


15.)
You Want It Darker by Leonard Cohen
Singer/Songwriter. “A million candles burning for the help that never came” says a lot in just a few words about the unfairness of the world. Leonard Cohen was a Jew and apparently the song could be interpreted as about the holocaust. A true poet never loses it and he still had a way with words at 82. RIP Leonard Cohen.


16.)
Pictures on a Screen by Kate Tempest
UK Hip Hop. An introspective account of modern day emptiness and discontentment.


17.)
Going All The Way Is Just The Start by Meat Loaf
Rock Opera. The guest singers do a fine job of supporting Meat Loaf’s frail vocal.


18.)
Collapse by Vektor
Progressive Metal


19.)
So Much It Hurts by Niki & the Dove
Synthpop


20.)
White Ferrari by Frank Ocean
Neo-Soul.



What do you think? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 1-10 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 30-21)

21.)
Saint Pablo by Kanye West (listen on Spotify)
Hip hop. The closer touches on many themes such as the need to say no. "400 years later we are buying our own chains". Samples Yvonne Fair's 1975 Let your Hair Down.


22.)
White Privilege II by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Pop rap. A thought-provoking think-piece that doesn’t dumb it down. About what it might be like to be white in the face of black lives matter. The production is as epic as the lyrics


23.)
Untitled 03 by Kendrick Lamar
Jazz Rap. How is this a B-side?!


24.)
Movin Backwards by A Tribe Called Quest (listen on Spotify)
Conscious Hip Hop. Possibly the most overlooked (and best) song on the album. Great beat. Found on the second disc.


25.)
Final Credits by Midland
House/ Dance. A few publications named this the 'song of the summer' at festivals


26.)
Closing Shot by Lindstrøm
Nu-Disco instrumental. Keeps building, love the layers of synths. Beautiful and meticulously crafted.


27.)
Irene by Courtney Marie Andrews
Singer-Songwriter. There’s a sincereness about her, the album was made with friends, with no studio intervention.


28.)
Growing Up by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Pop rap. About parenthood


29.)
Blue Remembered Hills by Ultrasound (buy)
Prog Rock. An epic that reveals new aspects on each listen. Thanks to Rol for the recommendation.


30.) Burn the Witch by Radiohead
Art Rock. There's a political message to be decoded in the 'Wickerman' imagery



Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? Which are your favorites from these albums? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 20-11 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 40-31)

31.)
Evil by Savages
Post-punk revival. I wish the rest of the album had the same punch. Amazing guitar riff. The vocal is a throwback to Siouxsie & The Banshees.


32.)
Blackout by Garbage
Alternative Rock. Musically reminded me of The Cure and feels like an anthem for introverts.


33.)
I Need You by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Singer/Songwriter. Heartbreaking, regardless if you know what transpired in Cave's life or not.


34.)
Blackstar by David Bowie
Experimental Rock. Bowie is supported by a group of jazz musicians, who may go on to have separate careers of their own. A long time Major Tom has been looking for peace or rest and he found it as the skeleton in Blackstar video.


35.)
Dystopia by Megadeth
Metal. The album was considered a return to form by critics. Excellent guitar work. The title track earned the band its first Grammy win (for Best Metal Performance)


36.)
St. Ides by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Pop Rap. About family and the non-commercial life



37.)
Try Everything by Shakira
Pop. A catchy, fun track from Zootopia soundtrack



38.)
Doing It to Death by The Kills
Indie Rock. Love the guitar. Who said you shouldn't dance at a funeral?


39.)
Downtown by Still Corners
Synthpop. Using "Downtown" as the chorus is hardly new, Petula Clark did so in 1965. Yet still very atmospheric and Still Corners make it their own.


40.)
Amerika by Young Giants
Indie Rock. Perhaps the most underrated song of the year.




Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? Which are your favorites from these albums? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 30-21 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 50-41)

41.)

Alone by Pretenders 

Rock. A patchy album some fans consider not to be proper Pretenders because of who is involved. Chrissie Hynde has a sense of humor. The title track is funny and relatable for introverts.

42.)

Lazarus by David Bowie

Art Rock. Using your impending death as inspiration to look back on your life. A dark, powerful swan song.

43.)

