The past year was marked by midterm elections, national and international crises, and yes, pop music. Though 2014’s pop music scene had some pretty bad musical duds (I’ll be happy just to never hear “Wiggle” or “Rude” again), there were also some pretty great songs in 2014! Here’s a playlist of my favorite pop songs of 2014.
Uptown Funk – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
A late comer to the 2014 music scene, “Uptown Funk” is currently cracking the Billboard Top 100 at #3 and features a sweet mix of funk and soul with an awesome retro vibe. English producer Mark Ronson’s songwriting and Bruno Mars’ killer vocals make this song both an infectious pop hit and a great addition to any New Year’s sendoff party. If we’re going to send off 2014, we might as well send it off in style, and “Uptown Funk” is oozing with style.
Bang Bang – Jessie J feat. Ariana Grande ft. Nicki Minaj
This song took Emma Stone’s approach in Easy A and entered 2014 “Not with a fizzle, but with a bang.” Though pretty overplayed at this point, there’s no denying the heart pumping explosion of Jessie J and Ariana Grande’s vocals, combined with Nicky Minaj’s lightning fast rap.
Boom Clap – Charlie XCX
British singer Charlie XCX’s hit “Boom Clap” proved to be a fun, vibrant, and energetic hit with a unique energy that singled it out from the pop music mix of 2014.
Habits (Stay High) – Tove Lo
Tove Lo’s chart topping hit “Habits” is arguably one of 2014’s most haunting break-up songs. What drives the song is its focus on drowning out emotional pain through mind altering drugs, combined with its killer sound and repetition that invoke an image of ethereal substance. The result is a heart wrenching yet fascinating song. It is depressing yet provocative and certainly one of the most interesting songs of the year.
Girl in a Country Song – Maddie and Tae
Maddie and Tae’s country hit “Girl in a Country Song” deserves the award for female anthem of the year. While I have heard enough Bro Country songs like “Cruise” and “Boys Round Here” to last me a lifetime, “Girl in a Country Song” was a witty, hilarious, and all around pleasant breath of fresh air. The song and music video feature a hilarious take on gender roles on country music and plenty of modern music references, and Maddie and Tae’s smooth vocals and intelligent lyrics make for a satirical and thought provoking song.
Blank Space – Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift managed to both crack the Billboard top 100 and one up every YouTube parody artist who has taken a shot at her supposed “delusional, man-eating persona.” The music video is great (featuring both Mean Girl’s references and an all too impressive stand on a horse) and her lyrics are a testament to both T-Swift’s songwriting abilities and her ability to poke fun at the reputation that countless tabloids and Shane Dawson parodies have created. It’s funny, catchy, and currently #1 on the Billboard top 100 so, what’s not to love about this song?
Yellow Flicker Beat – Lorde
I know critics weren’t big fans of Mockingjay but I absolutely loved both the movie and the soundtrack’s standout, “Yellow Flicker Beat.” The song’s lyrics and cool, post-apocalyptic sound really captured both the movie’s essence and Lorde’s persona as a young girl with vision and wisdom way beyond her years.
Pretty Hurts – Beyonce
“Pretty Hurts” is a song that connects with the insecurities of the modern woman and provides an honest critique of modern beauty ideals. I just love Beyoncé’s raw vocals and the song’s piercing lyrics that create a powerful a message on beauty and the challenges women face.
Who knows what’s in store for pop music in 2015?
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