Looking back at a year of music

By: Kristin Helf, Staff Writer

The school year is finally almost over, which means it is time to reflect (instead of studying for finals). 2016 has so far proved to be an interesting year—not completely dismal, but we’ve certainly lost our share of musical icons in the last few months.

So far, most of the year has been dedicated to nostalgia. It’s been a time to look back and reflect, mourn a little, and then celebrate wholeheartedly the men that we’ve lost, and the men and women who continue to do great things.

From last fall to the onset of spring 2016, here is a look back at the records that were broken, comebacks made and artists lost in popular music.   

October — Adele releases her single “Hello,” which breaks Vevo’s record for the most views within 24 hours with 27.7 million views.

November — Justin Bieber releases his album “Purpose,” which supposedly makes Bieber the comeback of the year at 22 years old.

January — David Bowie releases his final album “Blackstar,” his only album to debut at number one on Billboard 200. Two days later, he dies from liver cancer.

February — Kanye West releases “The Life of Pablo” on Tidal.

Kendrick Lamar wins five awards at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards, while Taylor Swift becomes the first woman to win Album of the Year twice.

March — Rihanna releases her single “Work,” and from then to this very moment, it’s been stuck in all of our heads.

April — Guns N’ Roses play a show at the Troubadour. It’s the first time Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan have played together in 23 years.

American Idol finally comes to an end after fifteen seasons.

Prince is found dead in his Minnesota recording studio, and the public still doesn’t know why.

Kesha appears onstage with Zedd at Coachella and performs his song “True Colors.” It is her first major public appearance since her continuous legal battle with producer Dr. Luke.

Beyoncé’s sixth album “Lemonade” and its corresponding hour-long film premiere on HBO.

If you’re a Tidal subscriber and don’t care about musical legends or popstar legal battles, then these two semesters were great for you. If not, then the past few months may have filled you with heartache and anxiety every time you turned on the radio.

Regardless, let’s hope that the summer brings more record-shattering songs, reunions and albums on par with “Lemonade.”

I will be lying on a beach somewhere with an old-school boombox that plays only the Beach Boys, Beach Fossils and Beach House. Just kidding, or am I? Have a great summer, everyone!

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