It didn't quite live up to 2013's standards, but 2016 has been a stellar year for album releases. We've seen musical giants release eagerly-anticipated (and sometimes completely unexpected) records, new artists break onto the scene and a few curveball released thrown into the mix. 2017 is set to follow the trend and dish out a whole new bunch of tasty releases too. 

Once again, in no particular order, we've narrowed it down to our top five favourite album releases of 2016. Hopefully you'll find one of your favourite records of the year here or you might even discover something that's passed you by in recent months. Either way - enjoy the list!

Warpaint - Heads Up

This album came as a huge shock to fans when it was released at the end of September. The aftermath of their 2014 self-titled album saw the four-piece drift apart and pursue various individual projects, making it appear unlikely for them to head back into the studio and record another album together. 

However, the initial cut from the album 'New Song' cast new light on the group. Arguably their most triumphant work to date, the album is informed by hip-hop and R&B and sees the fiery females channelling moody downtempo rock. 

Where the LA quartet go from here is unclear. They have a huge run of tour dates booked in for 2017 but to out-do their third studio release would be an almighty task. We reckon they'll give it a go anyway. 

Bon Iver - 22, A Million

What a year it's been for third albums! Justin Vernon (the man behind Bon Iver) broke his five-year silence and dropped 22, A Million and we fell in love with it precisely a million times over. 

Playing the album in its entirety in Vernon's hometown of Eau Claire, Wisconsin was a bold move, albeit one he pulled off in true Bon Iver style. This album is his most experimental work to date and the different path he's taken truly paid off with the likes of slow beauties '33 God' and '8 (Circle). 

The record documents the struggle of identity whilst ensuring people learn that you don't have to fully 'get' a piece of music to take pleasure from it - and there's a lot of pleasure to be found here. 

Blossoms - Blossoms

Stockport's finest five-piece pulled out all of the stops for their debut album in August. Numerous outlets have tapped them as the UK's most exciting new act and there's plenty of conviction to back those claims up.

The track-listing of Blossoms' self-titled debut reads like a 'best of...' album, when really it's their first full-length EP. Tracks like the effortlessly catchy 'Texia' and the 80s indebted 'Honey Sweet' stand out as album highlights, whilst old fan favourites 'At Most A Kiss' and 'Blown Rose' have been added to the mix too. 

Blossoms' first release is jam-packed with radio-friendly hits, electrifying synths and guitar hooks that grab you by the neck. It will be a tricky one to follow up when they get round to writing that all-important second album, but if anyone can do it it's Blossoms. 

Two Door Cinema Club - Gameshow

They kept us in the dark for the last couple of years but everyone's favourite Irish trio, Two Door Cinema Club stepped up and delivered when it really mattered. Their third studio album 'Gameshow' saw them pick up where they left off with previous albums 'Tourist History' and 'Beacon'. 

After premiering the lead single 'Are We Ready (Wreck)' on Radio 1 in June, the band made their public announcement that they were back and ready to conquer the charts all over again. 

Tracks from the record, such as 'Bad Decisions' and 'Fever' are fast-paced and flashy. The upbeat disposition we find the three-piece in is the closest they have ever drifted to the dance genre. It works for them too. 

Two Door Cinema Club's reinvigorated sound is pleasing and will, no doubt, go down a storm during the live UK shows next year. 'Gameshow' is an album for the die-hard, casual and recently acquired fan of Two Door Cinema Club. 

The Courteeners - Mapping The Rendezvous

"No one will ever replace us" sings The Courteeners' frontman Liam Fray on the memorable album track of the same name. The Mancunians' fifth studio album is a swaggering call to arms that is likely to see chaos ensue at festivals next summer. 

Garage-psych opener 'Lucifer's Dreams' marks a different direction for the band, whilst 'De La Selle' finds Fray coming over all Morrissey-esque on us. The Courteeners have one of the best fan bases of any band in Britain, yet they still remain relentlessly on the edge of the mainstream. 

Maybe one day they'll crack it - it would be hard for them not to when they're already selling out the 25,000 capacity Heaton Park and are due to play the 50,000 capacity Old Trafford cricket ground next May. Whatever happens, 'The 17th' will sound breathtakingly fantastic when crowds sing it back to them at the end of shows. 

Words Lauren Wade

@laurenlily__

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As we descend into the annual festive madness, there couldn't be a better time to reflect on the year's finest releases. 2013 was a transformative year that saw the unlikely return of music legend David Bowie and Glastonbury headliners Arctic Monkeys claiming a stake as Britain's finest band.

New bands such as Haim, Drenge, Peace and Palma Violets also released genre-bending albums that has set them up for continued success in 2014. Join us as we countdown the top 15 albums that have shaped 2013. Ranging from #15 to #11 - part 1 of our extensive countdown includes something for everyone.

15 - The Courteeners 'ANNA'

Manchester underdogs The Courteeners have had a hell of a year in 2013, progressing a step closer to cracking further afield than just their loyal following appear to populate Twitter, basking in intense devotion to the four-piece and who appear ready to spring into action at any given moment.

Tracks such as 'Are You In Love With A Notion?' and 'Van Der Graaff' ensure its place as one of the finest albums of what has been another remarkable year in music - but only just. In places, the album falls short of reaching the potential it had to begin with, we're left with sub-standard indie-pop that only die-hard fans will have time for.

Despite their shortcomings, the group led by Liam Fray played two massive homecoming shows at Manchester's Castlefield Bowl back in July. Support came from The Strypes, Miles Kane and The Heartbreaks. This came shortly after making their third appearance at this year's Glastonbury Festival on the John Peel Stage.

'ANNA' was released on 4th February and charted at #6 in the UK Albums Chart.

