Despite the grey cloud hanging over this year, the music released has been nothing short of fantastic…a definite bright spot that we could all cling to when the times got tough. These were the songs and albums that challenged us as listeners, played to all of our emotions, and were just catchy af.

My favorite 16 of 2016 are moody, energetic, passionate, and quirky. These are songs I’ve grown more and more attached to over the year, and have definitely been a comfort to listen to during a year with many ups and downs.

While many of us are eager to put this past year in our rear-view mirrors, we know that 2017 is already going to be a crazy ride. No matter what the new year hurls at us, we can rely on music to help us keep chugging along. There are already a slew of albums that will drop in early 2017 for which I am super duper pumped. I have a feeling, at least music wise, it’s going to be a lit year.

If you like the songs below, head on over to New Jams Vol. 3 on Spotify to listen to all of the great songs I’ve curated throughout this year.

Happy holidays, friends!

• Jarrow-“$$Spoilers$$”

Jarrow is the solo project of 20 year old Melbourne musician Dan Oke. “$$Spoilers$$” is a shining example of bright, indie garage rock.  This sunny track that showcases the most spunk and personality can be found on his recently released debut album, 2003 Dream.  The accompanying video to this single is also something to behold.

• Bungalow-“Fox”

I couldn’t glean much from the interwebs on Dutch indie-electronic duo Bungalow. However, I do know that their debut ep, 90/92 is pure listening magic. Though the ep only contains four songs, “Fox” is the song that grabbed my attention immediately…which maybe isn’t completely fair because it IS the first song. Regardless, it’s the catchiest song with the greatest promise of shimmy shaking.  The ep as a whole is a blend of killer vocals, tremendous synths, and smooth production. Give the four tracks a spin and see if you’re not craving more before the last song is over.

• Francis and the Lights-“See Her Out”

THIS SONG. THE SYNTHS. OMG.  As soon as I heard the first few seconds of this song, I was snapped out of a work daze like I had just taken a midday caffeine break for my senses. Francis and the Lights lead singer Francis Starlite nails the mix of echo-y auto-tuned vocals layered over powerful, driving synths. The result is this bang up tune that could get even the most reluctant of listeners to hit repeat. “See Her Out” is the opening track on their latest album Farewell, Starlite! Start with this song, stay for the rest of the album.

• BOYBOY-“Daylight”

On the heels of his first three singles, “Boy”, “Need Your Love”, and “Vices” comes “Daylight” from the mysterious LA via New Zealand artist known as BOYBOY. While these are the only four songs on his Spotify and SoundCloud pages, he’s built strong momentum with the release of each song. “Daylight” is the most captivating, with a fetching hook and stimulating beat. I don’t know if it’s his anonymity, or the fact that his songs are all so addicting, but I feel very enthusiastic about him as an artist and am super eager for him to release new music.