2014 in Review: Albums of the Year
0
0
Read Time:3 Minute, 58 Second
2014 was not a stong year for music. That might not be the best way to start off a list highlighting the good stuff but it has to be said. However, this might have been a given because of how many classics we were delivered in 2013. There were some standouts in the music biz and this list reflects the collective offering we were given this year. So without further ado, here’s my choices for albums of the year.
10. D’Angelo and Vanguard – Black Messiah
I hadn’t realized it had been almost 15 years since D’Angelo last put out an album, even though I’ve been following his struggles of trying to get back into the studio. Luckily for us, he put out a solid album that hearkens back to his older work and the soulful tunes of the past.
Best Song: Another Life
9. Mariah Carey – Me. I am Mariah. The Elusive Chanteuse
Mariah in this late period can be super eratic been when she focuses, its all too clear that she’s still a force to be reckonned with. This is perhaps her most complete album since E=MC^2 and it was such a pleasure to just sit back and let the CD go over me.
Best Song: Camoflague
8. Royksopp & Robyn – Do it Again
I hadn’t heard of Robyn until I heard her song on an episode of Girls, but I’ve been keeping tabs on her since then. For Do It Again, she joins with Royksopp for an album that’s short on tracks but big on production value and feeling.
Best Song: Do It Again
7. Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga – Cheek to Cheek
Tony Bennett is always threatening to make an appearance on my list cause he manages to still sound awesome will nabbing A-list talent. For Cheek to Cheek he enlists Lady Gaga, whose voice perfectly compliments his, and provides us an outstanding jazz showcase.
Best Song: I Won’t Dance
6. Logic – Under Pressure
I had no idea about this album until my good friend Jameo sent me a list of albums I had to consider before making this list. I’m grateful that he did because Under Pressure is one of the best hip hop records I’ve heard in the past few years. Everything works from the production to the lyrics, just impressive.
Best Song: Bounce
5. Pentatonix – Pentatonix Vol III
Has there been a more underrated meteoric rise to stardom than Pentatonix? Since they won Sing Off, they’ve been everywhere and made several EPs along with multiple successful Youtube channels. Their 3rd volume sees them tackling many of the great songs of today (like Problem or Rather Be) with some originals and a song done entirely in French for a wonderful sonic experience.
Best Song: Papaoutai
4. Azaelia Banks – Broke with Expensive Taste
FINALLY! That was the first thing I said when I heard that Azaelia had released her long awaited album on iTunes. Though the CD plays like a timecapsle of her career till now, you can’t deny the energy and talent that Banks showcases through and the promise of her career going forward.
Best Song: tie, Bbd and Yung Rapunzel
3. Original Broadway Cast – Hedwig and the Angry Inch
I have no qualms about putting Broadway cast recordings on my list, but they normally don’t venture this high. However, when NPH’s voice and Stephen Trask/John Cameron Mitchell’s lyrics and music combined for this album, there was no doubt it would place high in any year. Hedwig is a show that’s lyrically on another level and everything about this production is meant to craft a holistic listening experience to facilitate the great storytelling.
Best Song: Sugar Daddy
2. The Black Keys – Turn Blue
Probably the easiest listen of anything on this list and the most completely coherent of the albums, The Black Keys just settle into a groove with this album and invite you along for the ride. Lyrically the album is solid and its complimented by some music and orchestration that’s at once subtle and vibrant.
Best Song: Turn Blue
1. Ariana Grande – My Everything
If this were last year, I doubt this album would have cracked my top five, but that has no bearing on 2014 as My Everything was the best thing to come out this year by a mile. There’s only one song that’s a let down but everything else is a wonderful mix of electronic club songs, soaring ballads and one of the best singles to come out this year. Ariana has a voice for days and she shows off exactly how well she can use it.
Best Song: “Break Your Heart Right Back” ft. Donald Glover
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %