In 2016, the music industry saw a diverse range of songs and artists rising to the top of the charts. The year was marked by the continued dominance of streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, as well as the emergence of new technologies such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence in the music space.
One of the biggest songs of the year was “One Dance” by Canadian artist Drake, which spent an impressive 15 weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song, which features WizKid and Kyla, was a global hit and was certified diamond in the US.
Another major song of 2016 was “Work” by Rihanna featuring Drake. The song spent nine weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified nine times platinum in the US. The song’s success was driven in part by its catchy chorus and the chemistry between Rihanna and Drake, who had previously collaborated on several hit songs.
Adele’s “Hello” also made a splash in 2016, debuting at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending a total of 10 weeks at the top of the chart. The song, which was the lead single from Adele’s third studio album “25,” was a commercial success and was certified diamond in the US.
Another notable song of 2016 was “Stressed Out” by Twenty One Pilots. The song, which was released in 2015, gained popularity in 2016 and reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100. The song’s success was driven by its relatable lyrics and the band’s unique blend of pop and rock.
In 2016, there were also a number of breakthrough artists who made a big impact on the music scene. Among them was Chance the Rapper, whose third mixtape “Coloring Book” was released in May 2016 to critical acclaim. The mixtape, which features guest appearances from artists such as Kanye West and Justin Bieber, was notable for its positive and uplifting messages, and earned Chance the Rapper his first Grammy win for Best Rap Album.
The year 2016 also saw the emergence of several new technologies in the music industry. Virtual reality and artificial intelligence were both being used to create new and immersive music experiences. For example, the virtual reality music video for “The Last Goodbye” by Jeff Buckley was released in 2016, allowing viewers to experience the song in a new and interactive way.
Furthermore, AI technology was being used to analyze and predict musical trends, as well as to create new and original music. Startups like Amper Music and Jukedeck were using AI algorithms to compose music for film and TV, while other companies like AIVA (Artificial Intelligence Virtual Artist) was creating original music using AI technology.
In conclusion, 2016 was a big year for music with a diverse range of songs and artists making their mark on the industry. Streaming services continued to dominate, and new technologies such as virtual reality and AI were being used to create new and exciting music experiences. With all the innovation and diversity on display, it was clear that the music industry was as strong as ever.
