2014 Countdown: Top 20 Best Songs

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

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.

2014 Countdown: Top 10 Dance Songs

From booty-popping, to retro throwbacks, to the techno beats, 2014 brought out a little more variety when it came to songs to dance to. Here's a list of my personal favorites!

 

10.) “Anaconda”

Nicki Minaj

Oh Nicki Nicki Nicki. At first listen, you’re thinking that’s such a rip-off of Sir Mix-a-Lot’s hit “Baby Got Back (which it absolutely is, don’t get me wrong). But then the more you hear it, the more you love it, the more you can’t get enough. That ass though…

 

9.) “Waves (Robin Schulz Radio Edit)”

Mr Probz

This is probably one of the most soothing, calming dance songs I’ve heard in a while. It’s epic and beautiful yet so simple.

8.) “Come Get It Bae”

Pharrell Williams & Miley Cyrus

It was nice of Pharrell to give us a little bit of a break from that hit “Happy”, and what better way to do it than with Miley herself! Although, we can retire the wrong use of the word bae. Look it up people.

7.) “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!

6.) “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.

5.) “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.

4.) “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!

3.) “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.

2.) “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.

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.

An ode to BEYONCÉ: the album that changed our lives...

2013 was the year of Beyoncé teasing. She announced that a new album would be released soon but no one knew when, she performed the Super Bowl Halftime Show (and by performed, I mean SLAYED), "Grown Woman" was released in a new Pepsi commercial, "Standing on the Sun" was released in a new H&M commercial, she started a world tour, and then a song titled "Bow Down/I Been On" was leaked, giving us all hope that a new album would be released soon.
 

It's an event that stops the entire world whenever Beyoncé releases a new album. But still even though she had clearly let us know a new album would be coming, as we approached the end of the year, there was still no album.
 

Then one morning as I woke up at 2:30am to get ready for work, I was woken up by several text messages from dear friends of mine and my lovely sister, informing me that in the few hours I slept, Queen Bey herself released an entire album complete with a music video for every song! How in the world was this even possible?!!! In this day and age where everything seems to be getting leaked online before its official release date, how did she manage this? I mean a song or two perhaps, an album would be pushing it, but this woman did all PLUS 17 brand new music videos! It was the perfect early Christmas present to the world. And after a year of letting it all marinate and sink in (not to mention ANOTHER world tour with her husband, the incident in an elevator, and the gem that is "7/11") it's time to revisit her best work to date with an updated track by track review! You're welcome.

"Pretty Hurts" (9/10)

This beautiful woman opens up her fifth album with a song all about image and the cost of beauty. It's a different way to open up an album, more poignant and personal and eye-opening than she usually is (although she came pretty close with "If I Were a Boy" and "1+1"). Co-written with Sia and produced by Boots, it's an eye-opening piece of music that really teaches us all what true beauty is. We don't all have to try so hard. The music video is without a doubt one of the most beautifully shot videos in this collection, great art direction and cinematography. And let us not forget what a beast Queen Bey is in those shorts and that top, pageant queen and all breaking every trophy and award in her room!

"Ghost/Haunted" (8/10)

The “Ghost” portion of track #2 at first I thought was one of the weak spots in the album. The weird chanting, the repetitiveness, it all just seemed misplaced. (But after listening for a year, it's definitely grown on me). And then we got to the good stuff with “Haunted”, a haunting (ironic) tune filled with sex and sex. It's no wonder it's now being used to promote the new Fifty Shades of Grey movie. On the music video side, “Ghost” is beautiful (obviously) with a lot of pretty sheets floating around. It's “Haunted” that takes the cake though with its gothic themes, that famous pixie cut, and all that freakiness. It's a whole different side to Beyoncé that seems to get stronger and stronger from here on out.

"Drunk in Love" (featuring Jay-Z) (10/10)

A collaboration with her husband on her own album had been missing from I Am…Sasha Fierce and 4, so it was a pleasant (albeit not a very surprising) surprise to see Jay-Z pop up. But I didn't think it would be what everyone would talk about! It has a clearly distinctive sound, different than most singles of hers. And although it's not as upbeat as something like “Crazy in Love”, “Dejá Vū” or “Run the World (Girls)”, it's the undeniable chemistry between the two AND all of those lyrics that got stuck in our brains that made this a true gem. Surfboard? Watermelon? Clint Eastwood? Whoaaaa baby? Genius! From that little opening warrior call to the thumping bass, it glides so nicely from beginning to end. The video may be awfully simplistic, but it catches them in a beautifully  natural environment where nothing needs to be forced. It's effortless, it's two people in love, dancing and singing in a beach. It's just that those two people happen to be the King and Queen of America.

"Blow" (8/10)

Pharrell was in his producing prime last year, so it's no surprise that he contributed to her blockbuster album. While it's an upbeat, light-hearted addition to the album, it was never one of my personal favorites. My favorite part though is hearing the moment when it switches from Pharrell’s production to Timbaland’s (turn that cherry out) and just how in sync they are with each other. The video is fun and retro and very very blue, and did I mention fun?!

