Are we really heading into the summer? Apparently. That also means we’re pretty much halfway through the year, and it’s time to recap some of the best music we’ve heard so far. Instead of recapping 50 or so albums and EP’s individually (that would be hectic), we’re putting together a Spotify playlist of music for your listening ears. Almost 100 songs here, so you’re bound to find something you enjoy here. Check it out below, and sound off on what your favorite albums of 2016 are! It’s been a banner year so far.
Editor’s note: We receive advance releases, so anything before June 30th is pretty much in our possession already (unfortunately, no Silent Planet here yet).
Playlist is below, but of special note, there’s songs from many subgenres of rock here, and even a few rap/hip-hop/pop gems as well (Aesop Rock, Ariana Nachos Bell Grande, and Chance The Rapper). We especially love the tracks on here from Fero Lux, Sithu Aye, Fallujah, Deftones, Erra, Issues, James Blake, Failure Anthem (seriously, they could be the next big rock band), and Vektor (seriously one of the best progressive thrash metal albums you’ll hear this decade). The new Lonely The Brave album is pretty special as well.
Also a fun reminder that…
The Room Colored Charlatan’s guitarist, Justin Seymour, is a high school teacher.
Thrice, Saosin, and Vektor are riding high after taking years to release new material (the former two because of band breakups/member changes).
Silver Snakes revamped their sound, going from an intriguing alt-rock/post-hardcore style, to a more Godflesh/NIN-influenced one. Now they’re getting on major festivals and touring with Korn this fall.
Katatonia proves they’re one of the most consistently solid progressive rock/metal bands of the last 2 decades with The Fall Of Hearts.
Ariana Grande dropped what’s likely the best pop album of 2016 in Dangerous Woman.
Napoleon are combining emotional, passionate hardcore with the technicality of progressive metal. Newborn Mind is everything you expect, and more.
Erra is really good at album closers. “Render The Void”, “Dementia”, and now “The Hypnotist”.
Hatebreed releases another Hatebreed album. It sounds like Hatebreed. And it’s solid.
What songs and/or albums would you include? What have been your favorites so far? Sound off in the comments!
