As 2016 is more than half way done, it is time to round up the biggest EDM albums in 2016 so far. For all of the news surrounding EDM's bubble about to burst, we've heard new albums from Flume, DJ Snake and Kygo that beg to differ. There's been plenty of new styles, sub-genres and artists begin to show up stronger than ever in the 2016 year. From the rise of tropical house to artists pulling out new unexpected collaborations, EDM is stronger than ever.
Vote For This Year's Top Albums
Take a look at some of the best albums of the year so far below. We'll be adding more albums as they come in, so keep checking to discover the best new album releases.
Make sure to vote for your favorite albums at the end of this list.
DJ Snake – Encore
DJ Snake‘s debut studio album has been a game changer in dance music. ‘Encore' is composed of 14 tracks, two singles and 12 collaborations which include Justin Bieber, Skrillex, BiPolar Sunshine, George Maple, Travi$ Scott and many others. DJ Snake's summer phenomenon song “Middle” reached Billboard‘s 100 consecutively for 10 weeks straight. Aside from DJ Snake's “Turn Down For What,” he really makes a name for himself on his debut studio album.
Flume – Skin
Flume's second studio album ‘Skin' marks the second full-length release since his 2012 debut album. The album features collaborations with artists such as Tove Lo, Kai, Vic Mensa, Little Dragon, AlunaGeorge and Beck. The album which has received many rave reviews reached the #1 spot on Billboard's US Dance/Electronic Albums chart earlier this year.
AlunaGeorge – I Remember
AlunaGeorge's ‘I Remember' is more than just your average upbeat party album. Instead of striving to fit the mold, the duo behind AlunaGeorge have made this album their own.
Kygo – Cloud Nine
‘Cloud Nine' is the debut studio album by the international superstar DJ/producer, Kygo. The Norwegian artist released his album on May 13, 2016 and features collaborations such as Conrad Sewell, Parson James, Foxes, Will Heard, Matty Noyes, Kodaline, Labrinth and Matt Corby. While the album has received mixed reviews from music critics, Kygo has helped push tropical house to the mainstream with the help of his debut album.
Eric Prydz – Opus
Eric Prydz‘s ‘Opus' is his debut studio album that was released on February 5, 2016. ‘Opus' features many of Eric Prydz's top hits that have been played over the past couple of years. Eric Prydz's progressive house album has turned heads from music critics and fans alike since its release.
Bassnectar – Unlimited
‘Unlimited' marks Bassnectar‘s tenth studio album and was released back on June 17th, 2016. Bassnectar's goal for the album to create a “sonic collage.” After releasing the album, Bassnectar's album reached the peak position of #1 on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart and #49 on the US Billboard 200.
NOISIA – Outer Edges
A few minutes before NOISIA stepped on stage to debut their Outer Edges show, the group was told the album had leaked. Although the album was slated for a later release date, NOISIA released the album days before anticipated. While Outer Edges may not be the perfect album, fans around the world are complimenting NOISIA on their incredible sound design on this bar-raising production.
Haywyre – Two Fold Pt. 2
Haywyre, the solo project of Martin Vogt, fuses together classical and piano training alongside his ear for both dubstep and glitch-hop. On February 8, 2016, Haywyre released his Two Fold Pt. 2 album via Monstercat records. The nine-track album has received a warm welcome by fans across the globe. “So, not only is this album musically profound, but philosophically underestimated and deeply moving,” wrote one fan.
Baauer – Aa
After Baauer's released the “Harlem Shake” back in 2013, Baauer catapulted to one of dance music's iconic DJs/producers. Three years later, Baauer released his debut studio album on March 18, 2016. The album features collaborations from M.I.A., G-Dragon, Rustie, Pusha T, Rae Sremmurd and Future. Since its release, Baauer's ‘Aa' has reached the #3 spot on the US Dance/Electronic Albums chart on Billboard.
Gareth Emery – 100 Reasons To Live
Gareth Emery released his third studio album on April 1, 2016 via Garuda Records & Armada Music. The album is a follow up album to his 2014 album release and features collaborations from the former-ghost producer Ashley Wallbridge, Christina Novelli, Janet Devlin, Lawson and Gavrielle. Despite only reaching the #6 spot on the UK Dance Albums chart, Gareth's Emery's ‘100 Reasons To Live' has been said to be one the best albums of 2016.