"No Angel" (9/10)

This was the song I would constantly skip over every time I listened to the whole album. I didn't think there was anything special about it, I thought it slowed down the whole pace of the album. But then after a couple of months of not listening to it, it popped up out of nowhere and I was entranced by its beat, her whispering highs, the pure grit of it all. The video is a nice homage to her hometown and I love the contrast of the dirty south and her in all her splendor, but it's nothing compared to the perfection of the song itself.

"Yoncé/Partition" (10/10)

We had Beyoncé, we had Queen Bey, we had Sasha Fierce, and thanks to this gem we now have Mrs. Carter and Yoncé, the names that just roll off the tongue like liquor. It has that signature Bey swag and bump that makes songs like “Get Me Bodied” or “Countdown” some of the best in her collection. And when we think it can't get any better, in comes that booming DROP, dum dum dum duh dum. Timbaland is in his prime, lyrics co-written by Justin Timberlake and Beyoncé herself, it's a very revealing and overly sexual song, something a lot of us aren't really used to hearing from her before. She's being more open, letting us into a part of her personal life that she's never shared before…and it's amazing! They get freaky, and we likey. And the video perfectly compliments it's music, a sexual fantasy of pleasing her man, all the things he dreams of happening start to happen just for him. The mirrors, the dancing, that rubber pole thing she moves around with, it has so much goodness happening all around.

"Jealous" (9/10)

It’s the halfway point, and you're starting to think that it can't get any better than this. The first part is always so much stronger than the last. This woman has nothing left to give. So then she leaves us with this song, the most vulnerable piece of work she's ever given us. Most of the time she likes to write about a woman scorned, why it's always the man’s fault. It seems demeaning, but it gives us catchy moments like “Irreplaceable” and “Single Ladies”. But here she takes the fault herself, she opens up herself in yet another way giving us more depth, more vulnerability, a heartbreaking recollection of what she's done wrong. And it's placement of following “Partition” is amazing. It's a great contrast and a great part 2 where the music videos are concerned. What happens if he DOESN’T like all that she's done, if he doesn't appreciate her for what she's giving him, maybe something else is happening. It's beautifully tragic.

"Rocket" (9/10)

“Let me sit this assssss on ya…” What a way to open up a song! It's a fantastic dream team behind this 6-minute song: Timbaland, Miguel, Justin Timberlake, and Beyoncé herself. Another sexual piece of music that goes on and on (in a great way of course). A nice gentle song you never want to end, it's complimented yet again by a simplistic but beautifully shot music video, all about Mrs. Carter, and a lot of bath water. Rock. Hard. Rock. Steady.

"Mine" (featuring Drake) (10/10)

The intro of this track is another part of Beyoncé that we've never heard before. It's her most vulnerable moment yet, questioning her marriage, her baby, her life. It's an epic song with a thumping infectious beat, a great collaboration with Drake and his producing partner Noah “40” Shebib. The ending kind of dies out in a weird way, but everything before that is delightful. The video is the next most beautiful piece of work after “Pretty Hurts”. The dancers in masks, those opening shots, the fire. It's all breathtaking.

"XO" (9/10)

It’s a special song for her fans, and it's got a very infectious rhythm throughout. Her voice is somewhat quieter and deeper. In reading about the song, it was discovered that she had a cold when she recorded it as a demo. When she decided to keep it for the album, she liked the way it sounded originally and decided to not re-record it. There's a little crack in her voice when she sings the first “baby love me lights out” before the first chorus. The fact alone that she kept in her flaw for this version (and ended up choosing this as her first official single) makes this a spectacular selection. Otherwise I feel like it would be a so-so song on this album. The video is nothing too spectacular. Although what I would give to be at Coney Island and have Yoncé herself taking over to film. Yes please!

"Flawless" (featuring Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie) (10/10)

The first half of this song before Ms. Adichie’s mesmerizing speech was released earlier in the year along with “I Been On”, but it was titled as “Bow Down”. To hear it continue on as “Flawless” takes me into another dimension. We've never heard Beyoncé get so angry and passionate when it comes to how she's represented. She goes all out on this song, she goes hard with such grit and power in her voice. We've always assumed that Beyoncé was a self-proclaimed feminist, but it's in this song that she officially declares it as her title. The video is equally satisfying with its jarring mosh pits, hand choreography, and that flannel shirt and jean shorts. And as usual, it gave us one more thing to adapt into our everyday language… “I woke up like this.”

"Superpower" (featuring Frank Ocean) (9/10)

As we approach the end of the album, we get to the more somber section, beginning with this haunting production from Pharrell. It's an eerie track that plays all the way through with its voice box background and all. It's an empowering song for us all, to make us all feel like we have superpowers inside. We can conquer anything if we set our mind to do it. It's passionate, it's inspiring, and her voice is so beautiful when it's low. She never has to try so hard to get her point across. The video was pleasing in and of itself for the Destiny’s Child reunion that took place. And what direction it must have been to just take a parking garage and tear it apart like that!

