2016 was an amazing year for music, with projects being released from artists such as Drake, Rihanna, and Kanye West. This leads to controversy on what albums were the best of the year. Fellow Blue Jays, Benjamin Dye and Robert Terry, came together to create a list of the top ten albums of the year. The albums were chosen based on personal enjoyment, rather than popular opinion. Here are their choices:

10) Frank Ocean – Blonde

Label: Boys Don’t Cry

Released: August 20th

Frank Ocean’s long awaited sophomore album, Blonde, surprised fans with it’s unique sound and concept. Popular tracks such as “Ivy” and “Pink+White” are some of the most beautifully crafted songs of the year. The album, originally titled Boys Don’t Cry, solidifies Frank Ocean’s genius, and exemplifies his worth in the music industry.

9) 21 Savage – Savage Mode

Label: Slaughter Gang, LLC

Released: July 15th

Savage Mode was a big success for not only 21 savage, but also for rap’s newest legendary producer, Metro Boomin. This album brought 21 his first two platinum records: “No Heart” and “X (feat. Future)”. Songs like “Ocean Drive” and “Feel” it show 21’s ability to make not only trap bangers, but melodic masterpieces.

8) Chance the Rapper – Coloring Book

Label: N/A

Release Date: May 13th

Chance the Rapper’s third mixtape, Coloring Book, broke records, and solidified Chance’s musical talent. The mixtape was the first project to have 0 sells and win a Grammy for rap album of the year. “No Problem” is considered by many to be the banger of the year, from Chance’s ear-worm hook, to 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne’s hype verses. All of the features, varying from Kanye West to Justin Bieber, brought their A-Game, and tied the songs together brilliantly. 

7) Roy Woods – Waking at Dawn

Label: OVO Sound, Warner Bros. Records

Release Date: July 1st

Roy Woods’ debut studio album, Waking at Dawn, is a perfect example of how an artist’s Freshman album should be constructed. The 20 year old artist, unaccompanied by features, created a “Sonic Boom” for his brilliance and unique sound. Songs such as “Down Girl”, “Why”, and “How I Feel” display Woods’ Jamaican influence, and solidify his unequivocal ear for music.

6) Drake – Views

Label: OVO Sound, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, Boy Better Know and Republic Records

Release Date: April 29th

Rap’s current superstar, Drake, preeminently delivered with his fourth studio album, Views. The album is infused with hit records, from “One Dance” to “Hotline Bling”. Features on this project range everywhere from Rihanna to Future. According to Nielsen Music, Views, was the highest selling album of 2016, with 4.1 million total units sold. This album was accompanied with backlash from many recent Drake fans, because many expected it to sound aggressive like his previous project, If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late. Views displays Drake’s new-found inspiration, dancehall, and solidifies him once again as rap’s biggest pop-star.

5) Kanye West – The Life of Pablo

Label: GOOD Music, Def Jam Recordings

Release Date: February 14th

Music’s most infamous artist, Kanye West, returned three years after releasing his previous experimental project, Yeezus, to supply us with a “Gospel” inspired album, entitled The Life of Pablo. Most West fans either love or hate this album, both for the same reason: disorganization and incompleteness. Some believe that its incompleteness, and Kanye’s editing of the album after its release, is genius, while others believe it is lazy and indecisive. However, despite these controversies, this album no doubt had some of the best records of the year, from “Ultralight Beam (feat. Chance the Rapper, Kelly Price, Kirk Franklin, and The-Dream)” to “Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1  (feat. Kid Cudi)”.

4) Rihanna – ANTI

Label: Westbury Road, Roc Nation

Release Date: January 28th

Barbadian singer, Rihanna’s, eighth studio album, Anti, is one of her most diverse projects to date, and demonstrates Rih Rih’s tremendous ability to execute hit records. Radio records range from “Work (feat. Drake)” to “Needed Me” to “Kiss It Better” to “Love on the Brain”, all demonstrating nearly entirely different genres. This project was accompanied with one of the most popular tours of the year, featuring a world-famous glass walkway that Rih Rih would walk across. Anti once again displays Rihanna’s skill and ability to create timeless music.

3) 6LACK – Free 6LACK

Label: LoveRenaissance, Interscope Records

Release Date: November 18th

Atlanta singer-songwriter, 6LACK, hit the music scene running with his debut project, Free 6LACK. “PRBLMS” and “Ex Calling”, 6LACK’s breakout singles, are featured alongside other highlights such as “Never Know”, “Luving U”, and “Free”. 6LACK’s upcoming as a battle rapper is evident through his use of metaphors within his lyrics. This project surprised most listeners, and exemplified 6LACK’s true potential in the music industry.

2) Post Malone – Stoney

Label: Republic Records

Release Date: December 9th

Post Malone’s debut album, Stoney, has an unbelievably beautiful sound and consistency. This album has a very spacey, wavy feel, and is the perfect music to listen to while driving at night. His breakout single, “White Iverson”, is featured on the album, alongside tracks such as “Congratulations (feat. Quavo)”, “Too Young”, and “Patient”, which are all some of Post’s best songs to date. This project gave Alternative R&B lovers a new artist to vibe with and simultaneously built up Post’s reputation within the music scene.

1) Travis Scott – Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight  

Label: Grand Hustle Records, Epic Records

Release Date: September 2nd

Travis Scott’s second studio album, Birds in the Trap Sing McKnight, is #1 on the list because of the absolutely stunning production and beautiful harmonization. The features on this album, from Kid Cudi to Bryson Tiller to Nav, brilliantly execute their vocals, and solidify the album perfectly. Standout tracks like “Goosebumps (feat. Kendrick Lamar)”, “Pick Up the Phone (feat. Young Thug and Quavo)”, and “Beibs in the Trap (feat. Nav)” are some of Travis’ biggest songs to date, and exemplify the greatness of this project.

Projects were released from nearly all of the biggest artists in the industry. These projects, alongside breakthrough projects like Free 6LACK, Stoney, and Savage Mode, made 2016 a great year for music, and based on the announcements already made, it seems as if 2017 will be even better.