Music

Our Favorite Music in 2016

We’ve spent 2016 dancing, singing along to, and obsessing over some fantastic music. Here are some of our absolute favorites from this year:

 

Beyonce, Lemonade

Can there really be any other album here other than Beyonce’s “Lemonade”? Beyonce delivered songs that drove the listener through the stages of grief, and what a sonically eclectic and fascinating journey it was. Whether the songs were based on tabloid truth or not, they got at larger themes of black womanhood in a way that has me very much looking forward to what Beyonce’s working on next.
—Christine

 

Bon Iver, 22, A Million

Photo Credit: Bon Iver album cover

Bon Iver’s new album was my favorite! —Vicki

 

Bruno Mars, 24K Magic

Bruno Mars’ “24K Magic” album was the standout album of 2016. Bruno bounced back with a genius sound – paying homage to early 90s R&B/New Jack Swing and I’m still playing this album daily.
—Anthony

 

The Lumineers, Cleopatra

Photo Credit: Dueltone/eOne

The folk-rock trio put out an album that was just as catchy as their first. They also are some of the best live performers and put on a great show. —Taraneh

 

Pentatonix, A Pentatonix Christmas

Photo Credit: NBC

This is an easy one for me. If you want to listen to great music that makes you feel even better, look no further than ‘A Pentatonix Christmas’. This sensational a capella group have completely owned 2016 with their insane vocals and charisma to match. Make sure you check out their Christmas Special and thank me later. —Lauren

 

 

Taraneh

Taraneh has been happily living in NYC for over a decade, but originally hails from the Midwest. Enamored with books at a young age, she grew up making stories, playing make believe, and loving the musical and performing arts. She is great at binge-watching TV shows. Some current favorites: Schitt's Creek, A Court of Mist & Fury, Prince Harry, and The Magicians.

Recent Posts

‘Scary Movie’ Review: A Long-Awaited Reunion That Feels Uninspired, Dated, and Short on Laughs

Twenty-five years after helping redefine parody filmmaking, Scary Movie returns with the reunion audiences have…

22 hours ago

Tribeca Film Festival 2026: ‘Recluse’ Star Mia Vallet on Psychological Horror and the Complexities of Her Character

Among the breakout stars of the 2026 Tribeca Film Festival is Mia Vallet, who delivers…

24 hours ago

Win Tickets to an NYC Screening of Jackass: Best and Last

Pop Culturalist is excited to be partnering with Paramount Pictures to give away tickets to…

1 day ago

Exclusive Interview: ‘The Season’ Stars Justin Chien and Chris Pang on the Choices, Relationships, and Insecurities Driving Their Characters

Against the glittering backdrop of Hong Kong's elite boating scene, The Season invites audiences into…

5 days ago

Tribeca Film Festival 2026: Alexander DeSouza and Morgan Kohan on ‘Holo,’ Technology, and the Search for Closure

Among the many films premiering at the 2026 Tribeca Festival, few are as emotionally affecting…

1 week ago

Exclusive Interview: Brittany Adebumola and Dylan T. Jackson Discuss M.I.A., Representation, and Found Family

Against the sun-soaked beauty of South Florida and the uncertainty simmering beneath its surface, M.I.A.…

1 week ago