To be perfectly honest,
the music of 2014 paled in comparison
to the great works we received in 2013.
I mean, even Pharrell's album was a little lackluster.
Then again, so was Jay-Z's MCHG.
That said, some gems still managed
to shine past the bullshit.
So, once again, here are my picks for best albums.
I've listened to a lot this year, but not everything.
If you disagree or feel an album deserves some recognition,
hit up that comment section.
14. Mac Demarco - Salad Days
In his latest effort, Mac Demarco gives us synth and brooding lyrics for our dark days while delivering us hoppy guitar licks that make him sound like Jack Johnson's cooler little brother. Salad Days is a solid record that you can play through completely while riding around the city pretending Summer is still around. Also good for rooms you fill with smoke.
Hit Single:
Passing Out Pieces
Standout Tracks:
Brother
Chamber of Reflection
13. Spoon - They Want My Soul
With their 8th studio album, Spoon proves their longevity in an era that claims rock as we knew it is dying. Though this is admittedly my first experience with Spoon, if the sound of this album is like the band's previous work, the sound still works fantastically. The addition of Alex Fischel on keyboard and guitar truly helps round the group out.
Hit Single:
Do You
Standout Tracks:
Rainy Taxi
Knock Knock Knock
12. Ariana Grande - My Everything
As Mariah Carey's "youth" fades, Ariana Grande grows stronger. On My Everything, Ariana showcases her talent and auditions for America's Next Top Pop Diva. Overflowing with dance tracks featuring great rappers and producers, My Everything also provides ballads that allow our favorite Starbucks order to shine. Enjoy this when you want to belt pop songs alone in your room.
Hit Single:
Break Free [feat Zedd]
Standout Tracks:
Break Your Heart Right Back [feat Childish Gambino]
My Everything
11. Azealia Banks - Broke With Expensive Taste
Despite her problematic behavior on Twitter and during interviews, Azealia Banks released her highly anticipated debut album to positive reviews. Her lyrics hit hard over vogue and house beats as she continues to boast about herself. Although the album contains tracks she's released independently the past three years, it still provides a solid and enjoyable experience. Bad bitches do it.
Hit Single:
Chasing Time
Standout Tracks:
Gimme a Chance
Soda
10. St. Vincent - St. Vincent
If you desire songs about your place in the world with beats that'll make you shake a tail-feather, look no further than St. Vincent's self-titled record. The musicality of each track is throughly thought out to balance St. Vincent's dark lyrics with a sunny disposition. Slower tracks are no stranger here, either. Surprisingly, it makes for a great workout album as well.
Hit Single:
Birth in Reverse
Standout Tracks:
Rattlesnake
Regret
9. J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive
This December, everyone's favorite bedtime storyteller released an album that recaptured the fans he'd lost earlier in his career. No longer rapping exclusively about Sallie Mae (now Navient), J. Cole turns his attention to the events that followed Ferguson and reminisces on his time as a young'n in the late 90s/early 00s. J Cole has finally figured out how to be a conscious emcee that actually excites us.
Hit Single:
Apparently
Standout Tracks:
January 28th
No Role Modelz
8. Nicki Minaj - The Pinkprint
Speaking of troubled rappers. When Nicki dropped "Pills'n'Potions" followed by "Anaconda," we all feared another troublesome album. However, the Pinkprint is anything but. While still attempting to appeal to 13 year old white girls and 32 year old trill n****s at the same, she does so with much more ease and grace. She also opens up and gets very personal. It's a nice change of pace for the current queen of hip-hop.
Hit Single:
Only [feat Drake, Lil Wayne, and Chris Brown]
Standout Tracks:
The Crying Game [feat Jessie Ware]
Favorite [feat Jeremih]
7. Jessie Ware - Tough Love
The phrase "sophomore slump" is not a word combination that computes to Jessie Ware. Tough Love is obviously about love that is tough, but who can't relate to that. The album gives us more of what we enjoy: touching lyrics and mid-tempo melodies. You can almost hear the nonchalant expression on Jessie's face in the studio as she hits a high note. Effortlessly good music is a rarity these days.
Hit Single:
Say You Love Me
Standout Tracks:
Cruel
Kind of...Sometimes...Maybe
6. Tune-Yards - Nikki Nack
It's true: Tune-Yards have a very distinct sound that can be very hard to listen to initially, but I promise it's worth it. Merrill Garbus' voice is unlike anything on this planet and her extremely conscious lyrics are the social commentary we need. It also doesn't hurt that half the songs are perfect for hipster dance parties, but don't let that deter you. This is the best "grower not a show-er" album of the year.
Hit Single:
Water Fountain
Standout Tracks:
Real Thing
Sink-O
5. D'Angelo & The Vanguard - Black Messiah
After 14.9 years, D'Angelo has returned to save us from repetitive R&B in the form of a killer jazz-fusion album. Though none of us can clearly understand everything he's saying, that's what RapGenius is for. The emotion still pours out of every song. The production is crisp. And the sound is something that was desperately missing from 2014. Put this on under the conversation of Ferguson that interrupted your Spades game.
Hit Single:
none (this is Jazz, b)
Standout Tracks:
Really Love
Prayer
4. Sylvan Esso - Sylvan Esso
This eponymous debut is a great album that distributed the wrong songs as singles - or at least in the wrong order. This synth duo lays out a solid album that takes you for a night ride. Singing about topics from street harassment to rough times in the city, you feel the grittiness in Amelia Meath's pleasant alto. With a couple more outstanding songs, Sylvan Esso could have easier been higher on this list.
Hit Single:
Hey Mami
Standout Tracks:
Wolf
H.S.K.T.
3. SBTRKT - Wonder Where We Land
A very haunting but energetic record, Wonder Where We Land starts off with the title track featuring SBTRKT's musical-biffle Sampha. The album's transitions may be its highlight but far from its sole attraction. The production level may or may not be over 9000. With additional vocal assistance from Jessie Ware, Raury, and A$AP Ferg, Wonder Where We Land soars above the competition.
Hit Single:
New Dorp, New York [feat Ezra Koenig]
Standout Tracks:
Higher [feat Raury]
Gon Stay [feat Sampha]
2. Sam Smith - In the Lonely Hour
Before he received comparisons to Adele (or accused of being Adele's drag king alter ego), In the Lonely Hour was my most anticipated album of 2014. Obviously by its position on the list, it did not disappoint. Featuring the voice of an angelic baby after its first pack of cigarettes, Sam lays down track after track of heartbreak through different scenarios. This is the "mass appeal" album of the year.
Hit Single:
Stay With Me
Standout Tracks:
I'm Not the Only One
Like I Can
1. Fka twigs - lp1
It was a tight race with Sam Smith, but Fka twigs blew 2014 out of the water. Matching the eeriness of other albums on the list, Fka twigs invokes the same amount of emotion as Sam Smith but with more diversity in her sound. Hailing from Gloucestershire, England, Tahliah Barnett gained attention thanks to her enchanting sound with ep2 last year, featuring the tracks Water and Papi Pacify. With her debut album, she introduces a sound that critiques can't clearly label. It's more than R&B; it's more than electronic and trance; it's more than alternative. It's her sound completely. Fka will have you body rolling, voguing, and fighting back tears without hitting anything above mid-tempo. Featuring themes of passion, jealous, and longevity, the aptly named lp1 is the best experience of 2014.
Hit Single:
Two Weeks
Standout Tracks:
Lights On
Video Girl
Honorable Mentions:
Flying Lotus - You're Dead!
Perfume Genius - Too Bright
Sza - Z
Caribou - Our Love
Welp, there you have it.
Support these great records and buy them from your local retailer.
Word.
