Another year in music has passed us by. I wasn't as thrilled with this year in music as I thought I'd be, especially when you consider how much potential it had. Outkast's reunion was a little disappointing (at first; it got better from what I've heard), Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, and Ed Sheeran become the only artists to sell over a million copies of their album this year (congrats to them), my favorite Swedish synthpop group announced that they're disbanding, and in general, the albums that were released were overall a little lacking.
That being said, the charts seemed more interesting than ever. Indie pop continued to dominate the charts with artists like Bastille and Lorde, Taylor Swift replaced herself at Number 1, and EDM continued a somewhat impressive run on the charts. I was pleasantly surprised with a lot of the songs that ended up on Billboard's Year-End Hot 100, as you'll see later on here. Going through this list, I also enjoyed--and somewhat hated--checking out some of the songs I may not have heard (of which there were plenty). After listening to the 100 songs that made the cut, I picked out my ten favorites and compiled them into my own list for you to enjoy. The only criteria for choosing the songs is that the songs must have made the 2014 Year-End list, so naturally there are going to be some songs that won't make it here regardless of how much I liked them.
Anyway, enough chit-chat from me. Let's jump right into the list with Number 10.
That being said, the charts seemed more interesting than ever. Indie pop continued to dominate the charts with artists like Bastille and Lorde, Taylor Swift replaced herself at Number 1, and EDM continued a somewhat impressive run on the charts. I was pleasantly surprised with a lot of the songs that ended up on Billboard's Year-End Hot 100, as you'll see later on here. Going through this list, I also enjoyed--and somewhat hated--checking out some of the songs I may not have heard (of which there were plenty). After listening to the 100 songs that made the cut, I picked out my ten favorites and compiled them into my own list for you to enjoy. The only criteria for choosing the songs is that the songs must have made the 2014 Year-End list, so naturally there are going to be some songs that won't make it here regardless of how much I liked them.
Anyway, enough chit-chat from me. Let's jump right into the list with Number 10.
10. Bang Bang - Jessie J, Ariana Grande, & Nicki Minaj
Peak Position: #3
Year-End Position: #27
I wasn't really a fan of any of these three before I heard this song. I didn't particularly enjoy any of the singles I initially heard from any of these three several years ago. However, in one fell swoop, Ariana Grande and Jessie J have managed to change my mind about them. I should say that I enjoyed "Problem" and "Break Free" from Grande, and I also thought "Domino" was a pretty cool song from Jessie J. Nicki Minaj was able to change my mind about her last year after hearing her verse on Kanye West's "Monster", which is still far and above her best verse. With this song, Jessie J and Ariana Grande are allowed to let their voices soar, but a particularly awesome performance from Jessie J is what sold me on this song. As for Nicki Minaj, this is one of the better verses I've heard from her, and is possibly my second favorite verse of hers behind "Monster". Kudos to these three plus Max Martin for putting together a fun track with a lot of attitude that is sure to stay in your head all day.
Year-End Position: #27
I wasn't really a fan of any of these three before I heard this song. I didn't particularly enjoy any of the singles I initially heard from any of these three several years ago. However, in one fell swoop, Ariana Grande and Jessie J have managed to change my mind about them. I should say that I enjoyed "Problem" and "Break Free" from Grande, and I also thought "Domino" was a pretty cool song from Jessie J. Nicki Minaj was able to change my mind about her last year after hearing her verse on Kanye West's "Monster", which is still far and above her best verse. With this song, Jessie J and Ariana Grande are allowed to let their voices soar, but a particularly awesome performance from Jessie J is what sold me on this song. As for Nicki Minaj, this is one of the better verses I've heard from her, and is possibly my second favorite verse of hers behind "Monster". Kudos to these three plus Max Martin for putting together a fun track with a lot of attitude that is sure to stay in your head all day.
9. Happy - Pharrell Williams
Peak Position: #1 (nine weeks)
Year-End Position: #1
The number one song of the year goes to none other than Pharrell Williams. He experienced a renaissance of sorts after being featured on Daft Punk's smash hit "Get Lucky," and with this song and his most recent album G I R L, he reestablished himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of popular music. True to its name, "Happy" is a very happy song, and even on my worst days, this song has never failed to put me in a good mood. My only qualm with this song is that it could stand to be about 45 seconds shorter, because after about the 3-minute mark the song just repeats the chorus over and over, but even that can be overlooked. I give Pharrell major props for basically making this song himself, from the production to the writing, which not many these days can do. On top of that, the king of musical comedy, Weird Al Yankovic, made his own hilarious parody of the song.
Year-End Position: #1
The number one song of the year goes to none other than Pharrell Williams. He experienced a renaissance of sorts after being featured on Daft Punk's smash hit "Get Lucky," and with this song and his most recent album G I R L, he reestablished himself as a force to be reckoned with in the world of popular music. True to its name, "Happy" is a very happy song, and even on my worst days, this song has never failed to put me in a good mood. My only qualm with this song is that it could stand to be about 45 seconds shorter, because after about the 3-minute mark the song just repeats the chorus over and over, but even that can be overlooked. I give Pharrell major props for basically making this song himself, from the production to the writing, which not many these days can do. On top of that, the king of musical comedy, Weird Al Yankovic, made his own hilarious parody of the song.
8. Stay With Me - Sam Smith
Peak Position: #2
Year-End Position: #10
Few musical artists had the year that Sam Smith did. Not only has he been featured on two major songs--Disclosure's "Latch" and Naughty Boy's "La La La"--in the past year, but he began a noteworthy career as a solo artist. So when I found out he was going to have his own album out this year, I became curious and watched his career closely. I was happy when he charted higher than either of the songs he was featured on. This is a smooth, sweet, soulful ballad with lilting harmonies and a beautiful vocal performance from Smith. The instrumentals aren't intrusive at all and compliment Smith's voice quite nicely. Two thumbs up!
Year-End Position: #10
Few musical artists had the year that Sam Smith did. Not only has he been featured on two major songs--Disclosure's "Latch" and Naughty Boy's "La La La"--in the past year, but he began a noteworthy career as a solo artist. So when I found out he was going to have his own album out this year, I became curious and watched his career closely. I was happy when he charted higher than either of the songs he was featured on. This is a smooth, sweet, soulful ballad with lilting harmonies and a beautiful vocal performance from Smith. The instrumentals aren't intrusive at all and compliment Smith's voice quite nicely. Two thumbs up!
7. Shake It Off - Taylor Swift
Peak Position: #1 (four non-consecutive weeks)
Year-End Position: #13
As with Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, I wasn't a fan of Taylor Swift until this year. I enjoyed "I Knew You Were Trouble," but still never really liked her music. When I heard "Shake It Off," it was just undeniable. It was so much fun and so upbeat and happy that I couldn't help but admit that I just really liked the song. I have no regrets saying that. I'm glad she's accepted her transition into pop music rather than be stuck between genres, seemingly confused about which one she should be singing. I'm genuinely looking forward to hearing what the new pop-star Taylor Swift is going to bring us in the coming years.
Year-End Position: #13
As with Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj, I wasn't a fan of Taylor Swift until this year. I enjoyed "I Knew You Were Trouble," but still never really liked her music. When I heard "Shake It Off," it was just undeniable. It was so much fun and so upbeat and happy that I couldn't help but admit that I just really liked the song. I have no regrets saying that. I'm glad she's accepted her transition into pop music rather than be stuck between genres, seemingly confused about which one she should be singing. I'm genuinely looking forward to hearing what the new pop-star Taylor Swift is going to bring us in the coming years.
6. Burn - Ellie Goulding
Peak Position: #13
Year-End Position: #39
With a voice seemingly made in heaven, Ellie Goulding is probably my favorite female singer of the past ten years. Her dreamy voice gives her songs that cool, ethereal quality to them. Co-written with Ryan Tedder and pop songwriter Greg Kurstin, among others, it's still got the same signature Ellie Goulding sound that I've come to love, such as on songs like "Lights" and "Anything Could Happen". I would have put "Goodness Gracious" or "Figure 8" in the place of this song, but sadly those songs did not get as much love from the mainstream as I'd hoped. Still, this is a pretty awesome song, and I'm always glad to see Ellie Goulding getting attention on the Hot 100.
