Top 15 Albums of 2016

Read about my top albums of 2015 here and here
Read about my top albums of 2014 here and here

I wrote the bulk of this post prior to Christmas in preparation for publishing on Boxing Day. There is no doubt that 2016 has been a tough year - one that bought devastating losses, fears for the future and continued struggles for human rights for all. It was partly the reason I gravitated towards music that was familiar to me - that often eschewed trends and fads in order to focus on what has always touched my heart: timeless melodies, meaningful lyrics and chorus refrains that wrap themselves around me like a hug. This is reflected in the albums that represented the best of 2016 for me - and this countdown takes on particularly poignancy as many of the artists whose stellar work is on this list have been influenced by George Michael, who sadly passed away on Christmas Day. The top three in particular will no doubt admit that his music has been a driving force and inspiration for their own creative endeavours. George's music will continue to be magical in it's own way for an eternity to come - and I truly believe these 15 albums have all carved their own indelible place in musical history by concentrating on the best quality music gift they could bestow upon the world. Thank you to all the artists here for being the soundtrack to my life this year.

15 ~ Simon Curtis, Super 8 Bit Heart: This year the focus was rightly on Simon's debut novel, Boy Robot - a thrilling sci-fi yarn with heart and soul that gripped from page one to the very last word. Simon's music has always had the same influences as the captivating novel does - he's giddy about his love of fantasy epics like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, whilst introducing me to satisfying reads by Pierce Brown, Lev Grossman and David J Schwartz. This album was a re-imagining of his 8 Bit Heart album - all the songs you already know and love are here, only presented in intriguing new settings that uncover hidden nuances and accentuate themes and meanings in thrilling new ways. Carefully linked to the Boy Robot novel, the appetite for the further adventures of this world are whetted once again by the (Super) 8 Bit Heart album - a fully realised body of work that require repeat listenings to look for clues to the plot; find theories to share; or simply become immersed in this dynamic space Simon has created).

14 ~ The Feeling, The Feeling: The Feeling's fifth album was a tour de force and exactly what I wanted from them at this stage of their career. Whilst I'm all for the innovations and flirtations that have permeated every album since their debut, this was just 5 guys in a studio capturing the magic of their creativity as it happened. Recording the music as it happened helped the band hit a new creative peak, whilst harking back to the glory days of 12 Stops and Home. Their harmonies, lush scores and sky bound refrains were intoxicating, whilst the melancholy numbers tugged at your heart strings like never before. The key tracks that were singles (such as Spiralling and Wicked Heart) set the stage but it was joyous, euphoric numbers such Non-stop American and What's The Secret? that had listeners dazzled. There's a real consistency to the album that show a band comfortable with each other's contributions and that is surely reflected in the symbiotic nature between instrumental and vocal. Equally magnificent were the live shows they performed to promote the album - showcasing a collection of songs that are a triumph from start to finish.

13 ~ Deacon Blue, Believers: It was their charming Christmas song (You Know It's Christmas) from a few years ago that got me back into Deacon Blue - a band whose music I had followed fervently when I was a teen (I still remember rushing out to get the limited edition 10" vinyl of Fergus Sings The Blues). Much like The Feeling's fifth album (above) this represented a continued creative resurgence for the band. The songs were powered by deft lyrics, topical narratives and soaring melodies that stayed in your memory long after you'd finished listening to the album. The title track alone was enough to keep me clinging to hope and faith in 2016 - an anthemic refrain about believing in a better tomorrow no matter what life throws at you. The album almost reminded what a valuable asset the piano is in the world of pop - the keyboard riffs that proliferate the entire album are a living, breathing work of art. Every track on the album deserves to be a single - a lot more than can be said for many albums released this year.

