Monstercat’s ‘Best of 2016’ Compilation [Reviewed]

It’s that time of year again. Decorations are up, relatives are losing it, and “best of the year” compilations are coming out. One of our favorite record labels, Monstercat, just released their Best of 2016 album, and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s been a big year for the Vancouver-based label, gaining over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, and setting a new personal record for views on a video, with Marshmello’s Alone skyrocketing to over 56 million views!

Release Date: Dec 16th 2016

It’s no surprise that Alone is at the top of the list this year. Marshmello has had an insanely productive year, and more than deserves to headline this album. Monstercat compilations are always front-loaded with the best stuff due to their voting system, but who could be mad with heavy hitters like Pegboard Nerds, NGHTMRE, Vicetone, Hellberg, and Noisestorm. Following close behind are freshly-signed electronic artists Tokyo Machine and Seven Lions.

Monstercat’s Best of 2016 compilation certainly has enough trap to keep you satisfied for more than a minute, but we’re glad to see some smaller genres make the cut. Thanks in part to producers San Holo, Aero Chord, and others, future bass has really grown these last few years. We were lucky enough to see San Holo, not once, but TWICE at Seattle’s WaMu Theater this year! He played Safe In Sound in October, and returned not two months later to open for Porter Robinson and Madeon.

If you’re more into classic genres, such as Drum & Bass or House, there’s plenty to go around. We’re particularly fond of the #26 track On Fire by Melano. It’s a classic DnB track that hosts all of the right elements, with absolutely gorgeous vocals to top it off. The #3 track Nevada by Vicetone isn’t too shabby either. No stranger to the PNW, Vicetone absolutely earned his spot on the album with his best song of 2016.

The last nugget we’d like to point out is one of our overall top songs of this year. A phenomenal collaboration between Pegboard Nerds and Grabbitz: #15 All Alone. Being the only true drumstep track on the list, it really stands out from the rest of the album. Grabbitz has also had a pretty fantastic year, seeing as how he was featured by Deadmau5 on his new album with the song Let Go.

Closing Thoughts

All in all, this is a really enjoyable list of tracks. A melting pot of genres and artists that’s bound to tickle your fancy in one way or another. Monstercat has been serving up kick-ass music for over five years, and every year they let the people decide what they liked best. We’re thankful for 2016, and we look forward to all of the awesome music that Monstercat no doubt has in store for us in 2017.

You can download and listen to the Monstercat Best of 2016 compilation here!