30Albums2016

The 30 best albums of 2016

Do you have any idea how many records are released in any given year? That’s okay, neither do we. We do know that there are thousands of records that come out every year, from manufactured pop stars to local church choirs, and all of them are hoping to get your attention. So through all the noise, here’s what stood out. Check out our favorite albums from 2016, brought to you in partnership with our friends at Full Sail University. And for some more awesome albums, check out our favorite debut albums from 2016

Read more: The 20 best songs of 2016

 A Day To Remember – Bad Vibrations (Epitaph)

Bad Vibrations marks the first time A Day To Remember have written and recorded in a totally collaborative environment since 2007’s For Those Who Have Heart. And as the band attested in their cover story in AP 338, the writing and recording process was an intense one, full of self-doubt, insane amounts of pressure and the occasional sonic squabble. In the end, the band’s ability to juggle all of their ideas in a brand new, uncomfortable creative environment—and still find new ways to move their sound forward musically—has resulted in arguably their best album since Homesick.

Andy Black – The Shadow Side (Republic)

In his Andy Black full-length debut, Black Veil Brides frontman Andy Biersack chases his dark muse against a cinematic backdrop of impressive pop ’n’ roll on The Shadow Side. These songs don’t back away from the arena-ready bombast of ’80s Bruce Springsteen and U2, a sound that suits the charismatic singer like high-end couture without sacrificing the postmodern theatrics or Biersack’s commanding voice.

Attila – Chaos (SharpTone)

Chaos is as much a celebration as it is confrontation. Frontman Fronzilla pushes positivity and partying when he's not calling out both the hater population and the climate of political correctness. This is Southern mosh meets nü metal meets ridiculousness.

Avenged Sevenfold – The Stage (Capitol)

Straight up? Avenged Sevenfold’s new album is compelling because the SoCal quintet unashamedly continue to embrace their larger-than-life arena-rock ambitions, while genuflecting at the altars of the gods of hard rock and metal before them—on their own terms.

Beartooth – Aggressive (Red Bull)

Aggressive is probably the most compelling statement you’re going to hear for the validity of heavy rock music in 2016. Caleb Shomo ducks and weaves his way through moments that are downright commercial (“Sick Of Me,” “However You Want It Said”), teeming with throat-shearing bluster (“Always Dead”) or the kind of thing that gets you fitted for a straitjacket (“Censored”). And if you’re looking for a new anthem to articulate your frustration of the scene, Shomo’s got you covered: “Rock Is Dead” is on point in its conviction (“I’d rather be dead than bored out of my mind/If rock ’n’ roll’s dead, you can kill me right now”).

Blink-182 – California (BMG)

That California even exists is something of a miracle. Just a few years ago, when Blink-182 were wrapped up in a very public stalemate—largely driven by founding guitarist/vocalist Tom DeLonge and his inability to commit to making the band his priority—it seemed quite possible we’d never get another album from the legendary pop-punk group again. But with DeLonge now on the sidelines (for how long is unknown, as he claims he’s still a member of the band and never tendered his resignation) and Alkaline Trio’s Matt Skiba in the fold, it seems like bassist/vocalist Mark Hoppus and drummer Travis Barker are back to something that’s been lacking in the Blink universe for the past few years: fun.

Chance The Rapper – Coloring Book (none)

On his third mixtape, Chance The Rapper blends gospel praise with his signature brand of misfit-rap. He continues to prove that no musician needs a label (or even charge for his creations?) to find incredible success.

Descendents – Hypercaffium Spazzinate (Epitaph)

In 1982, Descendents released their debut, Milo Goes To College, and those 22 minutes changed the face of punk forever. With their mixture of LA punk and a decidedly more melodic pop sound, pop punk was born. It’s a big deal when this band releases an album (this is only their fourth since 1987), and it's easily one of the best in a stellar catalogue.

Dillinger Escape Plan – Dissociation

The Dillinger Escape Plan have created nearly two decades of art on their own terms, challenged heavy music's rules with every album and elevated an entire genre in the process. Dissociation might be the final stop on this journey, but in 10 years, it's also the first thing we'll point to when people ask why these guys are still relevant.

