Ris' Top 40 Albums of 2016!

Hello 2017! Apologies for the lack of posts to whoever reads this blog, but I've been working hard to rank my favourite albums of the past year. I listened to a lot of music in 2016 and have made a list of my top 40 albums of the year! I tend to not include EPs or live albums, but my favourite EPs of the year are Kendrick Lamar's untitled unmastered., Charlotte Day Wilson's CDW, and Steven Wilson's 4 1/2. My favourite live album of the year is Kate Bush's Before The Dawn. So, without further ado, let's get to the list!

40) Gojira - Magma

Starting off at #40, we have one of my favourite contemporary metal bands, Gojira. Stepping into more accessible territory with Magma, Gojira bring their catchiest effort yet. While metal fans might not like to hear that, Gojira has kept its frantic compositions along with the aggression that the band is known for. However, cleaner production values, more pronounced vocals, and memorable hooks turn Magma into a whole new beast for Gojira. I am thrilled to see them balance different sounds, and can't wait to see where they continue from here.

It's also a great album for driving!

39) Deftones - Gore

Alternative metal (I don't like the term nu-metal) veterans, Deftones, bring another assault with Gore. This album is heavy and in-your-face. But it also has a quiet, yet twisted beauty in several tracks. The combination of heavy and light elements is emphasized on this record, and it works well with the dry production. It's nice to have a more aggressive alternative to the traditional metal albums I've listened to this year. Also, having some Jerry Cantrell on your album never hurts!

38) Redemption - The Art Of Loss

Speaking of traditional metal albums, Redemption return with another corker. I absolutely adore the lead guitar work on this album, and I think that has to do with the fact that it features two of my favourite guitarists (Marty Friedman and Chris Poland) on several songs. The songwriting is tight and concise, with the more straight-forward songs bringing excitement and memorable lead guitar work. I find that a lot of modern metal albums showcase technical guitar ability, but stray away from infectious leads. Luckily, that's not the case here. Be sure to listen to the wonderful closing track, At Day's End, in order to get a perfect taste of what this album is all about.

37) Anciients - Voice Of The Void

Staying with the metal theme, we have Vancouver's own Anciients. Their debut, Heart Of Oak, was one of my favourite metal debuts, and Voice Of The Void continues this excellence. It's not a significant evolution, but it is an extremely solid slab of complex progressive metal. It's also an album that features a plethora of tasty riffs. So, if you're a fan of awesome guitar riffs, then Voice Of The Void will be an album that you will want to hear. Check out their debut while you're at it, too.

36) Alcest - Kodama

Alcest's newest, Kodama, is an intriguing album, as it shares more similarities with past albums than with the more recent Shelter. The shoegaze (or blackgaze) elements are still there, but the heavier guitars and growling vocals make a return to give Kodama an intense, brooding atmosphere. It's a nice combination for those fans who like both sides of Alcest, but it's also a great record for those who longed for a return to the black metal leanings of past albums. I enjoyed it because it combined older and newer sounds without sounding like a retread, which is always important to avoid. If you like your metal with atmosphere, then you should hear this one.

35) Sylvaine - Wistful

Similar to #36, Sylvaine's Wistful explores shoegaze and post-metal sounds. It lives up to its title, as it sounds like an album of longing, or yearning feelings. The echo in Sylvaine's voice pulls you into this feeling, while her snarling vocals bring you back to reality. The album almost feels like a dream that you're constantly waking up from. One that you keep revisiting over and over. It's a lovely record, and I feel like it may have been overlooked by many this year. So, I'm happy to place it on my list as one of my favourites for the year. Check this one out!

34) Exploded View - Exploded View

If you want a completely different sound for one of your listening experiences in 2016/2017, then Exploded View's debut might be for you. It's industrial and almost punk-like at times, while also being aggressive and psychedelic at others. Exploded View is a new band, but their chemistry on this debut makes it seem like they've been honing their craft together for a long time. It's a truly wonderful debut album, and I'm hoping that this is just the beginning for them, rather than just being a one-time, flash-in-the-pan type scenario. Exploded View is one of the more unique records of 2016.

33) Blood Orange - Freetown Sound

Dev Hynes, a.k.a. Blood Orange, brings us one of the more upbeat and socially conscious albums of 2016. Freetown Sound reminds me of one of my all-time favourite albums, Michael Jackson's Dangerous. Now, I'm not saying that it sounds the same, but it brings the same kind of vibe that I always get from that album. It's a lot of fun, but it also knows what it wants to be. It jams hard, and feels like it is inspired by old school R&B, while also setting the tone for contemporary R&B. It's quite an accomplishment, and it's an album that deserves a lot of attention for what it achieves.