Kiss It Better by Rihanna

Pop. That opening guitar riff is stunning. 

44.)

Murder One by Metallica

Heavy Metal. A homage to Lemmy of Motörhead. The best animated music video in a long time. Scattered Ashes by Minor Victories is a close second for the giant cat among the skyscrapers.

45.)

Ultralight Beam by Kanye West

Hip Hop/Gospel. About Kanye’s faith in God, and there’s a surprising sample from Natalie is Great’s Instagram. He is backed by a church/gospel choir.

46.)

Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales by Car Seat Headrest

Indie Rock. Catchy and well-written ("that voice in your head, giving you shit again"). Generally the lyrics are good(take note of The Ballad of the Costa Concordia). There are some good ideas on the record, but I didn't like the noisy guitars and harsh sound of most of the songs. Cosmic Hero is my 2nd favorite.

47.)

The One by Carly Rae Jepsen

Synthpop. Easily digestible retro 80s pop.

48.)

Fever by Carly Rae Jepsen

49.)

Bear by The Wedding Present

Indie Rock. An overlooked gem by a band considered past their prime. We all need someone who catches us when we fall.

50.) 

Brace for Impact (Live a Little) by Sturgill Simpson

Alt-Country.  Another animated video."Go and live a little".

Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? Which are your favorites from these albums? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 40-31 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 60-51)

51.)
Ivy by Frank Ocean
Neo Soul. Speaks to me on a meditative level, as does much of the album.



52.)
Empty by Garbage
Alternative Rock. You only have to listen to the opening “I’ve” and you can identify the sultry vocal of Shirley Manson. “I’ve been feeling so frustrated, I’ll never be as great as I want to be” is my favorite lyric on their latest LP.



53.)
Bum Bum Bum by Cass McCombs
Singer/Songwriter. A nice discovery, which I’ve had on repeat. You’ll probably either love or hate the “Bum Bum Bum" lyric.



54.)
Admitting the Endorphin Addiction by Open Mike Eagle & Paul White
Hip Hop. Probably the most pop-friendly on the album. “Blah, blah, blah, I cry for help” , “You'd really be surprised, how innovative I can get when left alone”.



55.)
Take Me To The Alley by Gregory Porter
Jazz Vocal. He's a talented singer and won a Grammy last Sunday. Porter revealed: "Take Me To The Alley is about those darker places, those backstreets, the forgotten places. The alley, and how we treat the people that are in the alley and how we think of them."

56.)
Passionate Friend by Meilyr Jones
Chamber Pop. There’s quite a lot going on musically here. My favorite from the album. The songs were inspired by Jones' stay in Rome. Thanks to The Swede for the recommendation. Won the Welsh Music Prize for Album of the Year.



57.)
Moth Into Flame by Metallica
Heavy Metal. Not sure it's a classic, but still entertaining. Love the intro. Could have been trimmed to 4 minutes.



58.)
Cold Little Heart by Michael Kiwanuka
Neo-Soul. A slow-building epic which is Pink Floyd-esque.



59.)
Daddy Lessons (Feat. The Dixie Chicks) by Beyoncé
A surprise country song from Queen Bey, and a good one. I've read Beyoncé is not to be admired because she stays with her cheating husband, but on the other hand the power of forgiveness is important. Airing dirty laundry in public is one way of looking at Lemonade, yet to me sincere lyrics have greater emotional value than contrived words do. Granted she didn't write the entire album herself, but she makes it her own. Giving a voice to those who were disrespected and who hopefully can feel less alone with their torment by listening to the music.



60.)
Hold Up by Beyoncé
Contemporary R&B. The video with her in the lemonade dress and holding a baseball bat lifted the song to new heights. Her latest album gains so much from the visuals. Being creative is a way of coming to terms with your problems and your past.

Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? Which are your favorites from these albums? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 50-41 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 70-61)

61.)
Smile More by Deap Vally
Garage Rock. Thanks to Sun Dried Sparrows for the tip. The lyrics are what got me hooked.



62.)
Red Earth and the Pouring Rain by Bear's Den
Alternative/Indie. Thanks to Derek at Past and The Pending for the recommendation. The album artwork (pictured above) fits perfectly with the music, retro 80s suitable for the road.