Year-End Position: #39
With a voice seemingly made in heaven, Ellie Goulding is probably my favorite female singer of the past ten years. Her dreamy voice gives her songs that cool, ethereal quality to them. Co-written with Ryan Tedder and pop songwriter Greg Kurstin, among others, it's still got the same signature Ellie Goulding sound that I've come to love, such as on songs like "Lights" and "Anything Could Happen". I would have put "Goodness Gracious" or "Figure 8" in the place of this song, but sadly those songs did not get as much love from the mainstream as I'd hoped. Still, this is a pretty awesome song, and I'm always glad to see Ellie Goulding getting attention on the Hot 100.
5. Rather Be - Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne
Peak Position: #10
Year-End Position: #41
Take a violin, a cello, some dance beats, and add in a female vocalist with some pipes, and you've got one extremely catchy song. "Rather Be" is currently the 7th most-streamed song of all time on Spotify, and I don't blame those who felt the need to press repeat on this song. I know I'm using this word a lot, but this song is just so much fun that I'm surprised it didn't get into the top 5. I'm still glad it did get the success it did, and I hope to hear more singles from this British dance group in the future.
Year-End Position: #41
Take a violin, a cello, some dance beats, and add in a female vocalist with some pipes, and you've got one extremely catchy song. "Rather Be" is currently the 7th most-streamed song of all time on Spotify, and I don't blame those who felt the need to press repeat on this song. I know I'm using this word a lot, but this song is just so much fun that I'm surprised it didn't get into the top 5. I'm still glad it did get the success it did, and I hope to hear more singles from this British dance group in the future.
4. All Of Me - John Legend
Peak Position: #1 (three weeks)
Year-End Position: #3
I wasn't at all surprised to see John Legend top the charts earlier this year, but what is surprising is that this is his first ever Number 1 song, and even his first Top 10 hit. This song shows off John Legend's soulful vocals, with beautifully written lyrics from Legend and songwriter Dave Tozer. It very much reminds me of "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars. Similar to "When I Was Your Man," a lone, haunting piano comprises the instrumental portion of the song. We did have a couple of piano ballads reach the Top 10 this year, the other one being "Say Something" by A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera, but for some reason, this song just seems so much more believable. It's a geniunely sweet song that doesn't come off as trying to put someone up on a pedestal.
Year-End Position: #3
I wasn't at all surprised to see John Legend top the charts earlier this year, but what is surprising is that this is his first ever Number 1 song, and even his first Top 10 hit. This song shows off John Legend's soulful vocals, with beautifully written lyrics from Legend and songwriter Dave Tozer. It very much reminds me of "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars. Similar to "When I Was Your Man," a lone, haunting piano comprises the instrumental portion of the song. We did have a couple of piano ballads reach the Top 10 this year, the other one being "Say Something" by A Great Big World feat. Christina Aguilera, but for some reason, this song just seems so much more believable. It's a geniunely sweet song that doesn't come off as trying to put someone up on a pedestal.
3. Counting Stars - OneRepublic
Peak Position: #2
Year-End Position: #5
I just can't get enough of this song. Although it was released last year (and even placed at number 63 on the 2013 Year-End chart), it continued to have massive success in 2014, which I'm not complaining about at all. It has a folky feel to it, while also being poppy enough to reach the Top 10 of the Hot 100. Strangely enough, according to frontman Ryan Tedder, this song almost went to Beyonce, but he felt it didn't sound like a song she would sing. It does beg the question as to what the song would be like if she did sing on it. But I digress.
