2016 Albums: (Re)Discovery
In addition to the new albums that were released this year, there were also several albums not released this year but were still important enough to deserve a write-up. Here are some albums that were new, or felt new, to me in 2016.
Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness
Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness
August 2014
I didn't know a girl in high school who wasn't obsessed with the music of Andrew McMahon, in the form of his two previous bands: Something Corporate or Jack's Mannequin. I never much cared for his work, until I heard "Cecelia In The Satellite" on the radio, Shazam'd it, and found the name of the artist. My first thought: "Wait...THAT Andrew McMahon?" Turns out, yes it was that Andrew McMahon. A brilliantly written piano-driven pop album, Wilderness sees Andrew McMahon's writing mature, which is probably why it appealed to me more than his previous efforts. A solid album front to back.
Must listen tracks: Cecilia And The Satellite, High Dive, See Her On The Weekend
Carly Rae Jepsen
E•MO•TION
June 2015
Let it be known that I, of sound mind and body, actually kinda like this album. If you know me at all, you know I am very reluctant to slide 100% into the pool of pop, but after some glowing recommendations from people who's music taste I tend to trust, I gave E•MO•TION a few listens. While not every song appeals to me, there is a lot that I do like, and find the album very well-written and produced. There is some good variety in the songs, though most tend not to stray too far out of the pop genre. One prime example is "All That," an excellent ballad / slow jam with a killer slap bass line. Easy highlight.
Must listen tracks:Run Away With Me, All That, E•MO•TION
Green Day
American Idiot
September 2004
It's hard to imagine that when this album came out that Green Day were all but washed up. I loved this album when it was released. Or at least parts of it, and not for the right reasons. I liked it as an okay collection of some pretty good individual songs (long before Wake Me Up Before September Ends or Boulevard of Broken Dreams became inescapable on the radio). Given my penchant love for concept albums and rock operas, 2016 me is shocked that 2004 me didn't like this album more. But as the album grew into popularity and then into annoyingly overplayed, I quickly abandoned it. A close friend's obsession with the musical in college was enough to get me to listen to it and go remember why I liked it, but it wasn't until seeing the musical at my alma mater this year that the album finally clicked. I found the narrative, I discovered songs I used to hate were now incredible, and enjoy looking back at this album which is a pretty accurate snapshot of life in the early 2000s Bush / Iraq War era. Easily one of my favorite albums now. Better late than never?
Must listen tracks:Give Me Novacaine, Jesus of Suburbia, Whatshername
My Chemical Romance
The Black Parade
October 2006
This album aged like a fine wine. Much like American Idiot, this album was one I listened to a lot when it came out but quickly dropped. Another concept album, I am again surprised at how I was unable to find the narrative and story in this album. Upon release, I was disappointed to find the album was not more like the band's previous release, listened to a few songs, and then dropped it when Welcome To The Black Parade became a fairly moderate hit on the radio. With this year being the 10th Anniversary of the album and a coinciding release, I decided to give The Black Parade a listen with relatively fresh ears and was beyond happy with what I found. Again like American Idiot, I found that a lot of songs I didn't care for much on the first go around were now great songs that were easy favorites. Another old album that I'd written off became one of my favorites. They also share the same producer. Coincidence?
Must listen tracks: Disenchanted, I Don't Love You, This Is How I Disappear
baratheonpilled
germansingergirl
discoholicmusic
janainaart
annaxmalina
stormborns
andulkaphoto
yousharknotpass
