This shitty year gave us some great music.

2016 may have been horrible year in many ways, but at least it gave us some great music. I was planning on writing a review of The Rolling Stones new album Blue & Lonesome, as it’s wonderful. I've been working a lot lately, though, and haven't had time to really thoroughly analyze it and give it a nice, full review. I decided instead to write quick little blurbs on my three favorite albums of 2016. I'm sure my list won't come as a surprise to those that know me. 3. Iggy Pop, Post Pop Depression If you know me, you know I love me some Iggy. I also will be the first to admit, though, I'm generally not a fan of his non-Stooges work. I really wasn't excpecting anything that great from this album, to be honest. Upon a first listen, I was pleasantly surprised. I liked it enough. The album definitely grew on me, though. The more I listen to it, the more I like it. The stand out songs to me are "Gardenia" and "American Valhalla." There isn't a real bad song on this album at all, though. "Gardenia" is just a catchy tune that can easily get in my head. "American Valhalla" has fairly simplistic lyrics, but it seems very fitting at this time in American history. I personally like to imagine it'll be playing in the background of future documentary about how Trump's presidency ruined this nation. Anyway, I was very pleasantly surprised by this album. Iggy's still got it! On a side note, I also highly recommend the Jim Jarmusch documentary about The Stooges called Gimme Danger. 2. The Rolling Stones, Blue and Lonesome When I heard The Stones were releasing a new album, I was excited. When I heard the album was going to be covers of blues songs, I became super excited. If you don't know the history of The Stones, they started off covering Chicago blues bands. The blues are a passion of Mick and Keith's. This album most definitely did not disappoint. I can't name a stand out song, because I think they are all great. Some of you may think they're too old. Well, the old men still got it! Charlie keeps great rhythm on the drums. I feel he's often overlooked by Mick and Keith, but he is just as an important part of the band as them. Keith of course rocks the guitar, and makes it sing the blues along with Mick. I am still in amazement of how well Keith can play. Jagger does a great job on vocals, but an even better job on the harmonica. I believe Keith once said Mick was one of the best ever on the harmonica, and he may just be right. I had pretty high expectations for this album. Not only were those expectations met, I'd say they were exceeded. This is definitely a must for anyone who loves music at all. Number 1 should come as no suprise if you know me. 1. David Bowie, Blackstar SO MANY FEELS...I'm going to have a hard time with this one. Naturally, I was excited when I heard Bowie was going to be releasing a new album. I even had my mom preorder it for me as a Christmas gift. I received it on the day it was released January 8th, and listened to it non-stop. It's such a beautiful album. "Blackstar" and "Lazarus" are brilliant, gorgeous songs. "Girl Loves Me" kept getting stuck in my head. I liked this version of "Sue" better than the one that had been previously released. I quickly feel in love with this album. Then Jan 10th...the day the music died...Bowie passed from liver cancer two days after the album was released. Bowie's producer Tony Visconti was one of the few people who knew Bowie was sick. When Bowie passed, Visconti revealed this was Bowie's good-bye gift to the fans. Oh man, I'm starting to tear up while writing this...Visconti's words made the album much more poignant and added a haunting beauty to it. I listened to it after hearing he passed and bawled like a baby, especially at "I Can't Give Everything Away." I put the album away for awhile. I couldn't listen to it. About nine months after Bowie's passing, I was finally able to listen to it again without completely losing it. I am grateful for this final masterpiece Mr. Jones left for us. I know I'm biased, but to me this is easily hands down the best album of 2016, nothing even comes close. Bowie meant so much to so many of us. He's greatly missed. The stars really do look very different today. Honorable mentions: 1. Sleigh Bells- Jessica Rabbit 2. Savages- Adore Life 3. Die Antwoord-Mount Ninji and da Nice Time Kid