Behind "Apologize," this is the band's second most successful song to date, and deservedly so. Ryan Tedder has a great voice and great songwriting skills, and this song showcases both perfectly. It's not too long either; at 4 minutes and 17 seconds, it's just short enough for radio, and just catchy enough to keep someone's attention. As successful as they are, I can only hope that OneRepublic is bound for even more success. I'm hoping that their next single will finally bring them that seemingly elusive number one hit.
Year-End Position: #5
I just can't get enough of this song. Although it was released last year (and even placed at number 63 on the 2013 Year-End chart), it continued to have massive success in 2014, which I'm not complaining about at all. It has a folky feel to it, while also being poppy enough to reach the Top 10 of the Hot 100. Strangely enough, according to frontman Ryan Tedder, this song almost went to Beyonce, but he felt it didn't sound like a song she would sing. It does beg the question as to what the song would be like if she did sing on it. But I digress.
Behind "Apologize," this is the band's second most successful song to date, and deservedly so. Ryan Tedder has a great voice and great songwriting skills, and this song showcases both perfectly. It's not too long either; at 4 minutes and 17 seconds, it's just short enough for radio, and just catchy enough to keep someone's attention. As successful as they are, I can only hope that OneRepublic is bound for even more success. I'm hoping that their next single will finally bring them that seemingly elusive number one hit.
2. Pompeii - Bastille
Peak Position: #5
Year-End Position: #12
It's amazing that a British indie pop group got a higher position on the Year-End chart than Taylor Swift. But it's not surprising, seeing as this song is this year's "Pumped Up Kicks." The powerful chants and drums make this a memorable song that, while it may be tailor-made for the radio, it's still such an awesome song. It's obviously referencing the fall of Pompeii in the wake of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, but it's a song that any listener going through a difficult time can relate to. For me personally, it's a song that helped me to get through one of the toughest years of my life. If you think that concept is lame, next time you're having a bad day, put this song on in your car, turn the volume up, go for a drive, and sing this song at the top of your lungs, and then try to tell me that it's lame. I hope we hear more Bastille singles on the radio, since we didn't get too many from Foster the People after "Pumped Up Kicks" was released.
Year-End Position: #12
It's amazing that a British indie pop group got a higher position on the Year-End chart than Taylor Swift. But it's not surprising, seeing as this song is this year's "Pumped Up Kicks." The powerful chants and drums make this a memorable song that, while it may be tailor-made for the radio, it's still such an awesome song. It's obviously referencing the fall of Pompeii in the wake of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, but it's a song that any listener going through a difficult time can relate to. For me personally, it's a song that helped me to get through one of the toughest years of my life. If you think that concept is lame, next time you're having a bad day, put this song on in your car, turn the volume up, go for a drive, and sing this song at the top of your lungs, and then try to tell me that it's lame. I hope we hear more Bastille singles on the radio, since we didn't get too many from Foster the People after "Pumped Up Kicks" was released.
Honorable Mentions
Before we get to my favorite song of 2014 (according to Billboard), let's talk about some songs that I also considered including in this list. I nearly made this into a Top 20 list because of these songs, but I settled on 10 to make it a shorter list.
Before we get to my favorite song of 2014 (according to Billboard), let's talk about some songs that I also considered including in this list. I nearly made this into a Top 20 list because of these songs, but I settled on 10 to make it a shorter list.
- Animals - Martin Garrix: I know that big room house isn't popular with a lot of electronic music fans, but this song just makes me want to get up and dance. It sounds like all of Martin Garrix's other songs, but just different enough for it to be recognizable.
- Boom Clap - Charli XCX: With how much I loved Sucker, you'd think this would've made my list... and it almost did. There were just songs I liked more.
- Brave - Sara Bareilles: I was very happy to see Sara Bareilles make the Year-End list. I heard this song so many times that I very nearly put it in my list. It's actually because of this song (and the next one I'm going to talk about) that I almost made this a Top 15 favorite songs instead of Top 10.
- Break Free - Ariana Grande feat. Zedd: I love Zedd's music. A lot. So I was a little skeptical seeing that these two had collaborated. But the collaboration worked out beautifully, and Ariana's voice is killer, as usual.