32) Terrace Martin - Velvet Portraits

If you think you haven't heard of Terrace Martin before, you probably have. He's the mind (and sound) behind the jazzier side of Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly. In 2016, he brings us his own album, Velvet Portraits, which showcases a wide variety of styles within the jazz landscape. Hip-hop, jazz fusion, funk, and traditional jazz styles are all present on this record, making it an exciting listen from start to finish. If you like any jazz at all, or are hoping to get into it with a fresh take on the genre, then you should give this one a listen.

31) Meshuggah - The Violent Sleep Of Reason

Honestly, there isn't much to say about Meshuggah. If you like them, you'll love this album. If you don't like extreme metal, then you probably won't like it. This album is consistent and crushing, with serious grooves and riffs galore. The live feeling of the production also helps it to sound particularly brutal.

30) NxWorries - YES LAWD!

Anderson .Paak and Knxwledge take the #30 spot with the genre-bending YES LAWD!. Under the NxWorries moniker, these two have crafted a bouncy neo-soul album that dabbles in hip-hop, jazz, funk, R&B, and more. It is kind of crazy how many styles converge on this album, yet these two are able to keep a coherent sound throughout. This is an exciting one, and it won't be the last time Anderson .Paak appears on my list (spoiler alert). As a huge fan of the neo-soul/R&B genre, this one made me extremely happy.

29) Michael Kiwanuka - Love & Hate

Speaking of R&B, I feel like Michael Kiwanunka's latest will be considered a future classic in the genre. Reminiscent of some of those older Motown records, Kiwanuka has given us a soulful, heartfelt, yet boppin' album of great tunes. The opener, Cold Little Heart, is a ten-minute buildup of epic proportions, and I hate saying the word "epic". That song alone is worth the price of admission for this LP. If you're going to check this out at all, make sure you listen to that song. One of my favourites of the entire year.

28) Kaytranada - 99.9%

99.9% is an interesting album. It is full of energy and grooves, and much like the previous NxWorries album, it combines many genres into one fluid experience. I love how bold this record is. It's like stepping into another dimension at times. It's soulful and electric when it features River Tiber, it's jazzy when it features BADBADNOTGOOD, and the rest blends electronic, jazz, and soul textures in extraordinary fashion. Kaytranada will also feature on one of my top 10 albums, but you'll see who that is later! For now, step into 99.9%.

27) Marissa Nadler - Strangers

Oh, Marissa Nadler. I instantly fell in love with this album. Such a haunting, yet beautiful and introspective collection. I almost feel badly about putting this album lower on my list, but this is a top albums list, so I can't feel too badly. Really, Strangers is a singer/songwriter fan's dream album. That's if you can accept its darkness, too! Don't let that scare you off, though. It's a lovely work. Nadler has evolved and has come into her own as a brilliant songstress. If you enjoy Strangers, then there is a companion EP that came out in September entitled Bury Your Name which accompanies the LP perfectly.

26) Sumac - What One Becomes

Much like Meshuggah, it's easy to describe what makes Sumac tick: heaviness. This three-piece "supergroup" of post-metal veterans continue to crush the metal scene with their sophomore release, What One Becomes. I love the fact that Sumac doesn't just rely on being sludgy or doom-oriented with their sound. They alter their pace numerous times and create an enveloping atmosphere with their brand of post-metal. Along with Meshuggah, Sumac have created one of the heaviest, most organic metal albums of 2016.

25) Nevermen - Nevermen

I'm a sucker for Mike Patton and his many projects, and this combination is no different. I've talked about albums with varying genres in this list, but Nevermen's self-titled debut mashes together genres in a wacky way. Rock, electronic, hip-hop, etc., are all blended together with pop sensibilities. It's interesting to have such a mish-mash of styles, with the music also being easily accessible and catchy. This one came out fairly early this year, but should not be overlooked.

24) The Natural History Museum - Attenborough

This album came out of nowhere for me. Especially considering I had never heard of this project before its release date. But this album is awesome. Mixing in electronic elements with folk arrangements, Attenborough is an odd mix of styles. But you know what? It works. It works quite well. I've seen it called "contemporary folk" music, but I'd go beyond that and call it electronic folk. Or "electro-folk". Something like that. Whatever you want to call it, it's an eclectic listen, and it serves as a nice change from some of the other albums in the folk genre. It was a pleasant surprise for me in 2016, and it deserves more attention!