Every Time I Die – Low Teens (Epitaph)

It’s been 15 years since Every Time I Die dropped their debut full-length album, and a decade-and-a-half later, the heavy hitters haven’t lost an inkling of steam. Their eighth studio record, Low Teens, might not start off with guns blazing, but it does ring out as a classic Every Time I Die release if ever there was one.

Frank Iero And The Patience – Parachutes (Hassle)

With a solid backing band behind him and two sets of very assured hands working the mixing board (veteran producers Ross Robinson and Steve Evetts), Iero sounds almost hysterical with joy and freedom. These burnt and frayed punk songs burst forth with purpose and power, bearing the pale scars of some deep psychic wounds.

Green Day – Revolution Radio (Reprise)

With the stripped-down, self-produced Revolution Radio, Green Day come to terms with their demons, only to find a new struggle waiting on the outside. Terrorism, racial strife, class warfare, a divisive presidential election—this is just some of the tension that underpins the album’s 12 songs. But Radio is also the most intensely personal Green Day album in years; as much a celebration of life on the upside of 40 as it is a reminder of the choices, conflicts and contradictions that mark a life well-lived.

Highly Suspect – The Boy Who Died Wolf (300 Entertainment)

Highly Suspect successfully avoid the dreaded sophomore slump after snagging two Grammy nods for last year’s debut full-length, Mister Asylum. The hard-hitting follow-up, The Boy Who Died Wolf, delivered on the promise of a continued refreshing zero-fucks-given attitude that appeared on their debut, proving that they are here to stay—whether you like it or not.

Issues – Headspace (Rise)

You’d have thought Issues’ metalcore-rooted, R&B-influenced, pop-punk-friendly brand of genre-bending reached maximum absurdity with their last few releases. Certainly the band’s desire to bowtie the most random of sounds into tight, hook-driven tracks would have them continuing to explore those same frontiers for more rowdy, smile-inducing bangers, right? Apparently not. With their second full-length, Issues grab a whole new bag of influences (violin, anyone?), but more importantly, they are showing that they’ve built something truly original.

Jimmy Eat World – Integrity Blues (RCA)

Integrity Blues is, all at once, classic Jimmy Eat World and the next evolution. It’s the perfect encapsulation of where they’ve been, where they are and where they’re going. It’s their best work since 2004’s Futures.

KORN – The Serenity Of Suffering (Roadrunner)

The nü-metal pioneers have batted around a few different styles over the past decade, but The Serenity Of Suffering is a true back-to-the-roots record. Front to back, song after song, it is one thing: Heavy! Punishing riffs are scattered throughout the album and Jonathan Davis’ signature writing style is back. Emotional and grabbing verses are coupled with powerful choruses, and there’s a fair share of absolutely blistering breakdowns. You can tell that Korn created this album cohesively, and every member shines throughout its 11 tracks.

NOFX – First Ditch Effort (Fat Wreck Chords)

NOFX are the leaders of melodic punk. On their 13th album, they're just as on point as they were in the genre's '90s heyday. Songs like the confessional “I'm A Transvest-lite” and the heads-down rager “Ditch Effort” showcase everything that is great about punk: energizing, inspiring and demanding repeat listens. Really, punk doesn't get much better than this.

Modern Baseball – Holy Ghost (Run For Cover)

Modern Baseball’s third album, Holy Ghost, drips with sincerity. The first half of the record was penned by Jake Ewald, the second half Brendan Lukens; the songs naturally weave into one another. Though both musicians are very different and write about separate things, there’s an overwhelming feeling of loss and hidden hope to the release.

Moose Blood – Blush (Hopeless)

Moose Blood up the ante in their effortless ability to appeal to just about everyone. Their catchy emo-rock melodies combined with poignant, punchy lyrics are certain to please even the poppiest of pop-punkers and the hippest of indie-music snobs.

Of Mice & Men – Cold World (Rise)

Cold World is, in the truest sense of the word, an evolution. Of Mice & Men, like many bands who achieve great success after their first few records, are no longer the band they once were. Their new album marks a new chapter of growth for the band. Fans should embrace Cold World like a curious traveller in a new place, observant and aware that the world has changed and there are truly a lot of great things to discover here.