The Six: 2016's Top Music Acts
2016 was a great year in music. Indeed, we were introduced to a number of new acts who made their mark in the industry, but it was the established performers who proved that powerful (and often controversial) marketing strategies and artist reinvention are the key to standout success. But, we can't attribute it all to such strategies. Talent is a necessary component after all.
Rihanna
Her smash hits ‘Work’ and ‘Needed Me’ from the album ‘Anti’ had us all demanding the DJ turn it up, but it was her collaboration with Calvin Harris on 'This Is What You Came For' that got tongues wagging and bodies dancing.
The bad girl's collaboration with Drake gave fans faith that she’d continue to pump out the hits, and their rumoured romance didn't hurt sales, either.
There’s something about Rihanna that just hits all the right notes; surely she could release a rendition of ‘Old McDonald Had A Farm’ and turn it into a major dance hit!
Gwen Stefani
It seems the original Harajuku lover only goes from strength to strength. Not only was 2016 a year of personal healing following her split from husband Gavin Rossdale, but it was also one of absolute artistic success.
The year saw Gwen Stefani on the judging panel of ‘The Voice’ where viewers watched sparks fly between her and country singer Blake Shelton - who is said to have inspired many of the songs on her incredibly catchy new album ‘This Is What The Truth Feels Like’.
Not only did she release an album of pure honesty that gave us the heartbreakingly raw ‘Used to Love You’, she also managed to pull off recording a remarkable music video in one take.
‘Make Me Like You’ – an upbeat track emanating in absolute joy, had its video recorded in only one take during the live broadcast of the 58th Annual Grammy Awards. The video features several set and costume changes, as well as fun dance routines. Considering its high pressure to achieve perfection in less than five minutes, both cast and crew did a great job, showing off excellent choreography and well-timed camera work.
Beyoncé
Queen Bey just keeps on recreating her image with every album released - clever brand marketing!
Her latest album ‘Lemonade’ is easily her best one yet. With songs to invest in like ‘Formation’ and ‘Hold Up’, women and scorned lovers need look no further than these songs of empowerment.
And let's not forget the cinematic masterpiece music video for 'Hold Up'!
Launching the album spawned (invited) controversy and publicity, leading the world to wonder whether her marriage was on the rocks. While not a particularly pleasant way to promote an album – dodging intrusive paparazzi and watching the rumour mill turn – no one can argue it did anything less than endorse a great and worthy album.
Thank you Beyonce, for all your grace and style.
Lady Gaga
Hitting us with an insane debut song from the smash hit album ‘Joanne’, ‘Perfect Illusion’ had us all belting out the lyrics in our cars, volume loud, complacent as to who heard us, right? Because that’s the way Lady Gaga makes her fans feel: untouchable, even in the most fragile of circumstances.
The release of ‘Joanne’ made us realise how much we have missed Gaga being on our radar, and doesn’t she look great? Her image reinvention this time around really suits her open comfort in her new skin, and it sends all the right messages to her adoring fans.
Lady Gaga’s kindness also captured our hearts when she not only donated Christmas presents to the less unfortunate, but also empathised with a group of teens at a homeless shelter by revealing a past sexual assault she’s fought to overcome over the years.
And let’s face it. Being a voice for the people, protesting outside Trump Tower following the controversial U.S. election outcome made us love her even more.
Lady Gaga was definitely a standout artist in 2016, and one to keep watching in 2017 as her hit ‘Million Reasons’ continues to give us all the feels.
'Hamilton the Musical'
‘Hamilton the Musical’ - Lin Manuel Miranda’s latest Broadway musical has won 11 Tony Awards since its debut in January, and is claimed to have had the most success in one year in the history of musicals.
Broadway tickets are currently sold out until September 2017; however, if a trip to the Big Apple just isn’t possible, the soundtrack is available to stream on Spotify. It is definitely worth the listen, and will have you laughing, crying and singing along before the end of the first act.
With a mixture of show tune hip-hop, R&B soul and dancehall ballad, it is not only stylistically diverse but also historically informative, enchanting and absolutely chilling.
Miranda is truly to be condoned for yet another fantastic piece of work which is sure to keep listeners more than ‘Satisfied’ for years to come.
Read Caroline's review on 'The Hamilton Mixtape' HERE.
Twenty One Pilots
The band basically created their own genre, and one that is so ambiguous in its reference points that we are still trying to figure it out.
Twenty One Pilots seemed to reach pinnacle success in 2016, and rather unexpectedly. Hitting the charts with songs ‘Stressed Out’ and ‘Ride’ from their 2015 album ‘Blurry Face’, they were also picked up for the ‘Suicide Squad’ soundtrack. Check out 'Heathens' below:
The American duo is a breath of fresh air that we desperately hope continues well into the New Year.
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