The 50 Best Albums of 2016
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Although some claim that electronic music has finally run out of ideas, we feel like albums have been more varied in 2016, spanning more genres and mixing more diverse influences than ever before. Within our Top 10 you can find Afrobeat, Future Jazz, House, Broken Beat, Ambient, Techno...
There is also a mix of old and new, from Yussef Kamaal's stellar breakthrough to A Tribe Called Quest's final album, Convextion's long-awaited return or the LP debuts of Dorisburg, Funkineven aka Steven Julien and The Pilotwings.
Enjoy the selection. (Due to Christmas and limited stocks, we are sold out of a lot of these – we will endeavor to restock those that are available, just add your email on the albums' page to get a notification!)
Although some claim that electronic music has finally run out of ideas, we feel that the LPs to pass through the shop this year have been more varied, and mixing more diverse influences, than ever before. Our top 10 reflects both the diversity of opinion amongst staff members here at Phonica and the sheer variation amongst records being made in 2016. With only a quick glance you will see Afrobeat, Future Jazz, House, Broken Beat, Ambient, Techno, and indefinable records which explore new boundaries. These records couldn’t be more different, and that, in our opinion, is a very, very, good sign of things to come.
You’ll notice that, without intention, our top 20 LPs are all on independent, mostly very small (we’re talking one-man-operation small) labels. We see this as a continuing and maturing trend away from the majors, a democratisation of music for the multitude, allowing open-minded consumers and producers to create and buy brilliant long play records away from corporate influence. The sound of 2016 is one of fusions, experimentations, and independent thinking.
52
Having introduced himself (and that voice) to the world in 2011 with the raw soul of Love & Hate, Michael Kiwanuka’s new album sounded much more psychedelic. The LP is constructed to be appreciated in its entirety - and we encourage everyone to do so!
53
2016 can be marked down as a thoroughly successful year for Meda Fury. Ryota Arai delivered his debut album ‘Pale Lux’, on which he blends eastern mysticism, jazz spirituality, and cosmic disco with classic 4:4 rhythms. As you'll see, it wasn't the only album the label released this year...
54
Holovr echoed the gilded age of “armchair techno” (exemplified by Warp Records’ Artificial Intelligence comps) with his Anterior Space LP. We noticed a similar convergence of the cerebral and the blissful in Holovr's compositions to to those found in the works of Black Dog and B12, that remain classic to this day.
55
Pye Corner Audio crossed paths with Ghost Box once again for his first LP of 2016 full of wistful electronic mists and pulsating arpeggios that could have been taken right out of some late ‘70s / early ‘80s synth library.
56
The towering figure that is Louie Vega was joined by a mind bogglingly glamorous and talented group of collaborators, including Funkadelic & George Clinton; The 3 Winans Brothers and The Clark Sisters; Jocelyn Brown to name just a few. He brought together house, funk, latin soul and gospel in the name of good vibes. The in-store launch party we hosted was off the hook and we salute his contribution to the game.
57
Jamal Moss aka Hieroglyphic Being has built a sterling reputation both as a producer and live performer of deep, mesmeric experimental electronics and free jazz rooted in his native Chicago. He continued this musical journey on his latest LP, which was on heavy rotation in these parts.
58
Lone took a left turn away from his more dancefloor friendly material (as exemplified on the excellent mix he contributed to our mix series) with a collection of bass-heavy beats and quasi-ambient textures. Highly recommended!
59
On his debut mini-album, Pellegrino took us on a tasting trip of mediterranean flavours, showcasing fast-moving disco groovers, spacey jazz-fusion experiments and sun-bleached funky melters in equal measures to distract us from London's fog and rain.
60
IV was definitely BBNG's most impressive project yet. It continued their forward thinking progression, sounding something like a jam session in space between Can, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock's Headhunters, Weather Report, Arthur Russell & MF DOOM. Just picture that...
61
Fabric resident Craig Richards' label The Nothing Special put out Calibre's new album this year. Grow explored different styles and tempos, fitting the year's trend towards eclecticism and mutation.
62
Recorded between 2012 and 2013 at Glasgow's Green Door Studio through a state-funded scheme for unemployed young musicians. This album sounded like an amalgamation of some of our own favourite influences, including LCD Soundsystem, ESG, Talking Heads, Brian Eno, Pigbag, Trouble Funk, Moroder, DAF and Liquid Liquid.
63
Hot on the heels of his delicious Paradise Ghoulash compilation, Smalltown Supersound presented the new album by Prins Thomas in the form of a generous 4XLPs. In his own words it contains "a few tracks loosely inspired by the “braindance" of the 90's and it's themes and components reworked into slightly more “danceable" counterparts". We can assure that he is being very modest.
64
Smallville staple Moomin took inspiration from the infinite expanse of the ocean for his latest offering. We have come to expect excellence from this artist and Moomin proved just why this year.
65
Al Dobson Jr. returned to Rhythm Section International with his debut full length LP. Spread over 28 tracks and clocking in at just under one hour, this body of work provided a glimpse into the mind of one of the UK’s most talented, enigmatic producers. South London represent!
66
A firm shop favourite, Youandewan's debut LP saw a very real development of his deep house style. The music it features has a melancholic vibe that nods to the lonely nature of the DJ and producer's role as well as the darker side of constant partying and all that comes with it.
67
Anohni collaborated with Oneohtrix Point Never and Hudson Mohawke on his latest work, which saw the artist bravely tackle global issues facing humanity head on.
68
The enigmatic Tennessee-raised, Turin-based Yves Tumor presented us with a poignant new album, recorded between Miami, Leipzig, Los Angeles and Berlin over the past three years. The album spans sonically diverse and richly-textured pieces, formed from live, organic instruments, samples and various field recordings.
69
It’s been a couple of years since Classic released an original artist album, the last one being Luke Solomon’s critically praised ‘Timelines’. Label newcomer Eli Escobar harks back to a golden era of disco and early house music but managed to imbue these ideals with an original take on 'Happiness'.
70
Canadian producer and DJ Edward Currelly aka Eddie C's new album was a compelling musical trip of drifting repetition in rhythm and melody inspired by the wedding district of berlin, on the shore of the Panke River. Rather sublime by our standards!
71
Jessy Lanza's second album resonated with the philosophy of experimental pop of Japanese 80s electro outfit Yellow Magic Orchestra. The release marked a more direct, self-assured and joyful musical direction despite the title being a reference to her own constant nervousness...
72
After whetting our appetites with the Aperol Spritz of his recent ‘Tabarin’ 12” on Highwood, Phil Mison returned with the first Cantoma LP in six years, a gorgeous collection of summery moods and sultry grooves called ‘Just Landed’. The spirit of Ibiza was alive and well in 2016!
73
Bjarki has become synonymous with the label founded by Nina Kraviz. For good reason, his output has been prolifically released by the imprint and the high powered yet cinematic dance tracks he makes have found an audience begging for more.
74
The follow-up to James Blake's Mercury Prize-winning 2013 album Overgrown. It features contributions from Justin Vernon and Frank Ocean, as well as additional production work by Rick Rubin. The album showcased Blake's trademark sensitivity.
75
David Bowie's passing this year was one of the major low points of 2016. Released just two days before that event shook the world, Bowie left us with an LP that demonstrates the unpredictable and honest nature with which he lived his life.
76
Tiger & Woods do what they do best and deliver their brand of fun and functional dance music, this time broadened by influences from electronica, italo disco and up-tempo house.