- Demons - Imagine Dragons: I like this song so much better than "Radioactive". It's pretty generic, but it's still a great song. Just not great enough to be one of my favorites of the year.
- Habits (Stay High) - Tove Lo: I'm a bit surprised this song made the Year-End list, considering I hardly ever heard anyone talking about it. But it's got a cool instrumental, over which Tove Lo tells a dark story of getting high all the time.
- Latch - Disclosure feat. Sam Smith: This isn't the Disclosure song I would've liked to see on the list, but for them to make the list at all is nothing short of amazing when you consider their popularity in indie music circles as well as in the mainstream.
- Stay the Night - Zedd feat. Hayley Williams: I wish we'd heard this song more often than Avicii's "Hey Brother".
- Summer - Calvin Harris: It sounds like all of his other songs, but I felt that it was so remarkable that Harris provided his own vocals here that I felt like it deserved an honorable mention. He basically did this whole song by himself, without any help from guest vocalists.
- Talk Dirty - Jason Derulo feat. 2Chainz: A silly song about sex, you can't help but just get up and move when you hear the jazzy samples that make up the instrumentals in the song.
1. Team - Lorde
Peak Position: #6
Year-End Position: #18
When I first heard "Royals" late in 2013, I was completely blown away. That's an understatement. I loved the minimal production, Lorde's sarcastic lyrics, and especially her voice. While "Royals" is far from Lorde's best display of her vocal ability, I still loved the song, and so I decided to check out her album Pure Heroine. Many songs on there have since become my favorites, particularly "Glory and Gore" and "A World Alone," and while "Royals" has become the most popular song from the album, "Team" takes the cake as my favorite Lorde song, as well as my favorite song of 2014.
I'm glad we didn't get a single that was exactly identical to "Royals." Whereas that song has more minimal production, "Team" has much bigger-sounding production that is more fit for a big music festival, of which Lorde did several this past summer. But that's beside the point.
I don't have an exact reason as to why I love this song more than I love "Royals." It could be that "Royals" has been played a lot, and that "Team" has become her new "big song" (for lack of a better word). Maybe it's Lorde's wordplay being more snarky than sarcastic. Who knows? All I can say is that I wish it had gotten as much attention as "Royals," which ended up staying at number one for a total of nine consecutive weeks. That's impressive, for any song.
I'm glad we've got singers like Lorde dominating the industry. On the success of singles such as "Royals" and "Team", Pure Heroine is on its way to reaching double platinum status. If we have anyone reach double platinum status--be it Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, or others whose albums all went platinum in 2014--I will regain some hope in the music industry.
Year-End Position: #18
When I first heard "Royals" late in 2013, I was completely blown away. That's an understatement. I loved the minimal production, Lorde's sarcastic lyrics, and especially her voice. While "Royals" is far from Lorde's best display of her vocal ability, I still loved the song, and so I decided to check out her album Pure Heroine. Many songs on there have since become my favorites, particularly "Glory and Gore" and "A World Alone," and while "Royals" has become the most popular song from the album, "Team" takes the cake as my favorite Lorde song, as well as my favorite song of 2014.
I'm glad we didn't get a single that was exactly identical to "Royals." Whereas that song has more minimal production, "Team" has much bigger-sounding production that is more fit for a big music festival, of which Lorde did several this past summer. But that's beside the point.
I don't have an exact reason as to why I love this song more than I love "Royals." It could be that "Royals" has been played a lot, and that "Team" has become her new "big song" (for lack of a better word). Maybe it's Lorde's wordplay being more snarky than sarcastic. Who knows? All I can say is that I wish it had gotten as much attention as "Royals," which ended up staying at number one for a total of nine consecutive weeks. That's impressive, for any song.
I'm glad we've got singers like Lorde dominating the industry. On the success of singles such as "Royals" and "Team", Pure Heroine is on its way to reaching double platinum status. If we have anyone reach double platinum status--be it Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, or others whose albums all went platinum in 2014--I will regain some hope in the music industry.