The Best Indie Rock of 2016

A look at the best indie rock of 2016. Featuring a range of artists, from well-known to up-and-coming, this year’s list has something for everyone.

The Best Indie Rock of 2016

The year 2016 was a great year for indie rock, with many new and exciting bands emerging onto the scene. In this article, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best indie rock of 2016. So without further ado, let’s get into it.

The Best Indie Rock of 2016: The Year in Review

It’s been another great year for indie rock, with plenty of new bands making their mark and established acts continuing to churn out great music. Whether you’re into guitar-driven rock or ethereal melodies, there’s something for everyone in 2016’s best indie rock.

Topping our list is pregnant singer-songwriter Waxahatchee, whose album Ivy Tripp is a masterclass in introspective songwriting. She’s joined by buzzy newcomer Car Seat Headrest, who delivered one of the most unconventional (and best) rock albums in years with Teens of Denial.PUP also make an appearance on our list with The Dream Is Over, a record that’s sure to get your blood pumping.

Other standout releases include Beach Slang’s A Loud Bash of Teenage Feelings, Silversun Pickups’ Better Nature, and Jay Som’s Everybody Works. There’s also a posthumous release from David Bowie, who left us far too soon this year but not before delivering one last masterpiece with Blackstar.

So without further ado, here are Consequence of Sound’s 25 favorite indie rock albums of 2016.

The Best Indie Rock of 2016: The Best Albums

We’ve compiled a list of what we think are the best indie rock albums of 2016. Take a look and see if you agree!

1) Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial
2) Japanese Breakfast – Psychopomp
3) The Hotelier – Goodness
4) PUP – The Dream Is Over
5) White Lung – Paradise
6) Martha – Blisters in the Pit of My Heart
7) Touché Amoré – Stage Four
8) British Columbia’s Woolworm release their excellent debut LP, Deserve to Die 9) Freak Heat Waves’ Bonnie’s State of Mind is one of the year’s most underrated albums 10) Andrew Bird’s Are You Serious is one of the most Talkative? ambitious and rewarding releases of 2016

The Best Indie Rock of 2016: The Best Songs

The year 2016 was a great one for indie rock, with a wealth of excellent new music coming from both established artists and fresh faces alike. Here are our picks for the best indie rock songs of the year.

“Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” – Car Seat Headrest

One of the breakout stars of the year, Car Seat Headrest released an excellent album in Teens of Denial, full of smart, funny, and wise songs about growing up and coming to terms with who you are. “Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales” is one of the highlights, a surging rock song with a chorus that will stick in your head for days.

“I Know It’s Over” – The Replacements

The Replacements reunion album didn’t quite live up to the hype, but there were still some priceless moments to be found amongst its 16 tracks. “I Know It’s Over” is one of them, a beautifully melancholy ballad that finds Paul Westerberg at his wistful best.

“Don’t Wanna Fight” – Alabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes followed up their hugely successful debut album with another winner in Sound & Color, an eclectic mix of styles that somehow all sounds like Alabama Shakes. “Don’t Wanna Fight” is one of the standouts, a classic soul tune with a modern twist.

“In Undertow” – Beach House

Beach House continued to perfect their ethereal brand of dream pop on 7, their seventh studio album. “In Undertow” is one of the highlights, a slow-burning song that gradually builds to a gorgeous crescendo.