Alright, vinyl enthusiasts — It's time for us to travel back in time, drop the needle on the turntable, and revel in the rhythm of a truly iconic year—2016. Let me tell you, this year was stacked with some delicious sonic treats that not only filled our living rooms with an enchanting melody but also truly made their mark on the world of music. We saw artists push boundaries, challenge norms, and produce some of the most riveting records that, quite frankly, belong in every vinyl enthusiast's collection. So, get comfy and prepare for a nostalgic trip as we recount our favorite vinyl albums of 2016.
David Bowie's Black Star: A Timeless Cosmic Elegy
David Bowie - Blackstar
Kicking off our list is 'Blackstar', David Bowie's final gift to the world. Released just two days before his sudden departure, this seven-track album served as a poignant farewell, encased in jazz-infused rock and somber, brooding undertones. The record, expansive in its scope, is a beautiful labyrinth of surrealism and despair, a testament to Bowie's enduring ability to surprise and enchant. Every note seems to carry a profound weight, a sense of impending farewell. The vinyl version of 'Blackstar' is an aural and tactile experience; its distinctive artwork and clear pressing allow Bowie's swansong to shine in all its spectral beauty. This monumental album undoubtedly deserves its place as one of the top vinyl records of 2016.
Embrace the Lunar Soundscape: Radiohead's 'A Moon Shaped Pool' on Vinyl
Radiohead - A Moon Shaped Pool
Dive into the deeply introspective world of 'A Moon Shaped Pool', a poignant offering from Radiohead. This album is a labyrinth of haunting melodies, intriguing musical arrangements, and layered lyrical prowess that probes the human condition. The band's ninth studio album explores themes of love, loss, and desperation, underpinned by an air of existential dread that resonates throughout the record. Each spin of the vinyl offers an almost cathartic journey, revealing new layers of complexity and emotional nuance. The result is an album that’s both intellectually stimulating and deeply affecting, securing its spot as one of the top vinyl records of 2016.
Savor the Zesty Empowerment: Beyoncé's 'Lemonade' on Vinyl, a Masterpiece of Strength and Resilience
Beyoncé - Lemonade
Immerse yourself in the emotional rollercoaster that is Beyoncé's groundbreaking 'Lemonade'. This album is not just a collection of songs but a cohesive story told with fierce honesty and profound depth. Beyoncé navigates through themes of infidelity, empowerment, and the Black woman's experience in America with an unmatched intensity. With its seamless blend of pop, R&B, rock, country, and soul, 'Lemonade' transcends genre boundaries, offering listeners a multi-faceted sonic experience. Its wide-ranging appeal is a testament to Beyoncé's transformative artistry and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level. 'Lemonade', available on vinyl, left a lasting mark in 2016 and continues to be an essential addition to any record collection.
Dive into Emotional Depths: Frank Ocean's 'Blond' Vinyl, an Intimate Soundtrack to Life's Complexities
Frank Ocean - Blonde
Following a four-year hiatus, Frank Ocean returned with 'Blonde', an album that confidently strays from conventional musical norms. Throughout the record, Ocean's soft yet powerful voice navigates through minimalist production, spinning tales of lost love, introspection, and personal growth. 'Blonde' pushes boundaries, pairing ambient synths with evocative lyrics and experimental sounds, resulting in an unconventional R&B masterpiece. Tracks like 'Nights' and 'Ivy' perfectly exemplify this blend of vulnerability and innovation. Its idiosyncratic style struck a chord with vinyl enthusiasts, who appreciated its deep, rich sound on wax. One of the top-selling records of 2016, 'Blonde' is a unique album that rewards multiple listens, revealing new layers each time the needle hits the groove.
Bon Iver's '22, A Million' Vinyl, an Enigmatic Journey Through Experimental Folk Landscapes
Bon Iver - 22, A Million
With '22, A Million', Bon Iver reinvents the wheel, blending their signature emotive folk with an experimental sonic palette. The album showcases Justin Vernon's ability to pair profound lyrics with innovative soundscapes, resulting in a project that is both groundbreaking and deeply moving. Filled with cryptic symbolism, the tracks span from the haunting '715 - CR∑∑KS' to the transcendental '8 (circle)'. It's an album that thrives in its abstraction, inviting listeners to find their own meanings. The vinyl format adds an extra layer of warmth to this intricate production, making '22, A Million' a beloved album among vinyl collectors. A definitive best-selling vinyl of 2016, it's a testament to Bon Iver's uncanny ability to push boundaries while preserving the emotive essence of their music.
