Ambient

A new live collaborative album by Torrini and The Colorist Orchestra reimagines some of the Icelandic singer's songs in entirely new arrangements for an eight-piece Belgian ensemble led by Aarich Jespers and Kobe Proesmans. Her voice inhabits this new, more organic world just as comfortably as on her albums, and with a touch of live-performance warmth.

Here are my highlights in popular music from 2016. It includes records by Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Bright Light Bright Light, David Bowie, Melanie C, Hikaru Utada, Beyoncé, and many more!

One could view 'In Winter' as a stylish stopgap between Melua's last recording 'Ketevan' and her next album. However, one should embrace it as an inspired seasonal concept album that ties 'The House' as her most ambitious undertaking yet.

After countless listens, I feel as if I both know Fela Kuti more than I ever knew any other African artist before, and also how little I appreciated the struggles and injustices that take place across the world in other people’s hometowns or communities. It takes a strong light to shine down on some of the darkest days in the shadow. Thank god Fela Kuti burned as bright as he did for our awareness.

Ever heard of a soundtrack to a book? Neither had this writer until Moby's 'Music from Porcelain.' Guess what? It makes sense. PLUS, it's damn good.

Listening to ‘The Dream of a God’ is much like hearing the soundtrack to a horror movie.

Highlights in popular music from 2015. Includes records by Lianne La Havas, Mika, Carly Rae Jepsen, Hot Chip, Seal, Janet Jackson and many more!

The second full-length album collaboration between Grammy-nominated pianist David Lanz and acclaimed vocalist Kristin Amarie.

‘Meaningless Words’ would make both for great background music or a centrepiece of a musical appreciation night.

Cut Copy, Joywave, and Pretty Lights led Saturday's lineup at TBD Festival 2015 in West Sacramento, California.