23) NAO - For All We Know

We come to another R&B release with NAO's For All We Know. This album possesses some of the most booming production I've ever heard. It sucks you in. But the catchy, futuristic funk on every single song is infectious beyond belief. It's wonky and unusual, but every song on here just works. I need to rave about the production, because it makes me want to bust a move all the time. Not every album can achieve this, but these songs make me want to groove out. I love it. But seriously, grab a good system or some great headphones, put this album on, and let it melt your ears. For All We Know is an innovative pleasure in the R&B genre.

22) Danny Brown - Atrocity Exhibition

Danny Brown. He's an acquired taste in rap. But if you end up enjoying what he does, then his newest will floor you. The beats on this album feel like they're from another world, and I mean that in a complimentary way. To hear someone rap (and rap well) over beats like these is something special. It's not quite my favourite rap album of the year. But if you're into the genre at all, and you haven't heard this yet, then be sure you listen to it as soon as possible. It will definitely blow your mind many times over.

21) Animals As Leaders - The Madness Of Many

Djent/fusion juggernauts, Animals As Leaders, continue to push the boundaries with The Madness Of Many in 2016. While it isn't the hardest hitting effort, it possesses a hell of a lot of flavour in its ten tracks. The album is more adventurous, with an emphasis on nylon sounds and dynamic melodies. As a guitar player, I want to throw my guitar in the garbage when I hear Animals As Leaders, as their sound is beyond intricate. Still, they don't lose their authenticity within all of their technical ability, which is an achievement in itself. Check it out!

20) Snarky Puppy - Culcha Vulcha

We are at the halfway mark, and another jazz album has made my list! Snarky Puppy's jazz isn't exactly avant-garde or improvisational. It's lively and poppy. Culcha Vulcha is a wonderfully infectious jazz album that has the technical mastery of accomplished musicians, while still offering a lighthearted, breezy take on contemporary jazz. This album would be a perfect gateway LP if you're thinking about getting into the genre, or if you're looking for something thrilling without the same tiresome song structures.

19) Kaada/Patton - Bacteria Cult

Mike Patton makes his second appearance on my list with a completely different sounding album. Bacteria Cult is a twisted soundtrack, which wouldn't feel out of place in a weird, alternative western or gangster film. In fact, in places, the sounds on this album are quite Morricone-esque, but with twists and turns here and there. It's a little on the short side, but it's satisfying and never dull. I'm not sure if everyone out there would enjoy this kind of record, but it made my list for a reason!

18) Neurosis - Fires Within Fires

Neurosis are a consistent band, so I knew they were going to come out with something good. However, I wasn't expecting something this good. The contrast between soft and intensely heavy sections is stark, but everything feels intertwined as part of a bigger purpose on Fires Within Fires. It's a relatively short album, with the record consisting of only five songs. But it packs a lot into its short running time. There are several moments where the band marks new territory, while others feel like pure, old-school Neurosis, making it a perfect album to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

17) Anderson .Paak - Malibu

Anderson .Paak's second appearance on my list comes because of his own release, Malibu. This album feels akin to Kendrick Lamar's masterpiece, To Pimp A Butterfly, with a variety of jazzy beats and groovy instrumentals. But it also contains soulful singing sections with spots of rapping throughout. I was surprised by this record, as I didn't expect to be blown away by it so much. But it takes you for a ride with its old soul influences and Californian soundscapes. Malibu feels like musical candy. Just listen to the songs Celebrate or Come Down, and you'll understand why this album is a perfect combination of styles.

16) A Tribe Called Quest - We Got It From Here... Thank You 4 Your Service

The legendary rap group bring a close to their career with their final album in 2016. The beautiful thing about A Tribe Called Quest's last album is that it sounds like a classic rap album with modern production. It's not dated, it doesn't sound sterile. And after 18 years, it's important to have an album sound as fresh as possible. We Got It From Here... is a love letter to the genre, and will be remembered for years to come for its consistency, its impact, and just how perfect of a send-off it is. If there is one rap album you must hear from this year, then it's this one. No doubt about that.

15) Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith - Ears

This is an awesome record. Ambient electronic music that almost sounds like nature unfolding all around you. I'm just now getting into Kaitlyn's work, but she also has a collaborative album out this year that I have yet to hear. If you think the description of "ambient electronic" seems boring, then you'll need to be corrected by listening to this album. It surrounds you in sounds and shimmering vocals, but it never drones on and on. I can't wait to check out her other work, but make sure you listen to this one. It's called Ears for a reason!

