Some of the greatest albums this year were some of the saddest and certainly inspired by death: David Bowie, Leonard Cohen and Nick Cave, all very different but heartbreaking records. I didn't include Cave on my list because I actually found his album Skeleton Tree, recorded in the aftermath of his son's death, the most difficult to listen to, proving I suppose that death is hardest for those left behind. A lot of my favourite albums this year were definitely dark, because I guess that was my mood in 2016, but I think some were hopeful too. These days I'm finding less solace in music but I am hoping that 2017 will be different.