63.)
It Means I Love You by Jessy Lanza
Synthpop. The album is overhyped, but the drum and synth combo here is quite primal and bewitching. In the video she wears the golden gown from the album sleeve.



64.)
Fire by Justice
Nu-Disco. Had me pressing replay. Seems these guys have a Thelma and Louise fixation. I guess Geena was busy.



65.)
Open Your Eyes by School of Seven Bells
Dream Pop. A wake-up call to face life again. From their fourth (and final) album. The band’s career tragically cut short by the death of Benjamin Curtis.



66.)
Red Wine by Common
Conscious Hip Hop/Neo-Soul. A track that I didn't even listen to the words of. Just a very smooth sound. I'm sure he has some interesting lyrics if you dig a little deeper. "Get comfortable".

67.)
In God's House by Bat for Lashes
Art Pop. A concept album about a woman going through a tragedy on her wedding day. This single is atmospheric and the video dream-like.



68.)
Aslan by Charlotte Cornfield
Alt-Country. CS Lewis’ Lion has a cameo



69.)
Why Did You Separate Me from the Earth? by Anohni
Art Pop. Can you guess if the singer is male or female? The androgynous voice, appearance and name is part of the performance. I've read the lyrics are about human beings vs the natural world. A powerful song. The mobile phone video is fanmade and irrelevant.



70.)
Exodus by Jesu / Sun Kil Moon
Singer/Songwriter. A bonus track to Nick Cave’s new album Skeleton Tree




Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? Which are your favorites from these albums? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 60-51 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 80-71)

71.)
One More Night by Michael Kiwanuka
Neo-Soul. A motivational song that encourages you to get things done. If anyone knows why he has long legs in the video please explain.


72.)
Mercury (feat. Tim Darcy) by Charlotte Cornfield
Alt-Country. A talented lyricist. This is one of her best songs which holds up to many plays. Another find from saidthegramophone's top 100


73.)
No Worries Gonna Find Us by Plants and Animals
Indie Rock. Are you a worrier? Maybe this tune can help.


74.)
Put The Fire Out by Courtney Marie Andrews
Singer/Songwriter. After hearing a couple of songs on YouTube I downloaded her album Honest Life from bandcamp (it wasn't on Spotify). Her stories come from travelling around the US and also working as a bartender. The lyrics have a relatability and the melodies and vocal are distinctive. The album recently climbed to the top of the UK Americana Charts.


75.)
E V P by Blood Orange
Quite funky. There's some Prince influence here. The best track on Freetown Sound. Judging from the YouTube video, probably better live.


76.)
Solitude by M83
Synthpop with beautiful orchestral elements. Might be too sad for some listeners.


77.)
Body Talk by Foxes
Dance Pop. Very catchy


78.)
80 West by Caveman
Indie Rock. A hidden gem which should have been a single. Good driving music.


79.)
Love On The Brain by Rihanna
Anti was a mixed bag, the modern tracks I loathed and throwbacks (like this one) I enjoyed


80.)
8 circle by Bon Iver
Folktronica. An infectious vocal performance





Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 70-61 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 90-81)

81.)
Jesus Alone by Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
Atmospheric and epic. Arguably the most beautiful lyric of the year: "You're a distant memory in the mind of your creator, don't you see?"


82.)
Nothing's Real by Shura
Retro 80s synthpop. The title track from her debut. An upbeat tune which is actually about having a panic attack. Thanks to Josh at Cinematic Spectacle for suggesting the album.


83.)
1944 by Jamala
Don't usually care for the Eurovision Song Contest. The Ukranian winner surprised me. Powerful and gives a voice to the distress in Ukraine.


84.)
Untitled 02 by Kendrick Lamar
Leftover from To Pimp A Butterfly sessions. Best opening lyric of 2016: "Pimp-pimp hooray!"


85.)
City of Stars / La La Land (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
A weak year for soundtracks, but surely City of Stars will be remembered for years to come.
The director of the film was quoted as saying in an NPR interview: "That, I think, was a really powerful, beautiful idea to me, that if you feel enough you break into song"


86.)
Memory by Violent Femmes
Reviewers were not kind to this album which is the bands first in 16 years. Memory is an endearing little tune which fits nicely in their canon.


