Paying Tribute to The Iconic Music of 2016
2016 was one of the most INCREDIBLE years in the music industry. It brought us the ‘ANTI’ album by Rihanna, without us knowing that she wouldn’t release music for another five years afterwards. We were graced with Frank Ocean’s ‘Blonde’ after a grueling four years of waiting. The wait was worth it though, because that album is just absolute *chef’s kiss*. Beyonce and Jay-Z’s cheating scandal was the hottest gossip, with Beyonce’s ‘Lemonade’ making us all want to smash in our ex’s car windows in a luxurious yellow gown. I am 21 now, and I would give my literal clit to be 16 again and hear all of these phenomenal tracks for the first time. But, for now, let’s just revisit some of the most iconic tunes that defined 2016.
1. ‘Panda’ by Desiigner
You know I had to start this list off with a classic. Desiigner chanting ‘Panda’ in an ominous tone over and over is so sexy, I wish I played it when I lost my v-card.
2. ‘Uber Everywhere’ by MadeinTYO
When I think back to 2016, high pitched voices saying ‘skrt skrt’ play on repeat in my head. I blame this song, but I forgive it cos it reminds me of simpler times.
3. ‘Too Good’ by Drake ft Rihanna
BYEEEEE, this tune was my breakup cure when I was dumped by my first boyfriend in Year 11. We only went out for four months, but the pain was real. Big love to Drizzy and RiRi for helping me forget his puny ass.
4. ‘Addicted to My Ex’ by M City JR
I spent countless HOURS trying to learn the Musical.ly dance to this, and tbh I absolutely fucking smashed it. Little did I know, a few years later, the title would bite me in the ass as I couldn’t stop fucking my ex.
5. ‘Broccoli’ by Shelley FKA DRAM ft Lil Yatchy
Ugh, this song produces so much serotonin, I almost don’t need my daily sertraline. I can just use Broccoli as my morning alarm #anxietycured
6. ‘i hate u, i love u’ by gnash ft Olivia O’Brien
I’m thinking of starting a support group for the huge population of us who were severely impacted by this song. Don’t lie, you bawled your eyes out to it in the shower too.
7. ‘Heathens’ by Twenty One Pilots
Just popping in to remind you of your Twenty One Pilots phase in 2016. You may continue with your day plagued with that memory. Love you x
8. ‘Lush Life’ by Zara Larsson
My girl Z said ‘I live my day as if it was the last’. This line really struck a chord in my heart, helping me to skull cruisers at woolshed parties like the skuxx I was.
9. ‘Sexual’ by NEIKED ft Dyo
I played this song waaaaaay too much for a 16-year-old virgin who’d never kissed someone. But, you gotta admit, it did its part in driving hormone-ridden teens crazy. I admire that.
10. ‘Roses’ by the Chainsmokers
How we all longed to be pulled closer in the backseat of a Rover when this song released. Is anyone still waiting to fulfill this fantasy? Cos I definitely am.
It was so so difficult to narrow it down to just 10 songs. But I believe these tunes really shaped our generation for the better. When they play in public and I see people my age around, I like to think of us as truly connected in that moment. What a beautiful bonding experience.