In 2016 new music was one of the few bright spots in the world. While pain, fear, and grief filled the bylines, one could always gain a sliver of relief by turning down the news and turning up the stereo. In the new year music will continue to bring together advocates of social justice, environmental sustainability, and human rights – at a time when our efforts are needed most. So on this first day of 2017 let’s take a deep breath and reflect on the good music that kept us going and the good people we lost along the way.

Remembering those we lost in 2016:

Over the past twelve months we lost some amazing musicians, to name a few – Prince, avid Bowie, Leonard Cohen, Sharon Jones, and just this week – George Michael. Two of these untimely deaths coincided with paramount album releases:  David Bowie’s “Blackstar” and Leonard Cohen’s “You Want it Darker”. The coincidence between these two unfortunate incidents left many distraught, but Cohen’s lyric in his title track “I’m ready my Lord” seemed to signify his acceptance of his forthcoming fate. To pay homage to these two great artists who shaped rock’n’roll history through the world of UK glam rock and haunting folk melodies, that stirred souls of many generations, listen below to their farewell albums, released in they last days of their influential music careers. As Rolling Stone noted: ” These albums show…just the fearless generosity of musicians determined to get to work and put their art into the world, at a time when they had other worries.” 

Girls run the world:

Despite all the hate crimes against women and people of color this year it was great to see the Knowles sisters top the charts in 2016.  Their lyrics express an element of raw humanity and truth that many artists struggle to authentically express. Beyonce’s star status ensured that her “controversial” Black Lives Matter message resonated across America during the Super Bowl  with her hit “Formation” – stirring an important debate about gun violence in America. Her full album, Lemonade, transformed her marriage’s infidelity struggles into a visual emotional journey that was captivating and relatable to all her fans. The landmark album was a true masterpiece of 2016 that will be lauded for many years to come. While Beyonce got all the attention in the first half of the year, her talented sister Solange dropped her  first album in eight years “A Seat At The Table” on September 30th to much fanfare. The album’s sound is softer and more pensive than Lemonade, taking many listenings to fully absorb in depth, but it’s a hallmark record none the less. Her songs serve as a totem to the strength of female artists to speak their truth in a a beautiful and enchanting way. Her reflective lyrics are refreshing in a sea of female pop musicians who cater solely to the radio-hit formula. Solange’s unique sound commands the listener’s attention in a sparse and assertive way, in a way that leaves us aching for more from this poetic lady. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlsbD6XFnW4

To cap off a great year of music and just as many lost musicians whom we loved, I’ll end with my latest compilation of new favorite songs.  I hope this music takes you into 2017 with joy in your heart and hope for a better tomorrow, may we all remember to use music as our guide to reach a soulful purpose.