25 Essential, Ear-Tingling Songs of 2016 (so far...)!
Well, we're just passing the halfway mark of 2016, and there are a lot of great songs/albums out there. But, I've narrowed down my list of the Top 25 songs for the year so far, and even though I've left a few off, I'm excited to revisit this list when 2016 concludes! So, let's do this!
1. Deep Sea Diver - Secrets
Coming in at #1 on my list is Deep Sea Diver's Secrets, off of the album of the same name. Superb songcraft, memorable hooks, and a wonderful conclusion to this 6+ minute track make this my favourite song of 2016 thus far!
2. Snarky Puppy - Semente
Tasty, exciting jazz from the exhilarating group's latest record, Culcha Vulcha. It's catchy, it's fun, and it comes in at #2 on my list!
3. BADBADNOTGOOD - Speaking Gently
Their new album, IV, isn't out until July 8th, but Toronto-based jazz group BADBADNOTGOOD have released my 3rd favourite song of the year. Speaking Gently combines weird, funky jazz and includes a wild sax solo. Check it out!
4. Iamthemorning - Too Many Years
A brooding intensity drives Too Many Years in a wonderful direction! The Russian duo's new album, Lighthouse, is a breathtaking achievement in the progressive music genre.
5. The Natural History Museum - Surfing The Severn Bore
Here's a song that came out of nowhere for me. A smooth foray into contemporary folk music. A lovely song with surprising intensity. This song comes from the album, Attenborough.
6. Jessy Lanza - Never Enough
Coming from her sophomore effort, Oh No, Jessy Lanza provides us with some delicious MJ-esque electronic pop. This one will make you move!
7. Kendrick Lamar - untitled 02 | 06.23.2014.
What else can be said about Kendrick Lamar? His album, To Pimp A Butterfly, was my #1 album of 2015. And once again, he has an impact with one of the tracks from his EP of unreleased songs, untitled unmastered.
8. Nevermen - Dark Ear
A strange cacophony of sounds and voices somehow come together and form one hell of a song. Equal parts pop, hip-hop, rock, and experimental styles, this introductory song from their self-titled debut is sure to get your attention.
9. Marissa Nadler - Katie I Know
An airy, atmospheric piece with haunting vocals. I just love the way Marissa Nadler sings on her new album, Strangers, and this song is a perfect example of why you need to hear it.
10. SLOWOLF (Ft. Kimbra) - White Feathers
A kind of trippy song with vocals that echo and shiver throughout the entire track, White Feathers is a nice song to jam out to. Plus, it has Kimbra. So, it must be good.
11. Deftones - Prayers/Triangles
A simple soft/heavy/soft approach for Deftones - something they're known for. Nothing too complex, but a powerful song with hypnotic guitar work in the verses!
12. Kaada/Patton - Imodium
Imagine a strange, almost creepy approach to a spaghetti western soundtrack, and you have Kaada/Patton's new album, Bacteria Cult. I know you're curious after that description...
13. Gojira - The Cell
Possibly the most complex song on their new album, Magma, Gojira pummel the listener with an aural onslaught. It's aggressive, it's precise, and it's one of the best metal tracks of the year thus far!
14. Radiohead - The Numbers
I don't usually like to compare two artists too much, but Radiohead's The Numbers is how I'd imagine a modern Led Zeppelin track sounding, with Radiohead's songwriting touch. It's an interesting sound, for sure.
15. Sumac - Image Of Control
The intro track to Sumac's sophomore effort is an absolute crusher of a song. The whole album is full of crushing moments, but Image Of Control sets a hell of a pace.
16. Fates Warning - Seven Stars
Melodic with a soaring chorus, Fates Warning deliver a classic metal track with Seven Stars. It takes the listener back to those catchy songs like Eye To Eye or Through Different Eyes.
17. Kaytranada (Ft. BADBADNOTGOOD) - Weight Off
This is the second appearance for BADBADNOTGOOD on my list, but they're just the feature this time, providing accompaniment on a funky beast of a track by producer Kaytranada. These two also team up on BBNG's new album, IV. They're a perfect match.
18. Bobäck - Blood and Bone
Michelle Boback brings us one of those perfect songs that makes you just want to drive down the road and tap along to it on the steering wheel. She captures an authenticity on this song that makes it something special. Check it out!
19. Terrace Martin - Push
Push is a hell of a lot of fun. It screams classic funk/soul with some modern jazz fusion overtones. It also has an almost gospel like quality with the layered female vocals. Whatever genre you want to call it, it's infectious!
20. Wye Oak - No Dreaming
A song called No Dreaming, yet it contains some very dream-like parts. Wye Oak creates such a lush sound, it's easy to just get lost in the instrumentation.
21. White Lung - Narcoleptic
There's something about White Lung's new album, Paradise, that just makes you want to jump up and down in enjoyment. It's frenetic, fun, and Narcoleptic is a shining example of what makes this album such an impactful experience.
22. Redemption - Thirty Silver
When you gather three previous Megadeth guitarists (Chris Poland, Marty Friedman, and Chris Broderick) together for one song, you're in for one hell of a lead guitar showdown. The song is so full of tasteful leads that it's almost difficult to keep up. Oh, and the song is dynamite, too.
23. Weezer - Jacked Up
Odd title, but awesome song. Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo showcases a knack for dark lyricism on an album that consists of mostly fun, summer vibes. It's an entertaining left turn into something different for Weezer, and it's one I significantly appreciate.
24. Esperanza Spalding - Elevate Or Operate
Esperanza Spalding's entry in my Top 25 is an odd, groovy, rocking track. It's almost jaunty in its verses, which helps to bridge the strange and more straight-forward attitudes together. Bottom line, it's a pure joy to listen to.
25. Diarrhea Planet - Bob Dylan's Grandma
The last song on my list belongs to Diarrhea Planet. Such a cool band. They almost remind me of one of my favourite bands from their 90's period, Social Distortion. A bit less punk influenced perhaps, but Diarrhea Planet showcase their hard rocking side on Bob Dylan's Grandma. Just try not to have fun with this song.
Well, there we have it. Phew! That was a tough list to make. I have another list of songs that didn't quite crack the Top 25, but the fun thing about lists like these is that even these songs could appear in different spots by year's end. Who knows?! Maybe another song will come along and bump off Deep Sea Diver for my top spot? I guess we'll find out in about... five months time!