"Heaven" (9/10)

Now comes a beautifully sad moment when Beyoncé remembers a friend gone too soon. It's bittersweet but absolutely beautiful to hear it sung that “heaven couldn't wait for you”. It's a yet another haunting melody on the album, but one that really resonates again and again. The video is once again a beautifully shot one at that, reminiscing about a friend that's passed on. The images of Beyoncé in church have some of the most breathtaking light I've ever seen.

"Blue" (featuring Blue Ivy) (10/10)

And at last we have the most precious moment of the entire album: an ode to a child. Her child of course. It's a beautiful and upbeat song with quite a fun energy. It has a nice lightness to it but it's so epic and beautifully written about and for her daughter Blue Ivy and all the joys or being a mother. The music video is just as sweet and equally full of love with its beautiful backdrop of Beyoncé traveling the world. It's a sweet way to close the album. And because of her credited as a featured guest, it now means we can call her Grammy-nominated Blue Ivy. Amazing.

"Grown Woman" (9/10)

The bonus video on the album finally gives us a full taste of the song that had been teasing us all year. "Grown Woman" was first released in a short form for her career retrospective Pepsi commercial earlier in the year. We all had assumed that it was the first official single, but of course she kept it all to herself. Then she surprised us all when she performed it during the end of her European leg of the Mrs. Carter World Tour. It's an infectious beat thanks to super producer Timbaland. It has a great island feel and the video perfectly compliments the sound. It's fun, vibrant, and colorful. Not to mention it's great seeing videos of her as a youngin' singing her own new song! Trippy, but in the best way!

Crazy and Drunk in Love with these Beyoncé & Jay-Z Collaborations

With their On the Run tour premiering on HBO tomorrow night, it’s time to rank their 9 collaborations over the past 10 years together! 

9.) “That’s How You Like It”

from the Beyoncé album Dangerously in Love

Back in the day when their love was first blossoming, this was pleasant surprise hearing Jay on 2 songs off her solo debut. Not to mention that it started to confirm the rumors at the time that there was in fact a new power couple on the horizon. It’s a lovely R&B love song you can’t help but bump in the car with the windows down. 

 

8.) “Hollywood”

from the Jay-Z album Kingdom Come & the Beyoncé album B’Day [Deluxe Edition]

Back in 2006, Jay-Z was making his comeback to music, so of course his album had to include another collaboration with his boo thang. This is a little different than what we’re used to hearing, but it’s such a fun energetic song. You have to love the 2007 version from her B’Day [Deluxe Edition] with her sassy closer where she basically warns everyone about drugs and death in Hollywood. 

 

7.) “Lift Off”

from the Jay-Z & Kanye West album Watch the Throne

It’s not necessarily a love song (especially because Kanye is in the middle of it all) but it’s a song with wonderful production from an amazing collaboration album. 

 

6.) “Déjà Vu”

from the Beyoncé album B’Day

Queen Bey finally left the days of Destiny behind and went back to her solo career with this funky club banger. The horn section reminiscent of Earth, Wind, & Fire mixed with a little more view into their relationship made this song a real winner. It may not have been as successful as “Crazy in Love”, but give us Beyoncé and her African tribal dance in New Orleans and we’ll be on board any day! 

 

5.) “Upgrade U”

from the Beyoncé album B’Day

In keeping with the tradition from her first album, Jay-Z made not 1 but 2 appearances on her B’Day album (3 if you’re looking at the deluxe edition). This song goes so hard and is the most “bump-tastic” song in their repertoire (in my opinion at least). It’s a true testament to the fact that they both seem to elevate each other’s status. 

 

4.) “Part II (On the Run)”

from the Jay-Z album Magna Carta

This may be a Beyoncé song featuring Jay-Z on his own album, but it’s sweet to make a follow-up to the song that started it all for them. Not to mention that it also gave them a great name for their tour and one hell of a music video that we’re all secretly hoping will be a real a movie someday. 

 

3.) “03 Bonnie & Clyde”

from the Jay-Z album The Blueprint 2: The Gift and the Curse

And to the song that started it all! It was the beginning of a beautiful partnership with this Kanye West-produced, Tupac-sampling, ride-or-die anthem.

 

2.) “Drunk in Love”

from the Beyoncé album BEYONCÉ

A very worthy contender for being this high up on the countdown, this song has blessed us with so much: a look into what goes on behind closed doors, Clint Eastwood and Tina Turner references, watermelon, and surfbort. This song was very close to being number one, but…

 

1.) “Crazy in Love”

from the Beyoncé album Dangerously in Love

…is there any surprise that this is the number one collaboration?!!! It’s not their first collaboration, but it certainly is without a doubt their most memorable! Not only is it their best song, but it’s also one of the best songs of the 00’s. 

 

Here’s to more crazy, drunk, upgraded, running, lifting collaborations in the future!