In my previous column, I discussed the array of great Netflix Originals that are available throughout the year. The only genre in entertainment that is better than the Netflix shows this year is the music that has come out. If you are a music lover like I am, this is article is definitely for you.

The year 2016 has been an amazing one for music. Just within the first four months of the year, Rihanna, Kanye West, Beyoncé and Drake released new music.

First, on January 27th, Rihanna released her 8th studio album, “ANTI.” I really enjoyed this album because Rihanna displayed a side of herself that we haven’t seen before. This album was much slower and had more R&B than POP songs. My favorite songs are definitely “Higher” and “Love on the Brain” because the vocals on these songs always give me the chills.
Next, on February 14th Kanye released his 7th studio album, “Life of Pablo.” This album became an instant hit when the beginning of “Father Stretch My Hands pt. 2” became viral on Twitter. There is a wide array of opinions on the album, with some calling it one of his best, while others have called it one of his worst. I haven’t listened to the whole album but, from the couple of songs I have heard, I really like it.

Then, on April 23rd, Beyoncé surprised us all with her 6th studio album, “Lemonade.” Beyoncé debuted this masterpiece as a visual album on HBO. The whole album is based on her husband, Jay Z, cheating on her. One thing I love the most about this album is that it tells a story as you listen to it. This album is the only one on the list that I listened to in order – start to finish. My favorite song is definitely between “Don’t Hurt Yourself” and “Freedom” because you can really hear the emotion in her voice, the hurt and the sadness.

Finally, on April 29th, Drake released his 4th studio album, “Views.” Drake released two mixtapes in 2015 to tease his fans for the upcoming album. Not only did he tease with these two mixtapes, but he also had three hit singles, “Hotline Bling,” “Controlla,” and “One Dance” before the album was released. This album is a great combination of his vocals and his rapping skills, and has a great mix of his well-known love/sad songs and songs you can have a party with. My favorite songs are definitely “U With Me?” and “Child’s Play.”

A true treat came to us on September 2nd when Frank Ocean blessed us all by releasing his long- anticipated album, “Blonde.” Ever since Ocean promised to drop the album in July 2015, everyone has been waiting patiently for this release. This album already had high expectations since his first album, “Channel Orange,” was such a success. Don’t worry, “Blonde” meets all the expectations. This is an amazing R&B album with a great mix of sad songs that will get you in your feelings and some uplifting songs to bring you up. This album is the type that you listen to at 1 am when you can’t sleep and your mind is racing.

So far, 2016 has been one of the best years for music in quite a while, but it is not over yet. Childish Gambino is set to release his 3rd studio album, “Awaken, My Love!” on December 2nd. I know that I am very excited for this. As we go into the last few weeks in 2016, let’s hope 2017 will be just as good to us as 2016 has been.