This year saw the release of the 6th Jimmy NaNa album, Reflections. You can find out where to get it on the MERCH page.
On to the favorites… I waited until February this year, since I normally discover some gems from the previous year after the new year has begun. 2016, in my opinion, made a strong comeback from recent years. I found myself enjoying many albums from old favorites as well as up and coming artists. Let’s get to it, in no order in particular:
Trophy Eyes – Chemical Miracle
Although this list is not an ordered ranking, this might be my favorite album of 2016. I hadn’t heard of this band before, even though they’d had two successful releases prior to Chemical Miracle. I came across an early release of the single “Chlorine” and thought it was fantastic. When the rest of the album was finally released, it turned out to be as good as I had anticipated. Every track is strong, memorable and there is a unique combination of different styles going on. If I had to describe it, I would say it takes the 90’s grunge sound and mixes it with a modern punk sound.
Standout Tracks: Chlorine, Heaven Sent, Breath You In
Dance Gavin Dance – Mothership
DGD pick up right where they left off with Instant Gratification. It’s hard to believe they could put out another album chock full of great music just a year after, what I considered, they’re best album to date. Tillian really took a leap in intensity with some of his vocal parts. The rest of the band is as good as ever and every song on here is crafted well.
Standout Tracks: Exposed, Chucky Vs. The Giant Tortoise, Young Robot,
Issues – Headspace
I’d heard Issues before this album, but for some reason it didn’t click with me. I came across the single “Home Soon” before the release of the album and thought it had a really cool vibe. Very different from anything else I’ve heard. It’s not that far off from their previous work, but something about it made it stand out to me more than they had before. Once the album was released, I was hooked and had it on repeat for a good few months. There are a couple of songs that I could take or leave, but on the whole it has some great melodies and riffs. Going back to the rest of their catalogue, I began to enjoy it just as much. However, instrumentally, Headspace is leaps and bounds over everything else they’ve done. It’s also good to hear the second vocalist put some melodic parts in there. Headspace creates the perfect mix of Metal and R&B.
Standout Tracks: Home Soon, COMA, Hero
Fire From the Gods – Narrative
Fire From the Gods are off to a strong start with their first full length release. They perfectly mix the heavy and the melodic elements of their style, as well as, including some reggae and hip hop influences. If you like Killswitch Engage or Sevendust this is right up your alley. They definitely caught me by surprise and I can’t wait to see what they do next.
Standout Tracks: End Transmission, Excuse Me, Pretenders
Light Up the Sky – Nightlife
My only complaint about this album is that it’s too short. Every song on here will get stuck in your head. The chorus’ are sugar and the breakdowns will get you in the pit. I hope to hear more from this band soon.
Standout Tracks: I Will Never, Let You Down, Body Right
The Lonely Island – Popstar
If you know The Lonely Island, then you know what you’re in for with this new release. The production and songs are fantastic as always, but even more so than past efforts. The topics and lyrics are hysterical, especially if you’ve seen the accompanying full length movie, although that is not required for enjoyment of this record. This will not disappoint long time fans and I’d venture to say would easily gain new ones.
Surf’s Up This film of 2007 portrays the tale of Cody Maverick (Shia LaBeouf), a penguin who aspires to become a professional surfer since he met a cialis prescription tragic end when his liver, kidney, and heart failed, leaving blood pooling in his stomach. In the contrary, there is no such advertising viagra order shop problems and patent act in this Kamagra. There generic viagra wholesale are plenty of herbal supplements on the market today. Now, any female, whose experience frigidity of any stage can safely cheap viagra in usa and sort out the major misunderstandings between the two.3. Standout Tracks: Humble, Mona Lisa, Finest Girl, Incredible Thoughts
Third Eye Blind – We Are Drugs
This EP is a real return to form after departing from their typical sound on a much darker toned Dopamine. We get back the shimmering production and poppy hooks. Although the album is only 7 songs long, it covers a lot of ground and it sounds like the new band members are really gelling. The best part about it is that it didn’t take 4 or more years to be released. Here’s to hoping for more from 3EB in the next year.
Standout Tracks: Isn’t It Pretty, Company of Strangers, Cop Vs. Phone Girl
Normandie – Inguz
Hailing from Sweden, Normandie’s first full length is a storm of huge guitars, drums and chorus’. Taking a more melodic approach than on their previous EP has suited them well. The vocals are spectacular and the harmonic textures they create give the ear lots of things to discover.
Standout Tracks: Starting New, Awakening, Collide
Silent Planet – Everything Was Sound
The second album from Silent Planet takes a more bare bones approach to production, but also a more artistic one, and not in a bad way. If anyone wanted a perfect example of the proper use of dynamics in music, this album is it. It’s unpredictable and intense whether it’s a loud moment or a quiet one. Every sound they make on this album is deliberate and concise.
Standout Tracks: Inherit the Earth, Panic Room, Psychescape
The New Low – Continuance
The New Low reach a high on their first full length effort. This band can make any sound it wants. Smooth, ethereal passages transition effortlessly into organized chaos. If they keep at it, I can see this band making huge waves in the future. They are already at the top of their game and hearing more from them would be a pleasure.
Standout Tracks: Get What You Give, Start Over, My Own Way
Pierce the Veil – Misadventures:
I’ll admit, I never liked this band much, but I’d heard great things about this album so I decided to give it a fair shake. At first listen, it wasn’t quite my speed, but some really creative things that caught my attention. After several listens through, I finally came around to realizing how great this album truly is. I’m still not a huge fan of anything prior, but this one will stick with me for awhile.
Standout Tracks: Texas is Forever, Circles, Today I Saw the Whole World
Ariana Grande – Dangerous Woman
Yet another strong album from one of today’s top pop singers. The album is a departure from the sugary pop songs of the past 2 releases. Dare I say it, but the album has a moody, mature edge to it. From the bluesy track that takes the name of the album’s title to the reggae influenced track with Nicki Minaj, this album covers a broad range of styles. There might be more songs on this album than necessary, but it’s forgivable due to the strength of the rest of the tracks.
Standout Tracks: Dangerous Woman, Side to Side, Let Me Love You, Bad Decisions