We’re only half way through 2014, but TIME magazine has decided to compile a list of the top 25 songs of 2014 so far…. The list includes everything from funky pop songs to romantic indie ballads. Let’s get started shall we?
1.Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azailia – Problem
This upbeat jam is all over the radio, and for good reason. Between Grande’s sweet disposition and Azailia’s wild rap lyrics, this song is the perfect anthem for the summer.
2.Sam Smith – Stay With Me
This ballad from the British crooner mixes his silky smooth voice with that of a gospel choir for an uplifting break up song. A juxtaposition at its finest, this tune is sure to put Smith on a “one to watch list”.
3.Allie X – Catch
Formerly known in the Toronto scene as Allie Hughes, Allie X has reinvented herself in this sugary synth-pop tune.
4.Mo- Don’t Wanna Dance
This Danish electro-pop songstress has created the most upbeat dance track. Don’t let the title fool you, Don’t Wanna Dance will have you dancing up a storm.
5.Future Islands – Seasons (Waiting On You)
After an appearance on The David Letterman Show, this Baltimore grown group has gone viral. Lead singer Samuel T. Herring’s dance moves caught everyone’s attention but it’s his lyrics of life and love that really draw you in.
6.Rita Ora – I Will Never Let You Down
It’s been a minute since we heard anything from Rita Ora. Since her last few songs didn’t do too well, she’s come back with this summer single produced by Calvin Harris. Even though she’s trying to build a name of her own, no one can help but compare her to Rihanna and Gwen Steffani, leaving her without an identity of her own.
7.Beck – Blue Moon
I never listened to Beck very much, but from what I’ve heard, his songs are usually upbeat and funky. Blue Moon is the exact opposite. This hauntingly beautiful song shows a different side of the singer.
8. St. Vincent – Digital Witness
Annie Clark’s ode to the Internet age gives a humorous look at our obsession with gadgets. In my opinion, the video is better than the song, but that’s just me.
9.Royskopp & Robyn – Do It Again
This Scandinavian collaboration is sure to be playing in all the clubs this summer as one of the most addictive tunes.
10.Sun Kil Moon – Carissa
A death in the family inspired lead singer Mark Kozelek’s seven minute melancholy song.
11. Tove Lo – Habits
Drawing inspiration from a break up, as many songs do, Tove Lo turned her unfortunate situation into a dance floor melody.
12.Chromeo – Jealous (I Ain’t With You)
This Montreal pop-funk duo is at it again with the song Jealous. The lyrics are a cross between a silly pop song and an angst-ridden “why don’t you love me” track.
13.Miguel – Simple Things
This song got its fame when it was featured on the hit TV show Girls, but it’s so much more than just a soundtrack.
14.Girls’ Generation – Mr. Mr.
Alright, so I gotta admit I’ve heard of Girls’ Generation from some K-pop fans, but never really gave them a chance. This funky beat is sure to attract everyone, even if you’re not a fan of the bubblegum k-pop sound.
15. Mariah Carey – Make It Look Good
Do I really need to give a description for this one? The queen is back in an anthem that’s “perfect for summers spent falling in love” – Jamieson Cox.
16.Sia – Chandelier
Known for her various collaborations, Sia has come out with her first solo act in five years. The romantic melody is followed with an explosive chorus, putting Sia on the map.
17. Michael Jackson ft. Justin Timberlake – Love Never Felt So Good
Justin Timberlake’s recent interview with Oprah, where he revealed that N*Sync’s hit song “gone” was actually written by Timberlake for the king of pop, opened doors for the singer as he was able to collaborate with the deceased pop star in this new track.
18.Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues
This title track from their new album tells the tale of front woman Laura Jane Grace’s struggle with gender identity.
19.The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Kelly
This song reminds me of 80s pop music at its finest. Kelly is the jam you’ve been waiting to hear this summer, trust me.
20.Schoolboy Q – Break the Bank
With his raspy voice and old school charm, Schoolboy Q proves that not every hip hop song needs a synthetic beat.
21.Real Estate – Talking Backwards
Another indie track, Real Estate brings us Talking Backwards from their third full-length album Atlas
22.Lykke L i- No Rest For The Wicked
With sombre break-up lyrics, No Rest For The Wicked isn’t your ordinary song about heartbreak. The strings, drums and Li’s hauntingly beautiful voice combine to make this track of her third album I Never Learn one to remember.
23.Todd Terje – Delorean Dynamite
Norwegian DJ Terje just released a bunch of new singles from his new Album It’s About Time, including Delorean Dynamite, the soundtrack to a robot apocalypse
24.Indiana – Solo Dancing
Touted as this year’s “most hypnotic pop record”, Solo Dancing is a song that’s probably going to be remixed and played at all the clubs this summer.
25.Future ft. Pusha T and Pharrell Williams – Move That Dope
Ever since the release of his single Happy, Pharrell has been everywhere, including this collaboration on the new drug dealer’s anthem.
As you can see, it’s quite a hefty list, with music from all different genres. Do you guys agree with the selection?