12 ~ Matt Dusk & Florence, Quiet Nights: The singer of my most favourite Christmas album of 2016 (Old School Yule - see here) was a busy fella in 2016. In between looking completely immaculate every time I see a picture/video of him, he was paying tribute to much loved songs in his own stylish way. For Quiet Nights he teamed up with the equally elegant Florence to explore jazz standards by recreating them with rich orchestrations and beguiling vocals. He and Florence succeeded entirely. It is a luxurious set of sounds that exudes an effortless cool, yet never at the expense of the seductive nature of the lyrics or the heartbreaking tone of the melodies. Their voices melt together like honey into hot chocolate and seek out every emotion that these indelible standards expect and deserve. The performances here are so vibrant and vivid that if you weren't listening to it all bow-tied up or in a graceful evening gown you felt entirely under-dressed. An album that was all too easy to lose yourself in - and one that will keep on being magnificent for many years to come.

11 ~ Tom Chaplin, The Wave: I've always viewed the option to work on your own after being in a group dynamic as both a tremendous struggle and an amazing opportunity. Alongside the artist's internal conflicting emotions, there is the struggle of ensuring that your solo sound keeps your core set of fans but doesn't sound like a replica of the music your band is most famous for; the opportunity is to infuse that musical sound with more personal elements of your heart and soul in way that perhaps wasn't available before. Much like Robbie Williams and Brandon Flowers before him, on his debut album, The Wave, Tom has bought about a stunning collection of tunes that are influenced by his days with Keane yet unveil new facets to the singer we've not been privy to before. It is a fascinating, melodic, memorable and heartfelt album that will resonate with the listener long after the CD has stopped spinning. Tom opens himself up and lays himself bare for the listener - the result is an intensely personal album that provides comfort in the melancholy and lifts you up with hope and optimism. It is hard to single out one particular favourite in an album full of highlights.

10 ~ OST, Half A Sixpence: It seems incredibly patronising and reductive to say that this is the little musical that could - but in the best, most fantastic way possible, it really truly is. From it's Chichester beginnings to the triumphant transfer to the West End, the stage version of Half A Sixpence has defied expectations at every turn. With a cast ably led by the amazing Charlie Stemp, and with the original songs sitting alongside radiant new compositions from the aces Drew & Stiles, the stage show (lucky enough to have seen in both venues) is feel good euphoria from opening curtain to rousing standing ovation. What is rather special about the soundtrack version is that it keeps the exuberant energy of the show - with the whole cast embracing the glorious orchestrations of such indelible songs. So even for the uninitiated, it is a sparkling experience that sends your heart giddy with glee. New songs like Pick Out A Simple Tune are as instantly memorable as old favourites such as Flash Bang Wallop. Whenever you feel down or gloomy, pop on this soundtrack and it will send your spirits soaring higher than as if you were flying a kite.

09 ~ Anthony Callea, Backbone: The latest album from Austalian sweetheart, Anthony Callea, is a masterclass in how to examine the architecture of other people's songs and recreate them in ways that are both reverent to the originals but meaningful to the performer. Backbone is an apt name for songs that have lifted and roused many over the years. Anthony's nuanced interpretations of these classics demonstrates a thorough understanding of the message of each song, filtered through his own experience that is evident in his melodic tones. Anthony doesn't just sing these songs; he performs them in a way that suggests he deconstructed the architecture of how these songs were crafted and then rebuilt them to mirror his own life experiences. It is this that makes the album personal and intimate to anyone who listens to it - the ability to transpose your own memories and hopes onto the songs as Anthony performs them.

08 ~ Matt Doyle, Uncontrolled: The appeal of Matt Doyle as a singing artist is not just the quality of his melodies and poetic nature of his lyrics. It's not even that he brings his theatrical background into his songs in a way that makes the narrative feel like a real story, an intimate insight into someone's emotive experience. And although his fluid vocals uncover nuanced aspects of the words, again it is only part of the overall appeal. All these elements coalesce to deliver the listener some truly beautiful music, yet it is Matt's focused vision and passion for his craft that is the glue holding everything together. His approach to the exquisite Uncontrolled album demonstrates this perfectly - funded by his increasingly devout fanbase, it is his opportunity to be fully involved in every single moment of the creation of this project. Every track is a musically and visually arresting work of living, breathing art. Throughout, Matt gives an impassioned vocal that really does feel like his drawing on every memory to fuel the organic honesty in his singing. It accentuates the listener experience and deserves to be heard by all and sundry.

