#15 - Metronomy - Summer 08
You know when an album takes you back to SUCH a specific place & time whenever you listen to it? That's what this album (already) does for me. Summer 08 is such an apt title for these songs - there is something sticky and humind and languid about them, which, coupled with the nostalgic vibe, creates a great atmosphere. There's also a beautifully random collab with Queen of the Gays Robyn in here!
#14 - Gwen Stefani - This Is What The Truth Feels Like
After a string of terribad singles (on what planet did her team think Spark the Fire, Used to Love You and Make Me Like You were good single choices
), my expectations for GS3 were practically subterranean. BOY WAS I WRONG. Other than a few serious missteps (the JR Rotem tracks), this album is top notch sugary, glistening, fizzy pop music. It may have been a gigantic flop, but I'm glad to see one of my childhood icons just make great, fun music.
#13 - Chance the Rapper - Coloring Book
Another summery, colourful album. I've been aware of Chance's existence for a while now, but it wasn't until after his verse on Ultralight Beams that I bothered to try and get into him. This album adds another string to his already strong repertoire, and is definitely worth checking out.
#12 - Tinashe - Nightride
After what seems like an eternity (even though she released a mixtape last year) Britney Spears' new BFF Tinasha released her second album (or is this another mixtape? Who knows at this point I'm just glad I got something). This album is sexy, velvety and most certainly nocturnal. There are some outstanding songs on here - Touch Pass, Spacetime, Ride of Your Life, Party Favors and Sacrifices to name a few.
HOWEVER - I'm kinda pissed with Tinashe if I'm honest. The girl is so talented; her new album should EASILY be making the top 5 on my list. Instead it's lingering outside of the top 10 because she's the classic example of someone that is trying to do everything, but doing nothing properly. She's trying to be a bonafide pop star, but her pop sensibilites are clearly not strong enough to write a hit (and she hasn't got the $ to hire big time writers). This ends up in messes like Superlove. This pop obsession has prevented her from truly developing her 'urban music' beyond something like Nightride - which is a great album, but sounds more like a mixtape being carried by a ~vibe~ rather than a real album with fresh production and excellent lyricism. So yeah I'm rambling here, but Tinashe gurl get ur **** together, forget about being a pop star for now and focus on making AMAZING music instead.
#11 - Christine and the Queens - Chaleur Humaine
Just missing the top 10 is the debut album from la reine française Christine! This album is such beautiful, idiosyncratic pop. Christine's eccentricity really shines through, and some of the lyrics on this album are SO touching. St. Claude is the only song that made me cry this year, after hearing the story of how it was written. Christine is definitely my favourite act that I've seen live in 2016 - she brings the album alive in SUCH a thrilling manner, and the girl can dance.