Lucien's Picks For 2016

[Ciggy Socialist 8,793]

LUCIEN's Picks For 2016

Bonjour, and welcome to my picks for this year, where I will be sharing my opinions of my favourites bodies of music from 2016. Disclaimer I have musical favourites that change frequently (except Kesha, who's albums are my top picks always), so I'll be doing my favourites in sections where they will be arranged in alphabetical order by artist. 

For me 2016 has been a better year in music, because simply more music was released this year that I like. Also the fact that nearly all of my faves put out new music this year adds to me being content with 2016. I think pop is finally crawling out of the depths of shit back to where it was three years ago.

 

Albums

 

4 - 10

Spoiler

 

Poundcake | Alaska Thunderfuck

Not as good as Anus, but there are a handful of enjoyable tracks.

 

Audacious | cupcakKe

(only including one of her albums)

Fun, freaky and deep at times.

 

Blackstar | David Bowie 

Haunting. The title track is a wonderful metamorphosis within itself.

 

This Is What The Truth Feels Like | Gwen Stefani

Chill.

 

Joanne | Lady Gaga

I don't know what to think TBH, but I still like it.

 

ANTi | Rihanna

It's a really solid listen, but the tracks from outside the album that are apart of the era need to be added for the album to keep me interested.

 

This Is Acting | Sia 

Quite fun for a Sia album, a nice easy listen.

 

 

 

1 - 3

Spoiler

 

Dangerous Woman | Ariana Grande

Ariana. This is the first full body of work (of hers) that I can listen to all the way through without dropping out mentally or getting bored. Her vocals are gorgeous (especially in Moonlight). She successfully created buildups in her songs, that leave immensely explosive final choruses. I have little to complain about beside Future's feature and that song as a whole (which is tolerable at best) and the fact that the bonus tracks are a mess and two of my favourite tracks don't appear on the physical editions locally available to me. Greedy, Focus (I use the solo version) and Step on Up are my favourites, closely followed by Moonlight and Dangerous Woman. Everyday is a track I wouldn't care to lose. I will defiantly be returning to this album and look forward to owning it on vinyl.

 

Lemonade | Beyonće

From listening to Yonće on YouTube to then playing Sandcastles for the first time. This album has helped me break into Beyonće's music this year. The story and visual are so coherent and complete. You can really grasp the understanding of her emotions Bey is going through as she starts to uncover the fact that she has been cheated on. The mood swings in this record draw in my ears into there waters, until I am completely submerged and can escape. I love how her soft vocals shine in tracks like Pray You Catch Me and Sandcastles (which alone is already a heartbreaking song), but are then contrasted with the aggressive crashing beats in songs like Don't Hurt Yourself and Formation (which makes for a nice upbeat ender to the album as the credits close). Lovely vocals, diverse tracks, little filler and lovely production. My favourites include Hold Up, Don't Hurt Yourself, Daddy Lessons and Sandcastles. Side note, Daddy Lessons featuring the Dixie Chicks is exceptional and deserves some acclaim. The track list is also perfectly arranged. GREAT GREAT GREAT!

 

Glory | Britney Spears

I have never had more anticipation for an album than this record (having only really gotten into music over the last three years). Britney did not disappoint. The promo singles had me so thirsty for the entire record and when it came it grew on me FAST. I think the production is immaculate for the most part and gives the album a warm inviting, fun vibe. The main complaint I have (besides the cover) is that awkward screams happen in a lot of the best tracks like Better and Slumber Party. The featured artists weren't really necessary (Make Me... should have had a radio edit release excluding G-Eazy from the track), as they didn't contribute anything to the tracks they were on. Also was hoping for a rap curtesy of Tinashe on Slumber Party, which I didn't get. Back to the positives. I love that Glory has much more personality than Britney's previous two albums (Britney Jean and Femme Fatale). Her quirky personality comes barging through on Private Show, which was initially off-putting, but now is in my favourite half of the album. Speaking of favourites, my highlights from Glory are Do You Wanna Come Over?, Slumber Party, Better, Change Your Mind (No Seas Cortez), If I'm Dancing. Tom's diner should have been a bonus track. The flops of the album are as follows: Just Like Me and Hard to Forget Ya. I bought this on vinyl today and it shall remain one of my favourite Britney albums for a long time.

 

 

 

Singles

 

Top 20

(that are not included in the albums above | One song per artist | if the song was released [or re-released as a new version/remix] as a single this year it is eligible for a spot)

Spoiler

 

    

     

    

    

 

 

[Dennis Reynolds 20,370]

Sparks is 2015.

[Ciggy Socialist 8,793]

19 minutes ago, Victoria Beckham said:

Sparks is 2015.

 

I changed it 

[Slasher 19,618]

Stan for Black Barbies!

 

Spoiler

Also, I notice you have listened to all of the faves' releases this year.  Are you interested in joining the FOTP Faves 2016 Album Megarate?  

 

[Ciggy Socialist 8,793]

20 hours ago, Nightmare said:

Stan for Black Barbies!

 

  Hide contents

Also, I notice you have listened to all of the faves' releases this year.  Are you interested in joining the FOTP Faves 2016 Album Megarate?  

 

I don't do that stuff because I usually don't listen to everything that is required 

[Slasher 19,618]

18 minutes ago, Lucien said:

I don't do that stuff because I usually don't listen to everything that is required 

You have listened to all of the required material this time!

 

I would love if you joined!  

[Ciggy Socialist 8,793]

3 hours ago, Nightmare said:

You have listened to all of the required material this time!

 

I would love if you joined!  

It's just a ranking system correct? 

[Slasher 19,618]

Just now, Lucien said:

It's just a ranking system correct? 

Yes!

 

All you have to do is give a number 1 - 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best) to each song on each of the faves' albums from this year!

 

If that didn't make sense, here is the full thread!

 

 

I hope you check it out! I would love for you to participate!  

[Ciggy Socialist 8,793]

 

3 minutes ago, Nightmare said:

Yes!

 

All you have to do is give a number 1 - 10 (1 being the worst and 10 being the best) to each song on each of the faves' albums from this year!

 

If that didn't make sense, here is the full thread!

 

 

I hope you check it out! I would love for you to participate!  

OMG I have heard all of those (and own them), I'll join (if I can work it out)! 

[Slasher 19,618]

7 minutes ago, Lucien said:

 

OMG I have heard all of those (and own them), I'll join (if I can work it out)! 

Awesome! I can't wait!  

[Ciggy Socialist 8,793]

Just now, Nightmare said:

Awesome! I can't wait!  

Thanks for getting me involved queen 

[Slasher 19,618]

Just now, Lucien said:

Thanks for getting me involved queen 

Thanks for getting involved!  The more the better!