The music of 2016 – so far: Here is our Top 5 List

This year has offered a huge number of songs, albums and new artists altogether but, we tried not to be distracted and sort out the best from the entire collection.

Welcome to our Top 5 albums of 2016 so far;

1. Cleopatra by The Lumineers

THIS is a group that knows how to build on their success. Three years after their self-titled debut, they returned with an even better album in songwriting, production and arrangement.

Songs like; “Sleep on The Floor”, “Angela”, “Sick in The Head” and “White Lie” all soak in their indie-vibe and still progress away from their previous sound.

1. Us (EP) by Gnash

Now we rarely admit this but, Extended Plays (EPs) are what make or break most artists. Gnash is definitely on the better end with this 7 song EP titled, Us.

In fact, the songs are so good, we wondered why they were not put on a proper album, but, hey, even Lorde started with an EP before it evolved into what remains a solid album.

“Rumors”, “Get Well Soon”, “I Hate U I Love U” and “U Just Can’t be Replaced” are some of the favorites we could pick off this EP.

1. This Unruly Mess I’ve Made by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis

The hip-hop duo has an art and that is the ability to telling sensitive stories through their playful style of production and songwriting.

If their debut was a career launching album, this is one that guarantees that they have one in hip-hop.

Their debut album did not really gel together and on this one, we have no complaint. The tracks address broader poignant issues surrounding them, the music industry and therefore, it keeps you attentive.

“Light Tunnels”, “Downtown”, “Buckshot”, “Growing Up”, “St. Ides”, “Need To Know”, “ Let’s Eat”, “Dance Off” and “White Privilege” are just a few of the singles we can point out on the album,

Phew! That is a lot of good songs…

1. This is Acting by Sia

Who doesn’t love a cheap thrill? Well, apparently, no one because after years writing for fellow artists, Sia finally penned and provided vocals to her first ever #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in the U.S.

The single, “Cheap Thrills” (the remix version featuring Sean Paul). The parent album, This is Acting which came out early this year and in fact, it is one of the album we made a review for, click to read review:

1. Majid Jordan by Majid Jordan

The Canadian duo have brought RnB back in line with this debut album which swings from pop to RnB and a bit of Hip hop, all in the right measure.

After getting acquainted with them through Canadian rapper, Drake on “Hold On We’re Going Home”, they complete their sound in sync and often, one forgets they are two individual, not one with Majid doing most of the singing and Jordan in production.

“Small Talk”, “Shake Shake Shake”, “Love is Always There”, “Day and Night” and “King City” are just a handful of songs that will make the point.

Other worthy mentions;

I Like It When You’re Sleep, for You’re So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It by The 1975

Lemonade by Beyoncé

Thank You by Megan Trainor

7/27 by Fifth Harmony

The Life of Pablo by Kanye West

By the L.I.C Magazine Team

editorial@licmagazine.info