It is easily arguable that 2016 has been a year of loss, disappointment, death, and devastation. On these points, I won’t disagree, however, 2016 has been a great year for music.

Here are the albums that almost made all of the turmoil of 2016 worth it, in no particular order:

1. A Seat at The Table – Solange
2. Insecure – Various Artists
3. Coloring Book – Chance the Rapper
4. Merry Christmas Lil Mama – Jeremih & Chance the Rapper
5. What I’m Feelin’ – Anthony Hamilton
6. Freetown Sound – Blood Orange
7. Lemonade – Beyoncé
8. We Got It From Here…Thank You 4 Your Service – A Tribe Called Quest
9. Darkness and Light – John Legend
10. The Definition Of… – Fantasia
11. 4 Your Eyez Only – J. Cole
12. I’m Him – Sammie
13. Untitled – Kendrick Lamar
14. H.E.R. Volume 1 – H.E.R.
15. The Hamilton Mixtape – Various Artists
16. Anti – Rihanna
17. Notte Magica – Il Volo with Placido Domingo
18. Views – Drake
19. 24K Magic – Bruno Mars
20. “Awaken, My Love!” – Childish Gambino
21. Blueberry Vapors – Elijah Blake
22. Filthy America…It’s Beautiful – The Lox

“Shaky Shaky” – Daddy Yankee*

“Vente Pa’ Ca” – Ricky Martin ft. Maluma*

“For Free” – DJ Khaled ft. Drake*

“Safari” – J Balvin ft. Pharrell Williams, BIA, SKY*

“Hasta el Amanecer” – Nicky Jam*

*Honorable mentions for five songs that have kept me dancing this year.

-Ms. Malcolm Hughes