Metallica is a band that has reached legendary status, and often times I feel like they get a free pass from their fans as a result of this. I do enjoy this album, but if this had come from any other band I don't think I would put on my best of 2016 lists or anything. Surprisingly, I actually think the best track on this album isn't even one of the album tracks at all, but rather the bonus track "Lords of Summer" featured on the deluxe edition's 3rd CD. If you're a fan of the band of course you'll like it, but don't expect them to venture into any uncharted territory here, and as such no reason why this should've taken them 8 years since the last album to deliver.
I've only been into Sleigh Bells for the last year or so, so I wouldn't consider myself their most hardcore fan or anything. But based on their previous efforts (that I've heard), I think this album is a good listen.
This album was often described in reviews as being reminiscent of the New Jack Swing style popularized in early '90s R&B, but instead to me sounds a lot more funk influenced. It's not a bad album by any means, but if you're picking this up thinking it will sound like Guy, New Edition, etc. you'll be disappointed. Stand out track far and away is the title track, 24K Magic.
Jimmy Eat World, put out two incredible albums Bleed American and Futures, and in my opinion have failed to capture the magic since then. If you took the two or three really stand out tracks from all the subsequent albums and compiled them into one you'd have a masterpiece, but unfortunately thats not how it works. This album doesn't stand up to their classics, but compared to their last few releases, I would definitely say it ranks amongst the better ones.
If you became a fan of Korn during their peak years, around the late '90s/early '00s, prepare to be happy. This album really sees the band getting back to the sound that made them in many ways, it's hard, melodic, and has just enough funk to still sound like Korn. One of my favorite heavy records of 2016.
Despite being accused of losing her touch on her last release, Artpop, I thought that album was quite an enjoyable effort. However, Joanne, sees Gaga sounding less like the pop star persona she's crafted for herself and more of the crooner witnessed on her duets with Tony Bennet album. If you're into vocal gymnastics that sound like she's spent a little too much time with the theater kids, you'll probably like this. If you want something more along the lines of Born This Way or Artpop, I'd skip this one.