This year has been crazy and to think that it is almost over is an even crazier thought. I thought a good way to sum up the year for me would be to talk about the top albums of 2016 for me so that you can listen to some of my sounds of this year. so in no particular order, here are my top choices of the year:
1. Weezer's "The White Album"
Weezer has been around for a while, and I have always loved their stuff. When they released this album, it followed a lot of their classic sounds that I loved. I got a lot of Island in the sun vibes which was really great to hear. My favorite song was "Endless Bummer" because it was very relaxing to listen to without anything too harsh. I highly recommend you give this album a chance.
2. Radiohead's "A Moon Shaped Pool"
Radiohead is another band that has been around, and their new album is super awesome. For me, it is nice because they are similar to a lot of bands that you might like but their sound has always been a bit more high pitched and distinctive. My current favorite on the album has been "Burn the Witch" because I think he hits the notes beautifully and the violin parts sound fantastic.
3. Green Day's "Revolution Radio"
This album made me want to go and burn the masses and fight oppression and protest for any reason I could find. Green day is known for their edgy/political style of music and they for sure brought it with this album. During the AMA awards they did an anti-Trump rant that made headlines because they are a band who is not afraid to stand up for what they believe in. My favorite of this album is the song "Bang Bang," particularly because of the line, "daddy's little psycho and mommy's little soldier," a line I relate to well.
4. Simple Plan's "Taking One For The Team"
If you know me, then you know that Simple Plan has been my favorite band for 10 years and their music has gotten me through some of the roughest times in my life. Now many people were mad because this album is a more positive, mainstream approach with a little less depressing vibes, but for me, I found that it was refreshing to see the band step in a slightly different direction. My favorite off the album is opinion overload because it is all about shutting out what other people have to say and doing what makes you happy.
5. Metallica's "Hardwired to Self-Destruct"
If you are looking for a hardcore rock and roll album, then I have got it. This album had me headbanging and playing air guitar all around my dorm room. They have long and satisfying guitar riffs, and their lyrics are very powerful and fun to listen to. My favorite off of this album is "Moth Into Flame" because it is just a great song to rock out to no matter what mood you are in.
6. Pentatonix's "A Pentatonix Christmas"
Pentatonix is a band that is changing the face of a capella and is blowing up all around the world. Their Christmas album further proves that they are a vocal force to be reckoned with. It is also a great option if you are looking for a family Christmas album that you can sing along to in the car. My favorite off of this album is their cover of "Hallelujah" because it is so beautiful it moved me to tears. I highly recommend you jam to this one during the rest of this holiday season.
7. Meghan Trainor's "Thank You"
Now I know I am going to get shade thrown at me for this one, but I love Meghan Trainor. Her songs are catchy and fun, and I love to jam out to them while I am getting ready or need a stress reliever. "Thank You" is my favorite song on the album because it is all about loving yourself.
8. Every Big artist of 2016 "The Hamilton Mixtape"
Now we all know that "Hamilton" tickets are harder to find than most things but the mixtape created makes it all okay. This album is amazing, and it takes some of the biggest stars of the year (Sia, Chance the Rapper, Nas, etc.) and puts them all on one mixtape. It is such a creative album that even if you don't like rap, you have to give this album a try. My personal favorite is "Satisfied" because Sia has the voice of an angel.
9. Adele's "25"
Now I know we have all heard the song "Hello" at least 2,000 times on the radio, but we have to admit that Adele is a literal powerhouse when it comes to her voice and that she is one of the most amazing singers of our generation. Her songs hit you right where it hurts, and it is very clear that she has had her share of heartbreak in her life. My favorite song is "Hello" just because the first time I ever heard it, I stopped dead in my tracks as her sweet voice carried me away.
10. Colbie Caillat's "The Malibu Sessions"
Want a peaceful album with a great message? Then I have it right here. Colbie Calliet is known for her calming music, and guitar vibes and this album is no different. My favorite off of this one is "Goldmine" because it has really peaceful vibes and I am a hopeless romantic, so any song about love makes my heart skip a beat.
I think the best thing we can learn from this list is that everyone has different music tastes so don't judge. Also, don't be afraid to turn the radio dial to a new station to experience music different from your typical preferences. This is something I am passionate about so please spread the word and share with me your favorites so we can grow in our music tastes together.