14) Agnes Obel - Citizen Of Glass

Agnes Obel's third album goes beyond the more stripped down approach of her previous two albums. Citizen Of Glass retains the strong songwriting, but takes more risks with its sound. There is an intense atmosphere that is enhanced by various vocal effects and layered instrumentation. It almost feels dream-like in its sound, which is endearing and highly enjoyable. You'll want to hear this album over and over again once you hear it the first time, just so you can listen for every nuance in each song. It's not a tremendously upbeat album (her albums usually aren't), but it's perfect for a rainy day.

13) Weezer - Weezer (The White Album)

Weezer return with another self-titled effort. Coming off the heels of the great, Everything Will Be Alright In the End, Weezer have once again injected the fun back into their music. The Californian, almost Beach Boys-like vibes in the majority of these songs make the album a fun ride, feeling like an appropriate retrospective of the rest of their discography. Fans of the older school Weezer albums will love songs like Do You Wanna Get High? and Summer Elaine And Drunk Dori, while songs like Jacked Up and Thank God For Girls are tons of fun for new and older fans alike. It's just a fun, addictive record.

12) Margo Price - Midwest Farmer's Daughter

Anyone who knows me knows that I am not the biggest country music fan in the world. I do like a few particular artists, but I find the genre to be saturated in sappy, boring, cliché-ridden showcases for songs. However, Margo Price's LP, Midwest Farmer's Daughter, is a gale force wind of fresh air. It's traditional (but not too traditional), rocking, adventurous, and a whole lot of fun. It is one badass album, and I'm having a lot of fun listening to the attitude Margo brings to her music, as well as the enthusiastic lyrics she brings to life. This one was a surprise for me, but a pleasant one to be sure.

11) Flock Of Dimes - If You See Me, Say Yes

Jenn Wasner brings us a solo record in 2016, and it is phenomenal. If You See Me, Say Yes is thrilling, sombre, and exquisite all at once. Whether it's the exciting Semaphore or the chilling Apparition, you can feel these songs. There is instrumentation all over this record, and the dense production allows the listener to hear everything going on within each song. Every song has an incredible amount of momentum, resulting in them all feeling like their own journey. I adore this album. Any other year, it would make my Top 10, but it's still an essential album for me. Do not miss out on this record. This is the sleeper hit album of the year.

10) Metallica - Hardwired...To Self-Destruct

The legendary metal band returns with their first album in eight years, and it's damn good. More robust, dynamic, and memorable than 2008's Death Magnetic, this new record feels like Metallica being Metallica again. Not to downplay their previous material, but nothing about Hardwired feels forced or influenced by outside naysayers. This is a pure Metallica record from front to back. Some hard rock crunch with chilling vocals from James Hetfield come together to deliver a punch that hasn't been heard for quite some time. It's addictive metal that once again shows what a veteran band can accomplish.

9) Jessy Lanza - Oh No

Jessy Lanza's sophomore record, Oh No, expands on her electronic R&B sounds in fresh, exhilarating ways. Her vocals are more upfront and confident, the arrangements are simultaneously ethereal and funky, and the production is bangin'. It's a wonderful combination of all essential sounds for an electronic record. I love Pull My Hair Back, but this new album is a natural evolution, while still retaining everything that makes her electronic music unique and pleasing to the ear.

8) Frank Ocean - Blonde

Frank Ocean finally unleashes his follow-up to Channel Orange this year, and it is a delightful album. Blonde is a more mature sound for Ocean, with a lot of lyrical inspiration coming from his mother, as well as his upbringing in general. The lush instrumentation cascades over deep production, allowing the listener to feel surrounded by its sound. Ocean chose to showcase a more subdued side to his songwriting, and while that's certainly a departure from Channel Orange, it's a change that works splendidly. If you're looking for a chill album that will make you feel everything you're listening to, then Blonde is an essential listen.

7) Fates Warning - Theories Of Flight

After returning from a long hiatus between albums in 2013, Fates Warning deliver one of the best metal albums of 2016. Building around a theme of homesickness, with a longing to feel comfortable in your surroundings, Theories Of Flight is an aggressive, intricate, and emotional journey that doesn't overstay its welcome. The album feels quite similar, in approach, to classic records such as Parallels and Perfect Symmetry, but Theories Of Flight carves its own identity. The combination of soaring vocals, impeccable guitar playing, and dynamic drum mastery make Fates Warning's latest a true metal achievement in 2016.

