The Top Pop Music of 2016: A Playlist
A look at the top pop songs of 2016. This playlist includes hits from Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and Adele.
Introduction
2016 was a big year for pop music. We saw the rise of newcomers like Billie Eilish and Lil Nas X, the return of established acts like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, and the continued dominance of superstars like Drake and Ed Sheeran. It was a year filled with catchy hooks, earworm melodies, and sing-along choruses.
But what were the best pop songs of 2016? This is our definitive list. From Bieber to Beyonce, these are the tracks that defined the year.
The Best Pop Songs of 2016
It’s been a great year for pop music. We’ve had huge hits from the likes of Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, and Sia, and there’s been a real mix of styles and genres. Whether you’re into dance, R&B, or something a little more mellow, there’s been something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the best pop songs of 2016.
“Formation” – Beyoncé
“Formation” is a song recorded by American singer Beyoncé for her sixth studio album, Lemonade (2016). The song was written by Beyoncé, Mike Will Made It, and Pluss. It was produced by the latter two with additional production from Beyoncé and Patrick Reynolds. A trap song with southern hip hop influences, “Formation” carries a darker tone than much of Beyoncé’s previous work, with a classical piano interlude provided by James Blake. The song’s themes are black pride and police brutality.
The track debuted on February 6th, 2016 when Beyoncé posted a one-minute teaser on her Instagram account accompanied with the caption “I ain’t sorry”. The following day, she released the music video for “Formation” on YouTube and performed the song live for the first time during Super Bowl 50’s halftime show. Upon its release as a single, “Formation” peaked at number ten on the US Billboard Hot 100 and received critical acclaim from music critics.
“Work” – Rihanna ft. Drake
Released in January 2016, “Work” was an instant hit, topping the charts in several countries and becoming one of Rihanna’s most successful singles. The song’s catchy, reggae-influenced beat and Rihanna’s sultry vocals make it a perfect summer anthem. Drake’s feature on the track is also a highlight, and his chemistry with Rihanna is undeniable. “Work” is a fun, sexy song that perfectly embodies the sound of pop music in 2016.
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
“Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is a song recorded by American singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake for the soundtrack to the 2016 film Trolls. The song was written and produced by Timberlake, Max Martin andShellback. It was released on May 6, 2016, as the lead single from the soundtrack. “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” is a disco and funk song that contains elements of blue-eyed soul. The accompanying music video for “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” was directed by Mark Romanek. It features Timberlake dancing around Los Angeles in various locations including a subway station and grocery store.
The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised its production and Timberlake’s vocal performance. It peaked at number one on both the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and the UK Singles Chart, becoming Timberlake’s fifth number-one single in both countries. In November 2016, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” received three nominations at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards: Song of the Year, Record of the Yearand Best Pop Solo Performance.
“One Dance” – Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla
2016 was a great year for pop music, with many different artists releasing catchy and innovative songs. One of the stand-out tracks of the year was “One Dance” by Drake ft. Wizkid & Kyla.
The song was an instant hit, with its catchy melody and Drake’s smooth lyrics. It quickly rose to the top of the charts and became one of the most popular songs of the year.
Interestingly, “One Dance” is also one of the first songs to feature Drake singing in Jamaican Patois. This helped to give the song a unique sound that set it apart from other pop songs of the year.
Overall, “One Dance” is a brilliant pop song that deserves its place as one of the best songs of 2016.
“This Is What You Came For” – Calvin Harris ft. Rihanna
This Is What You Came For is a song by Scottish DJ and record producer Calvin Harris, featuring vocals from Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on 29 April 2016 as the fourth single from Harris’s fourth studio album, Motion (2014). The song was written by Harris and frequent collaborator Jessie Reyez. It topped the charts in several countries including the United Kingdom, Sweden, Ireland and New Zealand. In the United States, it peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and became Harris’s eleventh top 10 single as a lead artist. The song is a synth-pop track with house influences.
“This Is What You Came For” received generally positive reviews from music critics. The song was nominated for Best Dance Recording at the 59th Grammy Awards but lost to “Don’t Let Me Down” by The Chainsmokers featuring Daya.
The Best Pop Albums of 2016
2016 was a great year for pop music. We saw a lot of great albums released by some of our favorite artists.In this article, we’ll be taking a look at the top pop albums of 2016. These are the albums that we think are the best of the best.
“Lemonade” – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” is one of the best pop albums of 2016. It features a mix of R&B, pop, and hip-hop, with Beyoncé’s trademark powerful vocals front and center. The album tells the story of Beyoncé’s infidelity and the resulting pain and anger, but also features some uplifting moments about forgiveness and moving on. The album was widely acclaimed by critics, who praised its honesty, emotion, and Beyoncé’s vocal performance. It won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best Urban Contemporary Album.
“Anti” – Rihanna
“Anti” is the eighth studio album by Barbadian singer Rihanna. It was released on January 28, 2016, through Westbury Road and Roc Nation. The album was originally scheduled to be released on November 27, 2015, but it was pushed back due to unforeseen circumstances. Recording sessions took place during 2014 to 2015, with various record producers, including Boi-1da, DJ Khaled, Hit-Boy, Jeff Bhasker, Metric Theory and No I.D., among others. “Anti” is a pop, R&B and hip hop album influenced by 1980s new wave music and 1990s slow jams. Upon its release “Anti” received positive reviews from contemporary music critics.
“Views” – Drake
Drake’s fourth studio album, “Views,” was one of the most highly anticipated albums of 2016. The album did not disappoint, debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and staying there for 13 weeks. “Views” is a triumphant return for Drake, and features some of his best work to date. The album’s infectious lead single, “One Dance,” topped the charts in several countries, and is one of the best pop songs of the year. Other standouts include “Hotline Bling,” “Work,” and “Too Good.”
“A Head Full of Dreams” – Coldplay
Released in December 2015, “A Head Full of Dreams” is the seventh studio album by British rock band Coldplay. The album was produced by Stargate and Rik Simpson, with frequent collaborators Jon Hopkins and Brian Eno also contributing. The album features more electronic and hip hop influences than its predecessor, “Ghost Stories” (2014), with reverb-drenched guitars and atmospheric synths being prominent on several tracks. Lyrically, it focuses on themes of hope, love, and adventure. It was a commercial success, debuting at the top of the charts in over 20 countries; in the UK, it became their seventh consecutive album to reach number one. In the US, it debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart behind Adele’s “25”. “A Head Full of Dreams” received positive reviews from music critics upon release. It was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 59th Grammy Awards.”
“A Head Full of Dreams” is Coldplay’s seventh studio album. It was released in December 2015 and debuted at the top of the charts in over 20 countries. The album features more electronic and hip hop influences than its predecessor, “Ghost Stories” (2014), with reverb-drenched guitars and atmospheric synths being prominent on several tracks. Lyrically, it focuses on themes of hope, love, and adventure. It was well received by critics and nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 59th Grammy Awards.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the top pop songs of 2016 were a mix of both up-and-coming artists and established stars. From Hip-Hop to EDM, there was something for everyone on this list. What was your favorite pop song of 2016?
