Check out the first part of my Top Ten RIGHT HERE so you're not complaining that I didn't include that album... although I probably didn't.
This is a really strange choice for me but I can't put into words how much fun I've had listening to this album. Happy Camper was one of those records that came out in January when I thought "well, hell, there's nothing else on so I might as well listen to this". What an excellent decision that was. Hoodie Allen's storytelling through song is some of the best I've heard this year, for example stressing out about a girl not texting back on 'Intro To Anxiety'. Also you should have seen my face the first time I heard that The Used/Bert Mccracken lyric on '25th Hour'. I was shook. Despite references to Instagram and getting bitches after shows, Happy Camper isn't gimmicky, it's just a straight up good time. The dip in pace from 'Too Invested' and 'Surprise Party' (although this song is a bit much for me but still) onwards is really nicely timed too, and proves this record definitely isn't a one trick pony. If you're looking for a hip hop record to have a good time to, this is your guy.
Apple Music / Spotify
Apple Music / Spotify
And the world let out a sigh of joy and relief as Thomston, real name Thomas Stoneman (you never would have guessed), released his debut album. Packed extremely tightly with geography references and songs with more atmosphere than the o-zone layer itself, Topograph is everything I dreamed of and more. I'd like to take a second to reflect on 'Rocketfuel' being hands down one of the songs of the year; far removed from a typical Thomston track in terms of being a proper pop banger but still makes complete sense on this record. Alongside that there are multiple "Songs To Cry To" on Topograph, notably 'Headspace' and 'Heart Is Cement'. I actually became so intensely overcome with emotion re-listening to this album that compiling this piece of prose has taken quite some time. If Topograph has taught us anything it's that Stoneman has a bright future of writing massive choruses and heartfelt pop songs ahead of him. I am so utterly thrilled that this album is excellent but also distraught that I don't own a physical copy of it.
Apple Music / Spotify
Apple Music / Spotify
3. Raleigh Ritchie - You're A Man Now, Boy

Apple Music / Spotify
Can you believe that at the start of 2016 I'd never listened to Lucas Nord before? What a state I was. Company ties with the album at number one for the record I've listened to most this year. There's some rule-bending because although Company is an album it is only seven tracks long so... not really sure about including it on this list but also... I can do what I like. But because of its length Company is so easy to just put on and jam to for a bit. Not only that but this is the most infectiously catchy body of work released in 2016. At a time when we're all highly vigilant about how impeccable Swedes are at making pop music, Lucas Nord goes above and beyond with each of the songs on Company. Zara Larsson aside, you're lying to yourself if you don't think 'Don't Need Your Love' is the best pop song we've been blessed with this year. The most mind-blowing thing is that any of these tracks, especially 'Faking' and 'Do About It', could well within their own right be singles and be huge. Give this a spin if you haven't heard it yet; wall to wall bangers from the get go.
Apple Music / Spotify
Apple Music / Spotify
1. With Confidence - Better Weather

Apple Music / Spotify