Steve Angello – Wild Youth
‘Wild Youth' is the debut studio album by the former Swedish House Mafia member, Steve Angello. The album was released via Size Records on January 22, 2016 and features collaborations with Andrew Watt, Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons, Dougy of Temper Trap, Mako, The Presets and AN21. Steve Angello referred to his debut studio album as “the soundtrack of his life.” Steve Angello's ‘Wild Youth' managed to reach the #4 spot on Billboard's US Dance/Electronic Albums chart.
Feed Me – Family Reunion
‘Family Reunion' was released by Jon Gooch aka Feed Me on July 8, 2016 via Sotto Voce. The eight-track EP features songs with Nina Nesbitt, KANEHOLLER and Serious Ting. The album has gathered the attention from not only Feed Me fans, but fans of dubstep & electro as well.
Mat Zo – Self Assemble
‘Soft Assemble' is the second studio album by the British electronic musician Mat Zo. The album was released on his own record label Mad Zoo on March 25, 2016. The 12-track album reached the peak position of #7 on Billboard's US Dance/Electronic Album earlier this year. For this album Mat Zo collaborated with Sinead Egan and I See Monstas and fuses together a variation of nu-disco, electro, drum & bass, garage and electronica.
Seven Lions – Creation
‘Creation' is a 7-song studio EP that was released by Seven Lions on March 25, 2016 via Casablanca Records. The EP blends together a fusion of genres, such as trance, dubstep, folk and house music. The album reached the #1 position on Billboard's US Dance/Electronic Albums earlier this year.
KSHMR – The Lion Across The Field
‘The Lion Across The Field' is a 13-song album released by KSHMR on May 13, 2016 via Spinnin' Records. KSHMR began his career as being one half of the production duo The Cataracs. After the departure of his partner Niles, he adopted the name KSHMR. The euphoric EP takes you on a beautiful journey with beautiful interludes.
Illenium – Ashes
”Ashes' is 12-song EP that was released by Illenium on February 15, 2016 via Kasaya & Seeking Blue Records. Illenium's unique take on festival-ready dubstep and trap has created quite the unforgetable listening experience for Illenium's debut album.
AraabMuzik – Dream World
‘Dream World' is a 16-song album released on July 5, 2016 via Araabmuzik LLC and EMPIRE Records. The long awaited LP is AraabMuzik's sophomore studio album and is packed with more sonic diversity than his previous album.
Boys Noize – Mayday
‘Mayday' is a 13-song album that was released by Boys Noize on May 20, 2016 via Boysnoize Records. The catchy rap hooks and kinetic electro feature collaborations with Hudson Mohawke, Benga, Remy Banks and Poliça. Boys Noize's fourth studio album is most likely his best album to date.
Sean Tyas – Degeneration
‘Degeneration' is the long awaited 26-song album from Sean Tyas. The album was released on February 19, 2016 via Black Hole Recordings and features remixes by Giuseppe Ottaviani, Future Disciple, Reaky, Roger Wilco and Darren Porter. Throughout the album, Sean Tyas keeps his true essence alive throughout the album.
Justin Martin – Hello Clouds
‘Hello Clouds' is a 13-song album that was released on April 20, 2016 via DIRTYBIRD Records. The album is Justin Martin's sophomore album and a follow up to his 2012 release ‘Ghettos & Gardens.'
Big Gigantic – Brighter Future
‘Brighter Future' released their 5th studio album on August 26, 2015. The album features collaborations with Cherub, Waka Flocka Flame and many more. Listen as Big Gigantic brings their signature funky sound to every song on this album.
As we're starting to see the landscape of EDM change with more artists experimenting with exotic sounds and innovating the scene in ways we've never heard before. Many veteran artists are also releasing their first ever debut LPs that have been years in the making. 2016 is shaping up to be one of the best years electronic music has seen yet!
Kaytranada – 99.9%
Kompakt – Weval
Richie Brains – Who Is Richie Brains
Sabo – Vibe Quest
Matador – Ructions
Gold Panda – Good Luck & Do Your Best
Satin Jackets – Panorama Pacifico
Moderat – III
Sharam – Retroactive
Bjarki – “B”
