What a year for music! While this may not represent the absolute BEST according to others, for me this my favorites ranked from 20-1. ENJOY!
20.) “All of Me”
John Legend
Technically this song was released back in 2013, but it was
2014 when it really took off. John Legend has always been a personal favorite
of mine and I’m surprised that this happens to be his first major hit (besides “Ordinary
People”). It may be one of the most overplayed songs of the year (along with “Happy”
by Pharrell Williams), but it is still one of the most sweet and loving songs.
Heartfelt lyrics, a beautiful melody, and the most romantic video of him and
his beautiful wife Chrissy! What more could you ask for?!
19.) “Flawless
(Remix)”
Beyoncé & Nicki
Minaj
This song was already a standout last year; first when it
was released as “Bow Down/I Been On”, then when it was officially released as “***Flawless”
later in the year. And who would’ve thought that it could be updated and made just
a little bit sweeter?! Not only is Nicki Minaj a wonderful addition to the grit
of the song, but Beyoncé’s new rap in the beginning gave us all the only
statement on the whole elevator incident earlier in the year. Flawless indeed…
18.) “Life Round Here”
Ellie Goulding &
Angel Haze
This was never really released as a single for either Ellie
or Angel. It was a song I stumbled on while putting together playlists for
Coachella in April. But my oh my, it’s breathtaking. The beat is sick, the
vocals from Ellie are hot, and overall it’s just a great song.
17.) “Right Now”
Mary J. Blige
Disclosure and Mary J. make a perfect match! Here in their
second collaboration of the year (the first being “F for You” from Disclosure’s
incredible debut album) it serves as one of the first singles from Mary’s
breathtaking The London Sessions album. She still knows how to play a
woman scorned, but this time she has a different sound, a different audience,
and a different attitude. Get it girl!
16.) “Black Widow”
Iggy Azalea & Rita
Ora
Most people may choose “Fancy” as the best Iggy track this
year, but I personally feel like this song shows off more of Iggy’s range.
Originally written for and by Katy Perry, it works well with Iggy & Rita
Ora (although, Miss Ora might wanna work on her vocal quality during live
performances). It has a haunting beat and sound and the chorus with its hand
claps and all add so much drama and suspense. It’s wonderful!
15.) “2 On”
Tinashe &
Schoolboy Q
Tinashe. Tinashe. Tinashe. What a presence, and what a song!
DJ Mustard is in his producing prime this year and this track certainly was a
lovely contribution to his catalog thus far. Schoolboy Q’s verse may be a
little too dirty and uncalled for at times, but there’s no denying the pure
sexiness in Tinashe’s delivery.
14.) “Turn Down For
What”
DJ Snake & Lil’
Jon
It’s an infectious beat, it brings us the return of Lil’
Jon, and it just gets you pumped. Simple as that.
13.) “Love Runs Out”
OneRepublic
It’s a lovely addition to their already stellar Native
album from last year. OneRepublic has a way with a melody! And it served
perfectly as the unofficial theme song for the hit show How To Get Away With
Murder.
12.) “Forever Don’t
Last”
Jazmine Sullivan
Miss Sullivan is back to slay the R&B world yet again.
It’s another solid song from that powerhouse voice of hers. It’s been quite a
few years since we’ve heard from her, but I am anxiously waiting for her new
album in 2015. Although, I could do without the weird video with all those horses…
11.) “Talk Dirty”
Jason Derülo & 2
Chainz
Jason finally gets a chance to shine with a good, solid hit
in this dirty talkin’ jam. The sexy saxophone, the global references, that damn
rapper with his two chains, and not to mention the body that is Jason Derülo,
it was a wonderful combination of a lot of things that created this memorable
song.
10.) “All About That
Bass”
Meghan Trainor
In the year of the butt (“Anaconda”, “Booty”, Kim
Kardashian), this was the big highlight: a song about embracing your curves and
all that bass! You go Meghan, bringing booty back and all (although I don’t
think it ever left, but this was a nice contribution!)
9.) “Uptown Funk”
Mark Ronson &
Bruno Mars
The genius that is Mark Ronson returns with a bang! Bringing
along the genius that is Bruno Mars, the two give us a Morris Day & The
Time-inspired jam that takes us back to a funkier time. It’s a retro song that
fits well today. You can’t help but dance!
8.) “Shake It Off"
Taylor Swift
In a not-so big move, Taylor Swift went 100% pop, and it was
pure perfection! This first single from her smash album 1989 is an
infectious song with its “Mickey” inspired beat and cheerleader lyrics. While
it may sound like it rips off the classic that is “Playas Gon’ Play” by 3LW, it’s
still a great, fun song.
7.) “Love Never Felt
So Good”
Michael Jackson &
Justin Timberlake
The return of the King of Pop bringing along the Prince of
Pop and the hitmaker (Timbaland), it was a match made in heaven! This song just
makes me smile anytime I hear it. It’s a great groove song, a lovely gem that
really captures the essence of Michael Jackson without drastically changing his
sound or voice.
6.) “Problem”
Ariana Grande &
Iggy Azalea
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Ariana had a solid debut in 2013, but 2014 was the year she
really broke out thanks to this pop gem. With “Talk Dirty” paving the way again
for a good saxophone solo, it provided a good backdrop for “Problem”. Ariana’s
soaring vocals, Iggy’s sassy verse, it’s just delightful to the ears.
5.) “Dark Horse”
Katy Perry & Juicy
J
Katy Perry brought the pop, lock, and drop with this hot
song about magic, witchcraft, and horses. Katy Perry goes hard and all out with
this magical song from her Prism album. Straying away from pure pop, it was a
nice change of pace for the pop star!
4.) “I’m Not the Only
One”
Sam Smith
Everyone may be putting “Stay With Me” on their best-of
lists, but personally I feel like his second US single here is a much better
listen. Not to mention that the video stars Chris Messina. It’s just perfection
all around.
3.) “Chandelier”
Sia
After spending the last few years writing hit songs for
other artists, Sia finally wrote a worldwide hit for herself, and man was it
powerful! Don’t be fooled by the party house music, it’s really a cry for help
when it comes to partying. But it is just brilliant from start to finish. What
a distinct voice and what a presence she has in just a song.
2.) “Bang Bang”
Jessie J, Ariana
Grande, & Nicki Minaj
Pure. Pop. Perfection.
1.) “Rather Be”
Clean Bandit &
Jess Glynne
It’s rare to hear a hit dance song with a beautiful violin melody,
but Clean Bandit made it possible. It’s a sweet, loving song with a hook that
is so damn catchy.
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