2016: Albums of the Year: Part 4!!

This year was a great year for music, here's the last set of albums. Incase you missed 1, 2 & 3. Enjoy xx

J Cole - 4 Your Eyez Only

Like every Jermaine album I was excited for this as it was sorta unexpected and the documentary 'Eyez' made it even more anticipated. This album to me is a story of his friend's life but also relates to his own life. I feel like the album tells a story in someone else's perspective rather than Cole's (well some of the album). The project talks a lot about death, fatherhood, marriage, crime and more. The album mentions a bit about his mental state where he wanted to give up on life (on 2014 FHD he mentioned how he was unhappy), him falling in love, the death of his friend, a real life story of a SWAT team showing up at a house where the album was partly recorded named Sheltuh on 'Neighbours', him 'Foldin Clothes' for his wife and then to 'She's mine pt 2' where he talks about his daughter and showcases his joy and love. The last song is seemed a letter for his daughter apologising in advance  if the fame got him and he lost his life and also to his friend's daughter to remember her dad as he is no more. As always the production, lyricism and delivery is on point though I did hope for at least one feature. Cole lived on to share his friend's story and despite it not being a typical Cole album it still passes as a confirmed classic!

Post Malone - Stoney

Someone once told me to listen to 'White Iverson' and from then on I became a fan of Post and wanted an album. To be very honest, his mixtape August 26th was below expectations but I did like 'Money Made Me Do It' ft 2chainz, this made me not really excited for the album. After the first listen I was impressed with the vibe and production the album exhibited. My favourite track is'Congratulations' ft Quavo (ps I think Quavo does a great job on features). Overall the album has that party/trap vibe with pretty great catchy hooks. 

Shawn Mendes - Illuminate

Whether he is needing 'Stitches' or making'No Promises', Shawn has proven that he can sing his heart out and will probably give you his heart while he's at it 😊. Illuminate is an amazing album with stories about love, heartbreak and life after heartbreak. For someone like me who can't really relate the beats and lyricism are soothing and make me imagine a world whenever perfection is a reality. 'Mercy' & 'Treat Me Better' are my most played.  If you are going through it, listen! Shawn might create a soothing illusion of a perfect love story for you!

Kid Cudi - Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin'

Kid Cudi aka The Chosen is one of the best creative minds in music we will probably ever get to hear. That being said, he hasn't made an album I have vibed with since Man on the moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager. Indicud was just an ok album and Speedin' Bullet 2 Heaven sounds like a futuristic album, so I will let you know if it has grown on me in a few years lol! Although, this project is like 40% humming (he's low-key a professional), it might just be his best album in 6years. With Cudi albums I never look out for lyrics rather I  get excited to hear the production which of course I wasn't disappointed. 'Rose Golden' ft Willow Smith, 'Baptized in Fire' ft Travis Scott, 'Does it' and 'By Design' ft Andre 3000 are my favourite tracks. Cudi tells his story; The Story of The Chosen and frankly if you are like me you will get lost in the creativeness and discover your own meaning to the project!

Little Simz - Stillness in Wonderland

I found out about Simbi on Kehlani's song Table, to be honest I haven't paid attention to any British female rappers so I thought 'let's see what she's all about'. This project tells a good story about music and her life with good lyricism and production. 'Doorways + Trust Issues', 'Shotgun' ft Syd and 'Picture Perfect' are my favourite tracks. With Simbi I took a journey through wonderland and out repeatedly and I enjoyed it every minute of it.

John Legend - Darkness and Light

From the album title I wanted to listen to it to hear the stories. To be honest, I have never really paid attention to John's music, maybe a few songs hear and there because the man can sing (probably top 5 R&B men).  The project has amazing songwriting and production, it starts off with a humble like gospel song 'I Know Better', goes on to a song for his daughter Luna and a love song about a hopeless world (who else can do that?). 'Penthouse' ft Chance the Rapper &'Darkness and Light' ft Brittany Howard are my favourite tracks. This project covers topics like his life, the world we live in today and struggles of being black. John has proven that if you have a voice you can use it to discuss as much issues and whether talking about darkness or light you can still make amazing songs that can showcase your talent and evolution (this isn't a typical John Legend album). As for me I will be looking forward to more of John's work.

Let's see what 2017 has to offer!

What albums have you been listening to?

Have a great New Year!

photos via iTunes!