In the vast and ever-changing landscape of music, 2016 was a year that saw an influx of unknown songs that would eventually capture the hearts of listeners worldwide. While many of these tracks may have flown under the radar initially, they have since gained significant traction and recognition. Let's delve into some of these hidden gems that made 2016 a year to remember for music enthusiasts.
Unveiling the Gems of 2016
2016 was a year that brought us a diverse range of musical styles, from the dreamy indie pop of Car Seat Headrest to the sultry R&B of Anderson .Paak. While many of these artists have since gained widespread recognition, there were numerous other tracks that deserve a place in your playlist. Here, we've compiled a list of unknown songs from 2016 that you might have missed but will certainly appreciate.
Indie Rock: Car Seat Headrest - "Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales"
Kicking off our list is "Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales" by Car Seat Headrest, an indie rock band led by singer-songwriter Will Toledo. This track, taken from their 2016 album "Teens of Denial," is a raw and introspective exploration of youth, addiction, and the American Dream. With its lo-fi aesthetic and Toledo's candid lyrics, this song is a standout track that captures the spirit of indie rock in 2016.
R&B: Anderson .Paak - "Come Down"
Anderson .Paak's 2016 album "Malibu" was a critical and commercial success, but one track that often gets overlooked is "Come Down." This funk-infused R&B track showcases .Paak's impressive vocal range and his ability to blend genres seamlessly. With its infectious groove and uplifting lyrics, "Come Down" is a feel-good anthem that deserves a spot on your playlist.
Electronic: M83 - "Do It, Try It"
French electronic music duo M83 returned in 2016 with their album "Junk," which featured a departure from their signature synth-pop sound. One standout track from this album is "Do It, Try It," a dreamy and atmospheric electronic track that showcases the band's ability to evolve and experiment with their sound.
Folk: Margaret Glaspy - "Emotions and Math"
Margaret Glaspy's 2016 album "Emotions and Math" was a breakthrough for the singer-songwriter, but it's the title track that truly shines. With its raw and honest lyrics and Glaspy's powerful vocals, this folk-rock track is a standout in a year filled with exceptional music.
Honorable Mentions
While the tracks mentioned above are some of our favorites from 2016, there were numerous other unknown songs that deserve recognition. Here are a few more tracks that you might have missed:
- Japanese Breakfast - "Everybody Wants to Love You"
- Frank Ocean - "Solo (Reprise)"
- Noname - "All You Had to Do Was Stay"
- Kevin Morby - "I Have Been to the Mountain"
- Solange - "Cranes in the Sky"
Each of these tracks brings something unique to the table, whether it's Japanese Breakfast's dreamy indie pop, Frank Ocean's soulful R&B, Noname's socially conscious hip-hop, Kevin Morby's folk-infused rock, or Solange's sultry R&B. These tracks are a testament to the diversity and richness of the musical landscape in 2016.
Why These Songs Matter
While many of these tracks may have flown under the radar initially, they have since gained significant traction and recognition. This is a testament to the power of music to connect with listeners on a deep level, regardless of genre or popularity. These songs matter because they offer a glimpse into the human experience, capturing the joy, heartache, and everything in between.
Moreover, these tracks serve as a reminder that there is always more to discover in the world of music. Even in a year as saturated with new releases as 2016, there were still hidden gems waiting to be unearthed. So, the next time you're looking for new music to explore, don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path. You never know what you might find.
