Top 5 - Albums of the Year - 2016

These were my favorite albums I first listened to in 2016. You'll never guess: the artists aren't much different from previous years. For better or worse, progressive and 'album oriented' rock may be always be my favorite. And all five albums can be found on this playlist I made in Spotify. 



The Dear Hunter - Act V: Hymns with the Devil in Confessional - 2016

As I described last year, The Dear Hunter is a true progressive rock band with lead singer Casey Crescenzo as the heart and soul. Casey continued his loose narrative series with his Act 5 album only a year after releasing Act 4. I didn't think this album was as polished as previous ones, but considering some bands wait years to release new material, I was glad to have another album to dive into. There are a few sappy songs I skip midway through, but the album is pretty decent at the beginning and end. 

Ray LaMontagne - Ouroboros - 2016

Produced by My Morning Jacket front man Jim James, Ouroboros is a bit of a departure from the style Ray LaMontagne has shown on his previous five albums. This album is made up of spacey rock songs that hark back to early Pink Floyd. In particular, the first track and the entire second half of the album is really mellow and bluesy. I played this album more than any other in 2016, particularly when falling asleep listening to headphones. If I had to pick a favorite from the top five listed here, this would be it. To me it's solid from start to finish. 


Steven Wilson - 4 1/2 - 2016

Steven Wilson released this EP in 2016 to showcase songs that didn't make the cut for his 2015 album Hand. Cannot. Erase. These tracks are pretty good on their own, and the final song is a remake of the 1999 Porcupine Tree song Don't Hate Me. Like The Dear Hunter, Steven Wilson doesn't wait long before releasing new material, and that's a plus for fans like me who will soak it up. When I saw him live this past year, the sometimes awkward Wilson looked and sounded more comfortable than I'd ever seen him before. As usual, the sound quality and virtuoso, Guitar-God performance of his latest material in an exacting replica of the album tracks was fantastic. 



Red Hot Chili Peppers - The Getaway - 2016

If you're a fan of their more recent music, The Getaway will be right up your alley. They still have an edge but soften it up with glossy production techniques and heavy harmonies. The song Go Robot was my favorite, and is also likely the most pop/dance-heavy song they've ever produced. I heard it on the radio a lot so I guess it was popular with more than just me. Their 2016 "Carpool Karaoke" with James Corden was was pretty funny too! 


Delta Spirit - Into the Wide - 2014

I'm not sure how I came across Delta Spirit but I imagine it was due to a Spotify suggestion. Originally from California but now based in New York, Delta Spirit had some success with songs getting on TV shows, and a 2014 appearance on Letterman. Their website is still active so hopefully there's some new material soon. 

Delta Spirit has a sound that reminds me a little of 2006 versus 2016, but they mix it up well as the 12-track album goes along. There's a 'rockin-Coldplay feel to it that I like. Hold My End Up is a good one to check out.