07 ~ Dorian Reland, The Line: I believe it was George Michael who said "never apologise for sex - unless you are bad at it"; a message that Dorian has taken to heart on his bold, creative, wonderful EP, The Line. The whole project is like Mr Reland himself - it doesn't conform to the norm, enjoys challenging preconceptions, and breaks down the hetero-normative stereotypes that still govern our society. Dorian a one man ambassador for encouraging people to let their freak flag fly, not be ashamed of who they love (and how they love them), and urging us to embrace all facets of our sexuality that, oft as British people, we are too polite or uptight to talk about. He's years younger than I yet has taught me many things - through seductively catchy pop songs and their equally stunning/suggestive visuals that accompany them. He's the ultimate pop renegade rebel and he's infused that passion, that intensity and that insightful nature into his collection of musical creations.Leave your inhibitions at the door because it's a rollercoaster ride of titillating lyrics, arousing melodies and full on sinsational vocals from the ballsy Mr Reland himself. It's Erotica for the millenial generation - and just as orgasmically satisfying.

06 ~ Todd Carey, Future Throwback: Through his career, Todd has proved to be the able and effusive curator of the songs he sings - presenting them in different formats, visual settings and live performances to ensure they had an enduring ability to reach as wide an audience as possible. Future Throwback is full of songs that feel buoyant and memorable - so much so that it feels less like an album and more like a greatest hits collection to be proud of. Dive in to an album that is full of heart, emotion, soul and joy, wrapped in glorious melodies and singalong refrains - it's a treat for anyone who appreciates fine music. The title really does do it justice - it is an album that will stay with you for those moments in your life when you most need it, a true future throwback both now and as your life adventure continues. Here is a breakdown of each track - some you probably already know and love; others a new treat to be unwrapped with the same anticipation as presents on Christmas Day.

05 ~ Adam Jacobs, Right Where I Belong: I've long been a fan of poetic, witty and insightful lyricist Alan Menken - it just took me a while to realise it. Like many others, I was captivated by the creative genius of Little Shop of Horrors; completely smitten by the charm of Beauty and the Beast (still my favourite movie of all time). It wasn't until Aladdin in 1992, however, that I noted the name of the composers on the soundtrack cds and started appreciating his contribution to these films whose songs had changed my life. From then on I followed his career like one might fanboy Madonna or Lady Gaga. I travelled to the musicals he wrote, bought the accompanying cd soundtracks and watched the TV shows he contributed to (Galavant, long may you reign). It is why I was so excited that gifted broadway performer - and current USA stage Aladdin - Adam Jacobs recorded a whole album of his songs. Right Where I Belong is a magical, musical gift that places the songs in exhilarating new musical genres, ably guided by the beautifully expressive tones of Adam. He takes Alan's words and makes them his own story. He'll break your heart before sending you to euphoric new heights - and holds you hand for all of it and every emotion inbetween. It's an enchanted magic carpet ride from start to finish.

04 ~ Graingerboy, Enemy Forward: I somehow got to caught up in the complexities of life to write about this stunning gem when it came out, but that doesn't mean this beautifully constructed collection of synth-pop majesty didn't accompany me every step of the way. Like all the albums on this list, but particularly the top 4, Graingerboy is someone who composes music because he loves to listen to music. Often you don't know the people who spend time, emotion, effort and energy putting these songs together but you feel that you do because their music helps shape the person you are. That is exactly what Enemy Forward does. It is intimately insightful, wonderfully expressed and performed with real soul and pathos. At just nine songs, it is a throwback to a time when albums didn't need to pad themselves out with extraneous materials because they just focused on being a complete experience in and of themselves. Graingerboy's ability to let the music breathe and fill in the gaps in his compelling narratives is just one of many reasons this sits so high on the list. Go, discover, fall in love. It's worth it.

