2016 has been one hell of a year hasn’t it? We’ve lost some of our most-loved legends such as David Bowie, Prince and Alan Rickman and we’ve also faced some of the biggest shake ups in political history. One can only mutter the words Trump and Brexit to cause a divide amongst us all.
What has been great this year is music (well to me anyway); we’ve had albums from Beyonce, Drake, Kanye West, Rihanna and they’ve each created controversy in some way or another. I mean did I really wanna see the waxworks in Kanye’s ‘Famous’ video? Did Jay Z cheat on Beyonce? Will we ever stop twerking to Rihanna’s ‘Work’?
Here are my favourite tracks from 2016… so sit back, relax and sip some homemade lemonade…
Rihanna – Work
Did anyone feel like they were waiting what seemed like an eternity for the Anti album? At first when it came out, I wasn’t convinced, it didn’t ‘sound’ like a usual RiRi album… but little did I know I would fall in love with it. It was ‘anti’ in all ways, from the off-mood to the production; I wonder if people didn’t really take to it at first because of this. However ‘Work’ was a little more RiRi and I still catch myself singing this (and twerking in my chair) because sometimes I wonder if all I do is Workworkworkwork…
Drake – One Dance ft. Wizkid and Kyla
I wasn’t entirely keen on Drake’s Views album but this has got to be my favourite track. Him sampling Kyla’s Funky House song from back in the day as well as the vocals from Afrobeat artist Wizkid was a clever move where he brought together UK and African fans. I can see why Drake is signed to BBK now…
Beyoncé – Formation
I came to slay b*tch.
I’ve summed up my views on the Lemonade album here and Formation is no doubt an absolute banger. The lyrics, the video, the costume, but of all the message… Let us all dream it, work hard and grind ’til we own it. Cheers to a prosperous 2017.
Kanye West – Famous ft. Rihanna
Kanye West. Where do I begin? We all love to hate him in some way or another. I think the guy is pure genius and a brilliant producer; from the infectious beat of this song he leaves you wondering what it’d be like to live in that world… I’m sure we’ve all thought about it… For now:
Era Istrefi – Bon Bon
Technically this song was released on December 30th 2015… however who would have thought we would have a liking to Kosovan Reggae and find myself scouring Google for a pink fur-lined parka jacket?
Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla $ign – Work from Home
I think they’re now gonna be called Fourth Harmony (too soon?) as Camila Cabelo has decided to call it quits this morning… I wonder if the other band members will be working from home for a while until they find a new member? Will they continue on as a quartet? Who knows? Anyway, this was my JAM earlier this year; the beat reminded me of an old school polyphonic ringtone and the lyrics made me want to pack in the office life and set up a desk in my hallway cos apparently ‘I’m the boss at home’.
Rae Sremmurd – Black Beatles
The mannequin challenge was my FAVOURITE thing to see all over social media this year. In a world of dodgy politics, this filled in so much-needed humour in those dark days of November 2016.
Sia – Cheap Thrills
I don’t know if it’s the video or the fact that we still can’t see Sia (See her… get it?) but I’ve found myself listening to this on a loop… I don’t need pound coins to have fun tonight because you’re paying…
Bruno Mars – 24K Magic
I went to Vegas back in October and this song, as well as the video makes me miss those bright lights, boozy nights and penthouse heights ever so much. Okay maybe I’m lying about having a penthouse suite, but I did get upgraded to the 54th floor of the Trump hotel… 24K Magic is the perfect song for donning a silk Versace shirt (Or more like George at Asda) and counting down to 2017 in style.
I could have added so much more to this list but these are ones that spring to mind for the moment. What would go on your soundtrack to 2016? Comment below or Tweet me here!
Char xo
Mariah says
You know I love all these tunes
memoirsmusings says
AND I LOVE YOU MORE
Eleanor May says
This is a great playlist!
http://www.eleaanormay.com
memoirsmusings says
Thank you my love! <3