The Patriot picks the top 10 songs of 2014
In-Depth Editor Billy Jump lists the top ten songs of 2014. These songs were chosen based on their appeal, popularity, and uniqueness.
2014 was full of swinging chandeliers and self-love. Music produced a lot of gems that will surely last the tests of time and continue to be classics, so naturally, I set out to find the best.
This list was difficult to make, as there were a lot of great songs across all musical genres. I first picked the songs that I like the most, then I looked up how successful, popular, and unique they are. While my own personal bias may have nudged some up or down a few spots, here are the best songs of 2014:
Stand out line: “But I’m holding on for tonight, won’t look down, won’t open my eyes / Keep my glass full until morning light, ’cause I’m just holding on for tonight”
It’s about time that Sia—who wrote Beyonce’s “Pretty Hurts,” Rihanna’s “Diamonds,” and Ne-Yo’s “Let Me Love You”—had her share of the spotlight. “Chandelier” is the perfect song to belt out when you’re driving alone, no matter how hard it is to hit those high notes. The personal lyrics that share Sia’s struggles with alcohol and the superstorm chorus will forever make this song the emblem of 2014.
2) “***Flawless (remix)” by Beyonce ft. Nicki Minaj
Stand out line: “Nicki, Bey, be eatin’ diamond fangs, barbarian, (Beyonce screams like a crazy Viking)”
Just when you think that God has bestowed his highest graces upon your ears, he grants you this song. After Beyonce’s self-titled career-defining album in 2013, she followed it up with this truly flawless remix of her original song by the same name, but this time it’s with Nicki. Together, the Queen of Rap and Queen Bey are scoring touchdowns on runways and reminding everyone that they woke up flawless.
3) “West Coast” by Lana Del Rey
Stand out line: “But you’ve got the music in you, don’t you?”
Have you ever fantasized about what your life would be like if you had a crazy 50 year-old sugar-daddy who doesn’t care about you? Well Lana Del Rey’s “West Coast” allows you to do just that. Her trademark hypnotic sound brings you to Venice Beach and Beverly Hills as the killer drums help transform each part of the song into a new mesmerizing sound.
4) “Blank Space” by Taylor Swift
Stand out line: “Got a long list of ex-lovers / They’ll tell you I’m insane / ’cause you know I love the players / And you love the GAME.”
Taylor Swift received a lot of hate for changing her sound from country to pop, but I can’t think of anyone who did it with as much grace and vengeance. This bombshell song will make you a Swiftie in no time. She presents herself as an refreshingly self-aware artist commenting on her man-eater persona. Like a 500 lb. brick falling on a wine glass, this song instantly shatters any doubt that Swift is in total control of her career.
5) “Turn down for what” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon
The stand out line in this song begs the age-old question: “Turn down for what?”
This song goes perfectly with almost any occasion, whether it be a wild rager in the middle of a cornfield or a family Christmas party. Lil Jon’s fiery holler somehow permeates my soul, and I transcend into a realm where there is no turning down for anything whatsoever. Turn this song on and instantly you can transform anything into a sensational party.
Stand out line: “I love myself, but I can do what I want whenever I want, I don’t mind.”
Kendrick Lamar reminds us that the person in the world who should matter the most is you. The feel-good, spiritual vibes burst through the song and tell you to love yourself above everything else. No matter how much the world may suck, self-love will get you through it.
Stand out line: “Shoulder sideways smack it, smack it in the air”
In the cold winter months ahead, you will be able to find me evading the chilly weather by keeping warm to this song, as it is fire. Nobody can avoid dancing to this non-stop killer beat. In addition to the amazing song, the music video was filmed in her hotel suite and features Beyonce herself and a small squadron of followers smacking it in the air. Beyonce continues to remind everyone that she is always fresher than all of us.
Stand out line: “Because he don’t like ’em boney, he want something he can grab / So I pulled up in the Jag, and I hit ’em with the jab like…Dun-d-d-dun-dun-d-d-dun-dun”
The ultimate link that connects all of mankind is the universal love of Sir Mix-A-Lot’s 1992 classic “Baby Got Back.” However, what makes this male-oriented song so fantastic is that Nicki Minaj uses it to empower herself and other women, showing that she really is in control of the male-dominated hip-hop industry. Try as you may, but no one can keep up with Minaj as she flawlessly raps her way to the title of Queen of Rap.
Stand out line: “I was scared of pretty girls and starting conversations”
When you listen to this song, you may get war-like flashbacks to being in the dark Hollister in the mall, but this song’s catchy hook sounds like how I would imagine Laguna Beach to sound 24/7. The song isn’t too over-produced and can serve as the perfect jump start for your summer once school ends.
Stand out line: “Not a thing in the world could get between what we share / No matter where you at, no worry I’ll be there”
“Don’t Wait” by Mapei didn’t get played on the radio a lot, but it sure should have been. The vocal overlap of Mapei and the (scary) deep voice make the song unique, but the soulful lyrics are really what makes it to stand out. This song pairs perfectly with a warm spring day with the windows down.
Billy Jump is an In-Depth Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.