Steven Minurka’s Albums Of 2016
10) Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book –
While I think Acid Rap was a far better release, I cannot deny the listening quality this mixtape has.
9) Vince Staples – Prima Donna –
The glorious production showed with his debut, and it continues to show in this EP, even with subtle improvements of quality. I’m looking forward to his next major release.
8) Kendrick Lamar – Untitled Unmastered –
I am a biased fan at this point, but I am quite alright with that. My favorite album of 2015 echoes further with snippets of what remains from those sessions, and they’re examples of why I have so much elation towards this artist.
7) Xenia Rubinos – Black Terry Cat
It pains me to have listened to her so late in the year, but she’s something that deserves all he exposure she can get. No genre seems to fit her, and I am quite alright with that.
6) Whitney – Light Upon The Lake. –
This debut album really got to me. I’m not sure why, but I can’t help but hope for good things from this group. There’s something I am interested in, and I certainly want more of it.
5) Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial
Another band I’ve become introduced to this year. While I was mildly hesitant on the opening track, I was taken away by the aftermath. This album may be an indie classic a decade or two from now.
4) Mitski – Puberty 2
I was unsure of what to expect from this album, but I love it. I really love it. Or I at least love it to the point of seeing more of her material, because I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t impressed.
3) The Rolling Stones – Blue & Lonesome
I was not expecting any material from them. Nor was I expecting anything this good. It seems as if time does nothing to the likes of Jagger, Richards, and Company. Their chemistry feels constant even through covers (that may even serve as a parallel to their early releases), but they’re still capable. With that said, I’m hoping for more to come.
2) Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – Skeleton Tree –
Building substance behind loss with strength. Or at least something worth listening to. Essentially The Bad Seeds are doing what they do best, with Cave still being the enigmatic man he is.
1) David Bowie – Blackstar –
A dark, yet beautiful vivid end to an intricate legacy. Maybe I’m still biased, but no album this year hit me as hard as this one.