#20: The Colour In Anything James Blake
Kevin Lozano wrote that Blake's music is "unparalleled, spacious, and impossibly textured." He goes on to write that "At the end of the day Blake just wants to prioritize happiness and self-knowledge above all else. It’s a thoroughly unhip statement that makes you believe smiling, even if it hurts, is the coolest possible thing in the world you can do."
Standout track:
#19: Malibu by Anderson Paak
Erin Lowers of Exclaim! said, "A rose from concrete, Malibu offers a sense of wonder that's carefully rooted in funk and soul, and presents a complete vision from a blossoming new artist that's not only fearless, but leading something of a sonic revolution."
Standout track:
#18: Blood by Lianne La Havas
This is the only non 2016 release on my countdown. In 2015, I didn't know who she was but in Spring 2016, she opened for Coldplay in South America so I decided to check her out
because Coldplay always had the best openers
I immediately fell in love with her voice, calmness and talent. The album is beautiful and is a mix of Jazz and Soul. I wish I played it more so it could rank a little higher.
Standout track:
#17: 22, A Million by Bon Iver
Unpopular opinion: I liked this more than their self titled. For me, it is more daring, has more dimensions and pulls from different influences and genres. Some tracks were a miss but most of the album is stellar.
Standout track:
#16: A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead
I have some friends who are hardcore Radiohead fans and when I told them this was probably my favorite Radiohead album, they almost devoured me. This was a pleasant surprise for me, I didn't expect to like it as much as I do, even the instrumental heavy tracks like Ful Stop are extremely enjoyable. And Daydreaming is one of my most played songs of 2016.