6) BADBADNOTGOOD - IV

The Toronto jazz quartet (after Leland Whitty joined the band permanently) get a little more playful on their fourth album, IV. Featuring their usual vibrant jazz/hip-hop inspired compositions, the guys brought in a number of exceptional features to accentuate their sound even more. Artists such as Kaytranada, Mick Jenkins, Sam Herring, and Charlotte Day Wilson (who features on one of my favourite tracks of the year, In Your Eyes) all provide fresh takes on the traditional BADBADNOTGOOD sound. It's a jazzy record, but it does not truly fit in one genre because of how varied it is. I highly recommend checking these guys out. IV is one of my absolute favourites of the year.

5) Regina Spektor - Remember Us To Life

Veteran singer/songwriter, Regina Spektor brings us a songwriting gem to remember (pun intended). Remember Us To Life is everything you'd want to hear from a piano-driven record, with some quirky songwriting and crisp production to boot. It's sweet and soft, but brimming with memorable melodies that you will be humming for days. At times it can be quite dramatic and intense, with instrumental twists and turns grasping at you. But it's all part of a wonderful experience that will suck you in with each listen. And you will listen to it a lot. Just try and listen to a song like Obsolete and then not listen to it again immediately. It's impossible.

4) case/lang/veirs - case/lang/veirs

Neko Case, K.D. Lang, and Laura Veirs bring their songwriting talents together to create one of the best albums of 2016. Each unique personality influences every one of the songs on this album. Veirs' lively guitar playing, along with Lang and Case's smooth, yet piercing vocals, converge to give the listener a shimmering experience for each individual song. It's a more subdued record, but it's a soothing one as well, showcasing the range of all three artists. I am hoping this one isn't a one-time thing also, as I want to hear what they'll come up with as a follow-up. But as far as debuts go, this one is a splendid work.

3) Iamthemorning - Lighthouse

Iamthemorning explore the theme of mental illness on their overwhelmingly emotive album, Lighthouse. It's moving and powerful, but can be pretty haunting at times as well. Marjana Semkina's chilling vocals combine with Gleb Kolyadin's driving piano to paint a vivid picture in each song. Sometimes that picture is quite sad, but at others, it's hopeful. Even though it deals with a serious subject, Lighthouse is an album that is always a rewarding and interesting listening experience. It never lets you feel too comfortable, and I think that's what makes it such an engaging album to listen to. It sweeps you off your feet and takes you on quite an unforgettable journey. This Russian duo are a fairly new band, but they've achieved something special with Lighthouse, and I'm excited to see where they go from here.

2) Angel Olsen - My Woman

Coming in at #2 is Angel Olsen with My Woman. Angel has such a strong vocal presence on this record, that it really feels as though it is travelling throughout your entire body. Whether she's presenting a more soulful take on Intern and Those Were The Days, or exploding with her guitar on Shut Up Kiss Me and Sister, every song feels authentic and exciting. All of these songs hit you in the same kind of way a classic album would. In fact, you can hear those classic influences on the record. Hints of Fleetwood Mac/Stevie Nicks and Crazy Horse/Neil Young are all over this collection. Don't get me wrong, it's still 100% Angel. But My Woman has that classic feeling through and through.

1) Deep Sea Diver - Secrets

We've arrived at the top of my list, and the #1 spot belongs to Seattle's Deep Sea Diver! A wonderfully consistent showcase of tight songwriting, Secrets is that rock (or indie rock) album that will keep you entertained for a long time. It's creative, explosive, and incredible. Jessica Dobson's guitar tone will hit you across the face at times, while Peter Mansen's drums bring the kind of exhilaration you'd want from the percussion. Garrett Gue and Elliot Jackson also provide a great atmosphere with their bass and keyboard work throughout the album.

I can't gush about Secrets enough. It's fun and rocking on many tracks (Notice Me, Wide Awake, Secrets), but calming on others (Great Light, New Day). There is an incredible flow to this album. The desert-rock jam intro to Wide Awake, the booming aura of Secrets, the interplay of poppy instrumentation on See These Eyes, etc., etc. Everything on this album feels right. I love it, and have no problem placing it as my album of the year for 2016!

There you have it! My top 40 albums of the year. It was a great year for music, and I'm going to be doing a follow-up post with my most anticipated albums/projects for 2017. Can't wait to dig into the upcoming releases for the new year! Thanks to anyone who reads this!