 14 - Palma Violets '180'

At the end of last year, Lambeth four-piece Palma Violets were cutting their teeth on the underground scene. That quickly changed when the hype machine went into overdrive and bloggers/publications were falling over themselves to feature the lads.

2013 has seen the indie-rock quartet grow with artistic credibility. The group appeared on the 2013 NME Awards Tour, along with Peace, Miles Kane and Django Django, whilst June saw them conquer at Glastonbury Festival on the Park Stage. Their debut album ‘180’ came as a distinct highlight. Having created an authentic and winning sound, the record is an elegant mix of garage rock blended with psychedelic undertones.

Stand-out tracks include ‘Tom the Drum’ with its scratchy guitars compelling self-assured charm that is conveyed. The mellowed ‘Last of the Summer Wine’ is one that exists within a dreamy yet ferocious vein. Whilst, lead single ‘Best of Friends’ is equal parts explosive, equal parts deft.

‘180’ was released on 25^th February and charted at #11 in the UK Albums Chart.

13. Biffy Clyro 'Opposites'

2013 was the year Scottish rock trio Biffy Clyro took their sound to epic proportions with the release of their sixth studio album ‘Opposites’. As well as this, they headlined Reading & Leeds Festival and Radio 1’s Big Weekend in Derry.

‘Opposites’ is a solid and engaging listen from start to finish. Tracks such as ‘Sounds Like Balloons’ and ‘Biblical’ hit hard, whilst on the likes of ‘Stingin’ Belle’ and ‘Black Chandelier’ frontman Simon Neil’s commanding vocals move the tracks a step away from previous material. Throughout the duration of the entire album the instrumentation is bound tightly together.

Another that warrants mention is ‘The Joke’s On Us’ a heartfelt supersized anthem justifying exactly why Biffy Clyro was announced as the second headliner for Reading & Leeds. It’s no mean feat pulling off a double album, but it’s one the three-piece have mastered with style and substance.

‘Opposites’ was released on 28^th January and charted at #1 in the UK Albums Chart.

12. Phoenix 'Bankrupt!'

With a name like ‘Bankrupt!’ French alternative rock four-piece Phoenix’s fifth album didn’t look as if it was to have a promising start. Boy did that change. After 2009’s ‘Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix’ questions were raised as to whether they would be able to match its success – they did.

Expanding the group’s range, ‘Bankrupt!’ is a banger of an album that’ll have you abusing the repeat button once its subtle charms have been unveiled. Prominent tracks such as ‘Trying To Be Cool’ and ‘Entertainment’ incorporate crowd-pleasing hooks and infectious melodies that are devastatingly accomplished.

It’s been an exceptional year for the group who appeared on Saturday Night Live and Jimmy Kimmel Live showcasing new material from the album in early April. The group also played to crowds at this year’s Reading & Leeds Festival on the BBC Radio 1/NME Stage.

‘Bankrupt!’ was released on 22^nd April and charted at #14 in the UK Albums Chart.

11. Drenge 'Drenge'

Earlier this year, Castleton blues-rock band of brothers Drenge issued one of the finest debut albums this country has ever seen, whipping up a storm and leaving a path of destruction in the wake of their emergence.

The thrashing energy of their self-titled debut has definitely been a high point for music in 2013 and, with celebrity fans such as Matt Helders and Westminster politicians, Tom Watson, latching onto their ferocious yet compelling sound what’s not to love?

An all-out, ready to attack assault on the ears; it is highly recommended that you listen with caution. What’s more they stormed this summer’s festivals including Glastonbury, Latitude and Reading & Leeds as well as supporting Californian duo Deap Vally on tour and making a hometown appearance at Sheffield’s Queens Social Club.

‘Drenge’ was released on 19^th August.

Words Lauren Wade

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The first week of the Christmas holiday is almost over, and it has been hectic!

Fortunately, I did not have to go in to work on Christmas Eve, so I had a relaxing day watching Christmas movies and being festive. I managed to get in a few hours of revision too - January exams are coming up and I would feel guilty if I didn't revise as much as possible.

 

On Christmas Day I consumed too much food (but it's Christmas so that's fine) and had a lovely morning opening presents, giving other people their gifts, watching more movies and sitting down to a lovely Christmas roast. It was back to work on Boxing Day and the restaurant was quite busy due to the sales.

 

Here is what I have been listening to this week.

 

The Killers - Smile Like You Mean It

The Killers are one of those bands who I like but sometimes find myself unimpressed by. Honestly, I didn't really like their latest album 'Battle Born' although their first album 'Hot Fuss' and 2008's effort 'Day & Age' were great. I think that with 'Battle Born' the songs were overplayed and there was so much hype that it never met people's expectations.

For fans of: Muse, U2, The Strokes, Green Day and Snow Patrol.

 

 

The Courteeners - Lose Control

I started listening to this band towards the start of 2012, although I lost interest in them for a while. This is their latest single which I heard on the radio recently, and it was this song that got me back into their music.

For fans of: The Twang, The View, The Enemy, The Cribs and The Maccabees.

 

 

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Especially In Michigan

RHCP are one of my absolute favourite bands and I adore this song. I have been listening to it a lot more lately and you should too. Give it a listen.

For fans of: Nirvana, Foo Fighters, Beastie Boys, Pink Floyd and Guns N' Roses.

 

 

Palma Violets - Best of Friends

This song has been floating around for a while now, and was the initial sound that got the underground scene's hottest band noticed. These guys are tipped for big things next year; watch out for their debut album.

For fans of: Peace, The Vaccines, The Cribs, The Libertines and The Strokes.

 

 

I Am Kloot - These Days Are Mine

I have heard this song around a few places and it has stuck been stuck in my head. The band have a new album expected for release in January 2013.

For fans of: Elbow, The Coral, Supergrass, The Zutons and Doves.

 

 

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