It’s hard to believe that it’s already February of 2026, and among the trends we’ve seen take hold so far this year, the biggest has been a fond remembrance for the year 2016.
A decade ago was a massive time for pop culture—music in particular—and it’s fascinating to reflect on the past and see that all of the biggest artists we loved in 2016 are still going strong all this time later. It’s time to revisit the biggest albums of the year, starting with 10 of our all-time favorites below.
(Stoney via Republic)
WINGS – BTS
The boys of BTS have worked hard to reach their status as the biggest K-pop boy band in the world, and even a decade ago, they were already beloved. WINGS was their fourth studio album, weaving a powerful coming-of-age story that shows the group’s evolution as they overcome the evils of temptation. Even today, “Blood, Sweat & Tears” remains one of their all-time biggest songs, and every one of its 15 tracks is a no-skip.
Nine Track Mind – Charlie Puth
Nine Track Mind was Charlie Puth’s first-ever album, putting the star on the map with huge hits including “Marvin Gaye” featuring Meghan Trainor, “One Call Away” and “We Don’t Talk Anymore.” It’s hard to believe that before 2015, he was anything but a household name. Before his next album, Whatever’s Clever! drops on March 27, we highly recommend revisiting the project that started it all.
Also read about: Charlie Puth Brought Jazz, Soul and Intimacy to a Stunning Los Angeles Finale
MADE – BIGBANG
BIGBANG’s MADE is another classic K-pop album we haven’t taken off repeat for a decade, and it marks just how long the group have been on top of the world. In part, MADE was an album reflecting on a decade of making music together, feeling like a time capsule even a decade later with viral singles “BANG BANG BANG,” “LOSER” and more showcasing the group’s ever-growing versatility as artists.
Also read about: 50 Classic English Lyrics for Kings of K-Pop, BIGBANG, to Use as Your Next Photo Caption
Illuminate – Shawn Mendes
After releasing his debut album, Handwritten, in 2015, Shawn Mendes wasted no time getting back into the studio with its follow-up, Illuminate, in 2016. With this album, Shawn honed his emotionally poignant yet universally relatable songwriting and signature bluesy pop sound, and even now, songs like “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” “Treat You Better” and “Mercy” remain among his biggest hits, with well over a billion streams each.
Also read about: 20 Contemplative Lyrics From Shawn Mendes’s Shawn Album to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
Dangerous Woman – Ariana Grande
Over the years, Ariana Grande has proven that she never stops evolving as an artist and performer, and Dangerous Woman was one of our favorite formative steps along the way for the star. This was her third album, following My Everything in 2014, highlighting an eclectic variety of sounds to build on her classic pop-R&B sound. Both “Into You” and its title track “Dangerous Women” are some of Ari’s fan-favorite hits that never fall out of rotation.
Also read about: 25 Meaningful Ariana Grande eternal sunshine Lyrics to Use as Your Next Instagram Caption
Lemonade – Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s Lemonade isn’t just an endlessly listenable project, but also a powerful concept album tackling the experiences of Black women throughout the history of the United States. The boundary-pushing album blurs genres and draws inspiration from all aspects of American music, with some stunning features and guest vocals, to share a deeply personal and vulnerable story. A decade later, it might be more relevant than ever.
Also read about: Beyoncé’s 10 Most Empowering Songs of All Time
24K Magic – Bruno Mars
It’s hard to believe that 2016’s 24K Magic was Bruno Mars’ last album release, but that all changes later this month with the release of The Romantic on Feb. 27. This third studio album is bursting with the funk, pop and R&B sounds that Bruno is most loved for, with tracks that are tailor-made to make you dance. Its biggest song, “That’s What I Like,” has never really gone away, racking up more than 3 billion listens on Spotify alone.
Also read about: 50 Feel-Good Bruno Mars Lyrics to Use As Instagram Captions
Starboy – The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye may be done releasing albums under his stage name, The Weeknd, which makes this the perfect time to reflect on his storied career, including his third album, Starboy. Driven by pop-R&B and alt vibes, the album is inspired by the swagger and boastfulness of classic hip-hop culture. Its title track, “Starboy,” remains one of the songs that best represents the artist’s sound and unassailable attitude.
Also read about: 26 Melancholy Lyrics From The Weeknd’s Hurry Up Tomorrow as Instagram Captions
Stoney – Post Malone
It’s hard to believe a world in which Post Malone isn’t an international superstar, but in 2016, he was just getting started with the release of his debut album, Stoney. Though it’s infused with country, R&B and pop sounds, it’s a hip-hop album through and through, with features from Justin Bieber, Kehlani and Quavo demonstrating just how established he was even in the early days. Songs including “White Iverson” and “Congratulations” made him a star, and his shine hasn’t faded at all in the time since.
Also read about: 20 Post Malone Lyrics to Use as Instagram Captions
Anti – Rihanna
And last, but certainly not least, is Rihanna’s Anti, which allowed her to redefine herself as an artist after leaving Def Jam. The album is darker, moodier and more atmospheric, adding a psychedelic edge to her pop-R&B sound as she wove stories about her struggles as an artist and human being. With this album, she went against the expectations of the world to follow her own path. And if “Love on the Brain” isn’t one of Rihanna’s definitive songs, we don’t know what is.
Eager to dig into even more 2016 nostalgia? Click HERE to discover 10 2016 films you should revisit in 2026.
