NPR Music's 30 Favorite Albums of 2016 (So Far)

The best albums of the first half of a year stuffed with (far) more than its share of heartbreak, surprise, innovation and beauty.

Published: June 27, 2016 12:25 Source

# 1

Habib Galbi by A-WA

Album • Mar 11 / 2016 Muzika mizrahit Arabic Folk Music

# 2

Malibu by Anderson .Paak

Album • Jan 15 / 2016 Neo-Soul

# 3

HOPELESSNESS by ANOHNI

Album • May 06 / 2016 Art Pop Electropop Deconstructed Club

# 4

Hans Abrahamsen: Let Me Tell You by Barbara Hannigan + Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra + Andris Nelsons

Album • Jan 08 / 2016

# 5

Lemonade by Beyoncé

Album • Apr 23 / 2016 Contemporary R&B Pop

# 6

Masterpiece by Big Thief

Album • May 27 / 2016 Indie Rock

# 7

Teens Of Denial by Car Seat Headrest

Album • May 20 / 2016 Indie Rock

# 8

Lola by Carrie Rodriguez

Album • Feb 19 / 2016 Americana

# 9

The Heart Speaks in Whispers by Corinne Bailey Rae

Album • May 13 / 2016 Neo-Soul

# 10

Blackstar by David Bowie

Album • Jan 08 / 2016 Art Rock

# 11

Genesis by Domo Genesis

Album • Mar 25 / 2016 West Coast Hip Hop Jazz Rap

# 12

Emily’s D+Evolution by Esperanza Spalding

Album • Jan 01 / 2016 Jazz Fusion Art Pop Progressive Pop

# 13

In Movement by Jack DeJohnette + Ravi Coltrane + Matt Garrison

Album • May 06 / 2016 ECM Style Jazz Post-Bop

# 14

Juan Atkins & Moritz von Oswald Present Borderland: Transport by Juan Atkins + Moritz Von Oswald

Album • Apr 29 / 2016

# 15

The Life Of Pablo by Kanye West

Album • Jun 10 / 2016 Pop Rap Hip Hop Experimental Hip Hop

# 16

99.9% by KAYTRANADA

Album • May 06 / 2016 Alternative R&B Funky House

# 17

Hero (Deluxe Edition) by Maren Morris

Album • Jun 03 / 2016

# 18

Midwest Farmers Daughter by Margo Price

Album • Mar 25 / 2016 Country

# 19

Puberty 2 by Mitski

Album • Jun 17 / 2016 Indie Rock

# 20

Christopher Rouse: Odna Zhizn, Symphonies Nos. 3 & 4 and Prospero's Rooms by Christopher Rouse + New York Philharmonic + Alan Gilbert

Album • May 06 / 2016

# 21

The Odd Tape by Oddisee

Album • May 13 / 2016 Instrumental Hip Hop Jazz Rap

# 22

Music of Morocco: Recorded by Paul Bowles, 1959 by Paul Bowles

Album • Sep 30 / 2016

# 23

Stranger To Stranger by Paul Simon

Album • Jun 03 / 2016 Art Pop Singer-Songwriter

# 24

A Moon Shaped Pool by Radiohead

Album • May 08 / 2016 Art Pop Art Rock Chamber Pop

# 25

ANTI by Rihanna

Album • Jan 28 / 2016 Alternative R&B Contemporary R&B

# 26

Robert Ellis by Robert Ellis

Album • Jun 03 / 2016 Singer-Songwriter

# 27

A Sailor's Guide to Earth by Sturgill Simpson

Album • Apr 15 / 2016 Country Soul Alt-Country Progressive Country

# 29

Terminal Redux by Vektor

Album • May 06 / 2016 Technical Thrash Metal

# 30

Black Terry Cat by Xenia Rubinos

Album • Jun 03 / 2016 Neo-Soul Art Pop