Another year is winding down, leading us to the moment where we look back at all our favorite releases from 2016. Without further ado, here are my choices for the best albums of the year.
#10. THE ROOMSOUNDS, Elm St
Dallas, TX quartet The Roomsounds hit the mark with a feel good rock record heavy on hooks and sing-alongs.
Featured Twangville coverage of The Roomsounds: Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 1, Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2016 (So Far), the Songs Part 2, and Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums
Canadian singer-songwriter Terra Lightfoot is among my favorite 2016 new music discoveries. Every Time My Mind Runs Wild is a musical breath of fresh air – a big rock sound that exudes an infectious enthusiasm.
Featured Twangville coverage of Terra Lightfoot: Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 3 and SXSW 2016 – The Sounds, Part 2
The duo of Jessica Maros and Tyler James serve up an enticing dose of rock and roll that is soaked in a Southernwestern sensibility.
Featured Twangville coverage of Escondido: Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 1, Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums, SXSW 2016 – The Sounds, Part 2 and Monday Morning Video – Escondido Take on an Everly Brothers Classic
There may be other artists who are more widely recognized as the flag-bearers of Americana but The Narrows makes the case that Phillips is a leading voice among those capturing the American experience in song.
Featured Twangville coverage of Grant-Lee Phillips: Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2016, Part 3, Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums, and Monday Morning Video – Grant-Lee Phillips ‘Cry Cry’
Woodruff returns from a nearly 20 year hiatus with a rock-tinged country album that aches with melancholy and heartbreak. Tucked among his outstanding originals is a stunning cover of the Supremes’ “Stop in the Name of Love.”
Featured Twangville coverage of Bob Woodruff: Mayer’s Playlist for February 2016, Part 2, Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums, and Got You Covered – A Random Spring Playlist
June doesn’t pull any punches, lyrically and musically, on an album that is chock full of powerful blue collar rock anthems, not to mention a rousing ode to the joys of baseball. Spring training is just around the corner, right?
Featured Twangville coverage of Mike June: Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 2, Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums, and Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2016 (So Far), the Songs Part 2
#4. LYDIA LOVELESS, Real
Loveless unleashes an album teeming with an intoxicating tension, filled with songs of despair punctuated by slashing guitars and a raw intensity.
Featured Twangville coverage of Lydia Loveless: Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 2 and SXSW 2016 – The Sounds, Part 1
Lucas serves up a stirring country album infused with a rock and roll heart. One can hear the authenticity in every note played and every lyric sung.
Featured Twangville coverage of Austin Lucas: Mayer’s Playlist for May 2016, Part 1, Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums, and Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2016 (So Far), the Songs Part 1
#2. BUTCH WALKER, Stay Gold
There are some albums that just radiate good times. Stay Gold wins this year’s award for being the one that shines the brightest. Heck, even the ballads emanate an irresistible charm.
Featured Twangville coverage of Butch Walker: Mayer’s Playlist for July/August 2016, Part 3, Monday Morning Video – A Butch Walker Reminder, and Mayer’s Playlist for March/April 2015, Part 1
“In the dark it’s not always easy to see the light,” McDermott sings on the breathtaking “Butterfly.” It’s a line that easily sums up the entire album, a stunningly somber yet beautiful reflection on a life hard lived.
Featured Twangville coverage of Michael McDermott: Mayer’s Playlist for June 2016, Mayer’s Picks – the Best of 2016 (So Far), the Albums, and Mayer’s Picks – The Best of 2016 (So Far), the Songs Part 2
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.