Here’s What 2016 Sounded Like in North Texas

Given the current cultural and political climate, we can’t blame anyone for looking back at when times felt simpler, though we question whether 2016 was all that better or just the beginning of the end.

Regardless, all of social media is currently sharing pictures from a decade ago, reminiscing on when we had — a fresh Rihanna album to keep on repeat, and the rare, universally communal connection Pokemon Go ushered in, the exciting beginning of Fort Worth’s Leon Bridges ascending to soul greatness. You know, the good ol’ days. 

And while we certainly have a lot to look forward to this year musically, including a newly announced Harry Styles album and BTS’ North Texas return following years of tour cancellations and hiatuses, we’re not going to pass up on the opportunity to look back at an excellent year for music. 

So, take a trip down memory lane with us. 

Post Malone Drops His Debut Album, Stoney

Before the world called him “Posty,” we called him ours. Yes, the world’s favorite then-rapper, turned Crocs-collaborator, turned Skims poster boy, turned country star, is from Grapevine. But after his breakout single “White Iverson” catapulted him into stardom, we were forced to share him with the world. His 2016 freshman album, Stoney, went double platinum on the charts and triple platinum in our hearts. Truly the beginning of an era.

Maren Morris Releases Her First Major-Label Album

Add North Texan to the long list of traits that make country princess and LGBTQ+ activist Maren Morris a treasure. The musician, born and raised in Arlington, got her start grinding it out in the local scene. She self-released a few albums before signing a major record deal and releasing her first studio album with Columbia Nashville. A few years later, Morris returned to Arlington to perform her breakout 2018 single “The Middle” with Taylor Swift on her Reputation Tour, but for those in the know, Morris’ was already saved to their playlists. 

The Homegrown Festival Still Existed

The Homegrown Festival was, at the time, one of the only North Texas-centric music festivals, staged right in the heart of Dallas at Main Street Garden Park. Performers in 2016 included would-be producer for Megan Thee Stallion, Bobby Sessions, Denton-founded electronic band Neon Indian and everyone’s favorite modern country outlaw, Charley Crockett. Unfortunately, the festival didn’t survive the pandemic, but now we have Jambaloo, so local music lives on.

Dallasites Spent All Their Money On Stadium Concerts

These days, we’re unfortunately getting used to being skipped over by some of our favorite touring artists. But back in 2016, Dallas was the place to be, with world tours taking a compulsory pitstop in Big D. 

Starting off with a bang, Justin Bieber’s Purpose tour came through the American Airlines Center in April. If you can Belieber it, the popstar was still dating long-time on-and-off-again girlfriend, and North Texan, Selena Gomez. What a world it was.

Our favorite fellow Texan, Beyoncé, embarked on a world tour in 2016 in support of her her critically-acclaimed album, Lemonade. The Formation World Tour stoped by AT&T Stadium in May. At the time, the Dallas brain couldn’t possibly conceive Beychella, or imagine a country album from the proud Texan, and they’d be disappointed to know that even after all these years, we still don’t know who Becky with the good hair is. 

Coldplay’s A Head Full of Dreams made a singular stop in Texas at AT&T Stadium in August. This was before the band had a knack for putting adulterers on the Jumbotron, and we’re certain that Dallasites, known for cheating, are grateful. 

In November of 2016, an Adele who hadn’t yet been divorced, babes, played two shows at the American Airlines Center. Little did we know then that it might be our last opportunity to see her live in Dallas, as she has returned since.

Alright, that’s enough reflecting. Especially when there’s so much to be excited about in 2026.