New Music: Rock, Indie, and Experimental Sounds from 2016
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A look at some of the best new music from 2016, including rock, indie, and experimental sounds.
Rock
Rock music is a broad genre of popular music that originated as “rock and roll” in the United States in the 1950s, and developed into a range of different styles in the 1960s and later. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, a style which drew heavily from the rhythms of blues and country music. Rock music also drew influences from jazz, folk, and classical music.
The 1975 – “Love Me”
The 1975’s “Love Me” is a synth-pop track with a catchy melody and relatable lyrics about the search for love. The song is from the band’s 2016 album, I Like It When You Sleep, for You Are So Beautiful yet So Unaware of It.
Radiohead – “A Moon Shaped Pool”
Radiohead’s ninth studio album, “A Moon Shaped Pool,” was released on May 8, 2016 to critical acclaim. The album peaked at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart and at No. 4 on the US Billboard 200. “A Moon Shaped Pool” features the singles “Burn the Witch” and “Daydreaming.”
David Bowie – “Blackstar”
On January 8, 2016, the world lost one of its most innovative and celebrated artists with the passing of David Bowie. Bowie’s final album, Blackstar, was released on his 69th birthday, just two days before his death.
Blackstar is a fitting farewell from an artist who always pushed boundaries and challenged expectations. The album is a fascinating blend of rock, jazz, and electronics, with Bowie’s iconic voice at the forefront. It’s an emotionally charged work that feels both personal and universal.
Bowie’s final album is a must-hear for any fan of rock music. It’s a fitting tribute to an artist who changed the course of popular music.
Indie
As the end of 2016 nears, a number of music bloggers and commentators have been looking back at the year in music. It’s been an interesting year, with a number of new artists and styles breaking through into the mainstream. Here, we take a look at some of the best new music from 2016, focusing on the rock, indie, and experimental scenes.
Bon Iver – “22, A Million”
Bon Iver’s “22, A Million” is the best album of 2016. It is a deeply personal album that is also universally relatable. The production is innovative and the lyrics are clever and introspective. This is an album that will be cherished for years to come.
Solange – “A Seat at the Table”
Solange’s “A Seat at the Table” is one of 2016’s most genre-defying albums. It’s a collection of soaring R&B ballads, twinkling pop songs, and hard-hitting rap tracks, all tied together by Solange’s unique and powerful voice. Whether she’s singing about Black Lives Matter or simply celebrating her own blackness, Solange always sounds confident and in control. This is an album that demands to be heard.
Car Seat Headrest – “Teens of Denial”
Formed in 2010 by Will Toledo (lead vocals, guitar, bass, keyboards), Car Seat Headrest released its first album, “Monomania,” in 2011. The band’s sound is a mix of rock, indie, and experimental sounds, with Toledo’s nasally delivery and lo-fi aesthetic becoming its trademarks.
“Teens of Denial,” the band’s 2016 album, is a critical and commercial success, spawning the singles “Fill in the Blank” and “Destroyed by Hippie Powers.” The album is a retrospection on adolescence, with Toledo exploring themes of anxiety, depression, and substance abuse.
Experimental
It’s been an exciting year for music, with a number of new genres and sub-genres emerging. One of the most exciting new genres is experimental music, which is characterized by its unconventional and often unpredictable sound. If you’re looking for something new and different to listen to, check out these three experimental artists from 2016.
Frank Ocean – “Blonde”
Frank Ocean’s much-anticipated album “Blonde” was finally released in 2016, and it did not disappoint. “Blonde” is a beautifully atmospheric and soulful record that showcases Ocean’s incredible voice and songwriting ability. The album features guest appearances from the likes of Beyonce, Kendrick Lamar, André 3000, and James Blake, and was produced by a who’s who of top producers including Danger Mouse, Hit-Boy, Dan Auerbach, and Rodney Jerkins. “Blonde” is a stunning achievement from one of music’s most talented and innovative artists.
Chance the Rapper – “Coloring Book”
Chance the Rapper’s “Coloring Book” was one of the most pleasant surprises of 2016. A beautiful and joyous gospel-infused hip-hop album, it felt like a balm in dark times. Chance also continued to be one of the most generous performers out there, giving away not just his music but his time and energy to charitable causes.
Kendrick Lamar – “untitled unmastered.”
Kendrick Lamar’s “untitled unmastered.” is an excellent example of experimental music from 2016. The album features a unique blend of genres, including rock, hip-hop, and R&B, and includes several tracks that Lamar recorded during the making of his previous album, “To Pimp a Butterfly.” “untitled unmastered.” is a fascinating and challenging listen that is sure to appeal to fans of Lamar’s previous work as well as fans of experimental music in general.
