Entertainment, Arkells, Chris Lane, Country, Jessica Mitchell, July Talk, Kendrick Lamar, Mabel, Not Country, Paul Cowderoy, Shawn Mendes, The Dead Love, The Lazys, Top 10 Music
When Joshua posted his 10 most listened to albums of 2016 post, I wondered out loud if it was too soon to be writing such a post. Joshua and I chatted briefly about it and his conclusion was that there wasn't an album that could be released now that could top his list of 10 based on how much he'd already listened to said albums.
I thought, hmm let me start putting together my list and see if this is true for me. Turns out, yep it is. While I'm always open to new music and I'm hoping amazing albums come out between now and the end of the year, my list is pretty much set too.
So here, in the order that they came into my head, is my list of the 10 Most Listened to albums of 2016
Most played track: My Way
We first caught up with the boys from Mabel during Canadian Music Week. They were so much fun to chat with and their set was energetic and fresh. I love their sound which reminds me of late 50's rock with catchy lyrics and when Mikey roars, oh, be still my heart.
Most played track: Gimme That
If fate had a different plan I would have met Paul Cowderoy this summer. There was a plan for the Australian country singer to do a club tour here in Canada and Toronto was on his list. There were other things in the cards for Paul. A car accident put this guy on pause for a time. But he's back putting out new music and I'm hoping he'll be coming to Canada soon. This album was in my car for the first six months of the year and I made everyone who got into the car listen to it.
Most played track: Maybe
I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Chris Lane this summer and one of the things we do going into interviews is our research. I was happy to listen to Chris Lane's Girl Problems over and over. There are hints of R&B, dance beats, with hints of pop, amazing rock guitar, energetic banjo, and Chris' mean falsetto, it all comes together perfectly, if you haven't listened yet, you should.
Most played track: A Little Rain (A Song For Pete)
This is the only album that appears on both of our lists. I love this album. It makes me want to sing and dance, it makes me feel happy. That's a winner in my book, every day. I had the pleasure of seeing Arkells perform at both WayHome and at an awesome The Edge Sugar Beach Session. These guys really know how to entertain a crowd.
Most played track: Mercy
This might surprise you but I love Shawn Mendes. True story. I first saw Shawn Mendes when he opened for Taylor Swift on the 1989 Tour. This young Canadian singer/songwriter has blown up and I'm not surprised. I'm pretty sure I've played this album every day since it came out.
Most played track: Picturing Love
I come to the July Talk party a little late. I didn't know! I caught the band at one of The Edge's Sugar Beach Sessions and was blown away. This is an album that I put on and play front to back, no skips. It's moody, it's fun, it's playful and it feels kinda dangerous. I love this album.
Most played song: untitled 08 | 09.06.2014
I wasn't expecting this and was thrilled when it came out. After seeing Kendrick Lamar at WayHome in 2015 I started listening to everything Kendrick. The music, the lyrics, it sucks me in and it's perfect.
Most played song: Grown Up Things
I've been to quite a few Jessica Mitchell's shows and she never disappoints. This is another album that I listen to every day. The timbre of Jessica's voice is exquisite, I feel everything she sings, I believe her and I feel like we're kindred spirits. 
Most played song: Shake It Like You Mean It
The Lazys, in three words energetic, enthusiastic, and enchanting. This amazing band from Australia has put together the perfect storm of rock and roll and luckily for us they love Canada. The boys tour and record here regularly and I'd be lying if we said we weren't hoping for a move to Canada.
Most played song: Wastelands
I first met The Dead Love during Canadian Music Week's Aussie BBQ. They have a great energy, it's rock and roll, it's alternative and punky, it's grungy, and they can slow things down and keep your attention. They bring together technically great musicianship and compelling vocals. They sing about love but not the sweet kind, summer and living in a wasteland. Check it out!
With the amount of music I listen to, ten is a tough number. I'm going to cheat a little, I've added an additional five here as honourable mentions. Four out of five are Canadian.
Birds of Bellwoods: The Fifth