87.)
Intermission by Emma Pollock
She is a Scottish singer-songwriter and the track I shared is sad yet haunting.
Emma said: “A lot of the album is inspired by the death of my mum last February and the illness which preceded it. My mum had heart disease and needed support over the years.
I’m an only child and much of my headspace was consumed by that. The thing that occupied me was that sudden flip of dependency from the parent to the child. It’s terrifying, devastating, when it occurs, but it’s inevitable for many parents and children and many of us will go through it.
Knowing it’s inevitable doesn’t make it any less shocking when it happens. It’s the clash between proper ordinary demanding life, and still wanting to be a dreamer." The experience gave rise to the song Intermission, included on her 2016 LP In Search of Harperfield.


88.)
Tired as F**k by The Tragically Hip
Another find from Canada on Said the Grammophone's top 100. For someone who spends a lot of time recovering and being tired, this was a song I connected with. And not just the lyrics, these guys can play too.


89.)
The Last One To Be Loved by Rumer (Burt Bacharach cover)
Rol at My Top Tens included the LP among his favoites of 2016 and encouraged his readers to check it out. Rumer's interpretation goes in a Karen Carpenter direction and is more affecting than the Dionne Warwick performance and Burt Bacharach instrumental version.  Rumer's is up there alongside Lou Johnson's as the best rendition. I enjoyed the instrumentation on the new version, reminded me of George Harrison solo.


90.)
Under Your Always Light by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
Discovered the artist on Said the Grammophone. About Canada's missing and murdered indigenous females. Like a hypnotic Malick voice-over, accompanied by modern music.






Find anything you liked? Already know some of these? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 80-71 coming soon!

Top 100 songs of 2016 (tracks 100-91)

My choices this year don't reflect what's popular on the billboard charts. You could argue Rihanna's Work is the most recognizable hit of 2016, but I find it annoying rather than entertaining. That said I did like a couple of other cuts on her album Anti.

With the arrival of the internet, listening to music has become so fragmented and niche that finding music we all love is rare these days.

I wanted to wait and share the list once I had gone through the albums I wanted to. I also took the time to explore other people's year-end lists so expect a few shout outs to other blogs. The top 100 are songs that moved me emotionally, stayed with me for the arrangement, lyrical content, or because I'm a fan of the vocalist. I listened to 66 albums released in 2016 and I'm only including songs that held up to repeat listens. I've split the top 100 into ten posts, so as not to overwhelm you with everything all at once.

The links are a mix of YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify, depending on where I could find the music. Hope you enjoy!


91.)
Nothing More to Say by The Frightnrs
Underappreciated retro rocksteady/reggae. Much of the album was recorded after the lead singer was diagnosed with ALS. He passed away in the summer, so their debut is bittersweet. The title track is the catchiest on the LP.

92.)
Glowed Up (feat. Anderson .Paak) by Kaytranada
Sounds like Kendrick Lamar, in a good way. Anderson .Paak's 2016 album Malibu underwhelmed me, although I liked what he did here as a guest vocalist.

93.)
First Crush by Empire of the Sun
A melody that got stuck in my head. Unfortunately the rest of the album was not praiseworthy.

94.)
Get Back by Memoryhouse
Drift away, soothing dream pop. The highlight on their latest.

95.)
Places To Go by Yuna
Yuna is a Malaysian singer-songwriter. The lyrics are universal. We've all got places to go, right?

96.)
So Good by Warpaint
If you like the English rock band Savages, you might like this one.

97.)
 低い午後 (hikui gogo) by Taiko Super Kicks
Thanks saidthegramophone! I'm not accustomed to listening to Japanese pop music. Has wide appeal and it doesn't matter you can't understand the words.

98.)
The Community of Hope by PJ Harvey
I included the album among my 2016 disappointments. This single was one of the bright spots.

99.)
This House by Peter Lister
Recommended by John Medd at his blog. A minimalist folk tune which I found quite affecting.

100.)
The Longest Wave by Red Hot Chili Peppers
A divisive album. A couple from the tracklist caught my attention. The other was Encore




Listened to any of these albums? Which are your favorites of the year? As always, comments are welcome. Tracks 90-81 coming soon!