03 ~ Omar Afuni, Rush: I first paid attention to Omar Afuni because I thought he looked pretty slick in a suit. Shallow as that may be, it at least got me to check out his music and that, for sure, is the reason I have stayed a fan. His songs come from the heart, wrapped in lyrics and melodies so resonating that they stay with you long after the last note has faded. Rushmarries the joyous pop refrains of Kylie's Light Years with the solid dance grooves of Madonna's Confessions On The Dancefloor and lyrical deftness of George Michael's Faith. He has infused his songs with influences from iconic acts from the 70s to more modern times yet never loses sight of his own vision, crafting lyrics that reflect his own life experiences and radiate with his infectious personality. This is also mirrored on the album cover which, much like Rush's predecessor, Soundproof, is a glorious visual representation of what the record offers. Here, Omar is presented against a backdrop of a bejewelled sky, where the stars seem drawn to him and surround his head like a halo. It is this vivid imagery that matches the intensity of the heart and soul Omar pours into his music. Every song is a gift to the listener that becomes the essential music selection for their life - and you can't ask for more than that.

02 ~ Bright Light Bright Light, Choreography: Bright Light Bright Light is one of the most creative, dedicated and pop-loving pop stars of our generation. The latter is possibly one of the reasons I adore his music so much - I like singers where it feels like they are enjoying what they sing, that the fruits of their labours are something they would go out and buy if it were by someone else. His latest album, Choreography, attracted (much deserved) critical plaudits and fervent internet support for those very reasons. The entire album feels like a love letter to the forgotten art of quality pop music - where melodies, lyrics, refrains are accompanied by the heart and soul of the performer (rather than the fads and trends of studio wizardry). That's not to say Rod's music isn't infused with contemporary flourish - it is. This is a timely and timeless collection of songs that showcase an artist at the very top of their game - an opus to be loved and adored in the here and now, yet cherished as the soundtrack to your memories (and experiences yet to happen) for many years ahead. It is no wonder that, with no major label or expensive marketing campaign, this became Rod's first of (what I'm sure will be many) UK album chart entries.

01 ~ Harriet, Harriet: It's been three years since Harriet elegantly sashayed onto the music scene with her debut single, Afterglow. Since that time I've written countless words about her songs, improving my vocabulary immensely by discovering new words that do justice to this once-in-a-lifetime artist. Her singing touches souls and she has become the epitome of self made success on a changing music scene - she's garnered an ever-growing army of fans (including some rather well-known ones) that have ensured she is a staple of BBC Radio 2, her live shows sell out quicker than Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, and that her lovingly packaged Cover and Winter CDs are already treasured collectors items. This, to me, is far more impressive than a 14 week stay at number one, by a song that no-one can remember with success wrought by people clicking repeat with no financial investment. If Harriet is old-school about they way she garners success then she is old-school about her her songs, and in embracing that it is gloriously refreshing in this current musical marketplace. There is something magical and beguiling about the way Harriet sings that makes the troubles of the world melt away (even when she is singing with a melancholic air). The old adage is probably true that it would be mesmerising if she sang the phone book, yet she's not one to rest on her laurels. She strives for lyrical excellence and high melodic quality in each song she gifts with her vocals. Surrounded by some of music's finest such as Steve Anderson, Cliff Masterson, Judie Tzuke and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra has given the world collaborative endeavours that will be around for generations. Her self-titled debut album could easily have been called Masterpiece - it is a flawless examination of emotions, powered by gorgeous expressive vocals, enduring melodies and accompanying scores that are as intrinsic to the lyrics as Harriet's singing. For sure, the addition of the RPO has only enhanced the existing majesty of these songs. In short, it is magnificent.