Anderson .Paak - Malibu
Take a sonically satisfying ride with Anderson .Paak's 'Malibu'. Fusing elements of hip-hop, R&B, soul, and funk, this album encapsulates the eclectic spirit of .Paak’s musical prowess. His soulful vocals weave through diverse beats and playful instrumentals, telling intimate tales of love, loss, and resilience. From groovy, upbeat numbers like 'Am I Wrong' to the emotive 'The Bird', 'Malibu' offers a dynamic listening experience. This album stands as a testament to .Paak's versatility as an artist, and its vinyl edition adds an extra layer of warmth and richness to the sound. 'Malibu' topped charts in 2016 and remains a well-loved addition to the vinyl collections of music enthusiasts worldwide.
Feel the Breezy Waves: Anderson .Paak's 'Malibu' Vinyl, a Sunlit Journey of Rhythmic Bliss
Revving up the Rebellious Anthems: Car Seat Headrest's 'Teens of Denial' Vinyl, a Cathartic Ride into Indie Rock Rebellion
Car Seat Headrest - Teens of Denial
With 'Teens of Denial', Car Seat Headrest establishes their place in the pantheon of great indie rock acts. The raw energy of the album, combined with the introspective, observational lyrics of frontman Will Toledo, makes this a standout release of 2016. From the anthemic 'Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales' to the expansive 'The Ballad of the Costa Concordia', the album packs an emotional punch. Toledo's candid storytelling and the band's no-holds-barred instrumentation create a unique sonic experience, embodying the messy realities of youth and disillusionment. Its release on vinyl added an extra layer of richness to the band's sound, making it a must-have for indie rock enthusiasts and a top seller in the vinyl market. A cherished piece in any vinyl collection, it's an album that only grows with every listen.
Solange - A Seat at the Table
Solange's "A Seat at the Table" is a moving and empowering exploration of identity and black womanhood in America. The album exudes an intimate strength, pairing elegant R&B grooves with piercingly honest lyrics. The tracks tackle social and political issues while maintaining an intensely personal and vulnerable core. With guest appearances from heavy hitters like Lil Wayne, Sampha, and Kelly Rowland, each song is a compelling narrative journey. The album’s physical release, especially the vinyl edition, adds a layer of tangibility to Solange's messages, making it a must-have for any vinyl collection. Its beautifully crafted lyrics and unique soundscapes make "A Seat at the Table" an album that is as impactful on vinyl as it is transformative in its storytelling.
Pull Up a Chair, Embrace the Melodic Serenity: Solange's 'A Seat at the Table' Vinyl, an Empowering Invitation to Cultural Resilience
Color Your World with Joy: Chance the Rapper's 'Coloring Book', a Vibrant Soundtrack of Hope and Celebration
Chance the Rapper - Coloring Book
Chance the Rapper's third mixtape, "Coloring Book," broke the mold of what hip-hop could be, integrating gospel and soulful melodies into a buoyant and uplifting tapestry of sound. The album explores Chance's experiences with faith, fatherhood, and the music industry, producing an inspiring narrative across its 14 tracks. With stellar guest appearances from Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Kirk Franklin, it's a star-studded affair. Though not initially available on vinyl, a special edition vinyl release catered to an enthusiastic fanbase, with the wax edition becoming a cherished piece in many collections. With "Coloring Book," Chance proved that independent artists could reach exceptional heights, all while delivering an album that's a joy to spin on a turntable.
Kanye West - The Life of Pablo
The Life of Pablo, Kanye West's seventh studio album, was nothing short of unpredictable and controversial, a perfect reflection of its creator's public persona. The record bounces across genres, moods, and themes, resulting in an eclectic blend of gospel, hip-hop, and avant-garde electronica. Tracks like 'Ultralight Beam' showcase West's genius in blending gospel choirs with hip-hop beats, while 'Famous' became notorious for its lyrical provocations. Despite its absence from the vinyl scene due to Kanye's preference for the digital medium, The Life of Pablo was so impactful that it resonated with listeners worldwide. This album is a testament to the fact that even without a vinyl release, an album can leave an indelible mark on the music landscape. If you get a chance to listen, it's an audacious project that's worth your time.
'The Life of Pablo', A Dynamic Journey Through the Mind of a Musical Maverick
Alright, we've shared our top vinyl picks from 2016. Agree? Disagree? Couldn't care less? Let us know in the comments below. Tell us about your personal favorites. We promise we won't judge...much.