After another year full of great music from our favorite artists, we’re recapping some of the most notable albums of 2016.
Rihanna’s “Anti”
Robyn “Rihanna” Fenty’s eighth album “Anti” was released in late January. It was first available for free download on Jan. 28 through Tidal, and was released for purchase from online music stores the next day. She released three singles for the album in 2015, including “FourFiveSeconds” which featured Kanye West and Paul McCartney, but all three singles were removed from the final track list. Rihanna was the executive producer on the album and helped to write every song on the album except for “Same Ol’ Mistakes.”
The album debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, and was certified platinum only two days after its release because Samsung purchased one million copies in advance that were given away as free downloads. The first single from the official album “Work” featuring Drake peaked at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 becoming her 14th single to chart.
Britney Spears’ “Glory”
After the mess that was “Britney Jean,” Britney Spears hit us with her best album since “Blackout.” The album incorporates the classic tones and messages that we love Britney for, all while blending the newer elements of pop music that have evolved since her prime. While there is no theme, that’s never been Spears’ forte. This album is purely good pop music, other than “Make Me…” her collaboration with G-Eazy.
Ariana Grande’s “Dangerous Woman”
Ariana Grande went good girl gone bad for her third studio album “Dangerous Woman.” Hits from the album include “Into You” and more recently “Side to Side,” featuring Nikki Minaj. The song raised eyebrows at Grande, who had always maintained a good girl demeanor. But with lyrics like “Wrist icicle, ride dick bicycle,” and “I’ve been there all day, and boy got me walking side to side,” it was hard to keep up her Disney channel persona. With Grande’s newfound sexuality and attitude, we can’t wait to see what she brings to the Dangerous Woman Tour.
Gwen Stefani’s “This is What the Truth Feels Like”
It’s been 10 years since the release of Gwen Stefani’s last album “The Sweet Escape,” until now. “This is What the Truth Feels Like” was released in March and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The album developed around the singers recent divorce from Gavin Rossdale.
This album displayed a more authentic side of Stefani with lyrics about heartbreak and a perfect amount of underproduction and simplicity when necessary. Stefani toured the album this past summer and has spent the rest of the year working on various projects, including a new Nickelodeon animated TV show.
Panic! At the Disco’s “Death of a Bachelor”
Panic! At the Disco’s “Death of a Bachelor” is the band’s first album to not feature drummer Spencer Smith and after bassist Dallon Weekes’ departure from the official lineup, becoming only a touring member. The album, released in early January, was inspired by front man Brendon Urie’s wife Sarah, whom he married in early 2013, and their new life together.
The entire album was written and recorded by Urie along with some external writers, while also playing every instrument on the album, minus the horns. He described the album’s sound in an interview with Alt 98.7 as a “mix between Sinatra and Queen,” two of Uries favorite performers. “Death of a Bachelor” debuted at No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard 200, making it the band’s first ever No. 1 album.
Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Emotion: Side B”
Carly Rae Jepsen released her second EP “Emotion”: Side B” in late August. It was officially announced on the one-year anniversary of her third studio album “Emotion.” It features eight songs, seven of which were co-written by Jepsen, which did not make the cut for the original album. It reached number 62 on the U.S. Billboard 200 with 9,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, with just over 7,000 coming from pure sales, despite the fact that it was only released as a digital download and in streaming format until CD was released exclusively through her official site.
Contributing reporting by Kaitlyn Paschke.
