2016 as a whole was a contemptuous year to say the least. For a variety of different reasons, the year has left a bad taste in people's mouths and made the world eager to turn over a new page in 2017. However, there is one brilliantly positive aspect of 2016 that stands above the muck and despair: the music. Undoubtedly, 2016 brought forth some of the best music this decade has seen so far. The caliber of talent in this year's music gave a breath of fresh air to today's increasingly unstable world.
The year began with a fallen star's parting gift to the world. In January, Rock icon David Bowie passed away at the age of 69. Two days before his passing, he released in final album, Blackstar. The album phenomenally captured Bowie's essence as an artist while exploring uncharted territory, an impressive feat unto itself. All in all, the album is the perfect final bow for a man who changed the face of music for years to come.
Hip Hop had one of its best years in recent memory. Drake dropped his fifth album Views to rave reviews. The king of feels embraced a newfound sense of maturity of all while embarking on an emotional roller coaster. Rap's self proclaimed god put out The Life of Pablo, the rapper's eighth album. Lyrically speaking, the album is one of West's best efforts to date. Kanye vociferously comes to terms with his own identity as one of the voices of this generation. Most importantly The rise of Chance The Rapper saw a pivotal shift in the very structure of the music industry itself. For an unsigned artist, to achieve such unparalleled barrier never before thought possible. His mixtape Coloring Book cemented his reputation as one of his genre's brightest new talents.
Pop music shattered conventional molds this year, with some its biggest stars undertaking new directions. Rihanna started this year in pop with Anti. The Caribbean Queen of Pop embraced an electric new vibe flooded with pulsating beats and seamless arrangements. Lady Gaga emerged reborn with Joanne, her most toned down work yet. Her fifth album has a simultaneously gritty and smooth sound, showcasing her genuine ability as an artist. Beyonce stole the show this year with Lemonade, a musical tour-de-force. Lemonade is Beyonce's most personal album yet, delving into her husband's infidelities as well as modern black female identity.
2016 was an explosion of artistic talent onto the musical stage. As Friedrich Nietzsche once said "Without music, life would be a mistake." With the uncertainty plauging the world today, the music of 2016 shows that this quote rings true today.
