Songs of 2014

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It is so hard to believe that 2014 was 10 years ago. A decade has passed since this time. This century feels like it is darting by so quickly. And so, as is my wont, I looked back at the music from this space, a full ten years past.



This is the first of two columns. The second, shorter column will look at cover songs from 2014, but this is originals (as far as I could tell). Now, 2014 was an interesting year – this was the first year that streamed songs were included in charts, so if you see the charts then you will also see a lot of “re-entry” songs as old songs were streamed onto charts. I do not agree with streaming even being in charts as it makes no sense, especially with the way streaming services steal from artists, but we live in a world where computers and AI have too much say.

There is also one other anomaly I will point out – this was one of the few years where I liked more pop than I did rock music, and virtually no country music from this year. That feels odd to me, but it was what it was.

So, here are my favourite songs from 2014. Songs have to have been first released in 2014, or their origin albums released in 2014. Obviously, I need to like the song. No live tracks (and no tracks from those TV talent shows that appeared on charts… not that any of them were any good).

To start, as is usual, here is the honourable mentions list: ‘American Dream’ by MKTO; ‘American Skin (41 Shots)’ by Bruce Springsteen feat. Tom Morello (this was oh so close); ‘Beautiful Monday’ by DiElle; ‘Best Day Of My Life’ by American Authors; ‘Cassy O’’ by George Ezra; ‘Cover Girl’ by Brad Paisley; ‘Darkest Carols, Faithful Sing’ by Christopher Lee ((yes, that Christopher Lee…); ‘Dayzed Inn Daydreams’ by Ariel Pink; ‘Dimetrodon’ by The Doubleclicks; ‘Ex's & Oh's’ by Elle King; ‘Fight Song’ by Rachel Platten (don’t @ me…); ‘Freaks’ by Timmy Trumpet & Savage; ‘Girl Crush’ by Little Big Town; ‘Lips’ by Human Human; ‘Live Louder’ by Nathaniel (my CD just has this name; apparently, his last name was Willemse); ‘Man On The Rocks’ by Mike Oldfield (yes, Mike Oldfield); ‘Masterpiece’ by Jessie J; ‘Nothing In Particular’ by The Lacs; ‘Que Sera’ by Justice Crew; ‘Shatter Me’ by Lindsey Stirling feat. Lzzy Hale (another one so very close); ‘Shattered Glass’ by Brad Paisley; ‘Soldier Of Fortune’ by Bryan Ferry; ‘Take Me To Church’ by Hozier; ‘The Nights’ by Avicii; ‘Wildest Dreams’ by Taylor Swift; ‘You Ruin Me’ by The Veronicas. Whew!

And now, my favourite 15 songs of 2014.


’All For Nothing’ by Linkin Park feat. Page Hamilton

I’d sort of fallen away from Linkin Park by 2014, but that did not mean I didn’t listen to them, and this song is actually one of theirs that I would put in their top ten best. Yes, I like it that much.


’Blank Space’ by Taylor Swift

Swift was just another artist I didn’t mind. Red was fine, for example. But 1989 came out in 2014, and I started to really enjoy her music. This is the best song from that collection, and led to my paying proper attention to her releases after that. This song sold me on Taylor Swift.


’Chandelier’ by Sia

Sia is a local artist to me , and I saw her early on in her career. Then she released a song with David Guetta that made me take notice, and she followed it up with this single. One of the best pop songs of the year. By the way, I do not like the video.


’Cosby Sweater’ by Hilltop Hoods

Rap or hop-hop is not my favourite genre of music. But every so often a song appears that makes me take notice. In 2014, this was it. It felt like they were talking my language.


’Cruel’ by The Preatures

I had never heard of this band before I saw the video for this single, and it inspired me to go out and buy the album. It sounded so different to everything else at the time, in a good way.


’Everything Is Awesome’ by Tegan and Sara

Yes, from the soundtrack to The Lego Movie we have a silly novelty song that you could not avoid in 2014, and it is one of the most insidious earworms ever. Just as well it is such a good track.


’(Say) Geronimo’ by Sheppard

I’ve reviewed Amy Sheppard’s release and she appeared in one of my favourite songs of 2023 , and it all started for me with this track, which was so very good. What a way to hit the ground.


’Heroes’ by Alesso feat. Tove Lo

Another awesome pop song that I feel like I should not have liked, but which is still, to this day, on my workout playlist. Tove Lo’s vocals make it, by the way.


’Riptide’ by Vance Joy

Vance Joy is one of those artists who it feels like they have faded from the public eye recently, which is strange because he released some great tracks, and this is one of the better.


’She Looks So Perfect’ by 5 Seconds Of Summer

Yes, I know, it is an advertisement for American Apparel disguised as a pop song. It’s still a tune you can’t help but sing along to. There is an innocence about it that makes it hard to resist.


’Shut Up And Dance’ by Walk The Moon

This is my favourite song of 2014. Simple. Was this the first modern song to start with the chorus? Not sure, but since this track, it’s become more common. Look, I just really like this song. Nothing more to say.


’The Days’ by Avicii

Avicii is one of the few EDM artists I found I could listen to as a music maker, and this is definitely one of my favourite of his tunes. He was taken from us too early, that’s for sure.


’Thinking Out Loud’ by Ed Sheeran

Apparently I’m not allowed to like Ed Sheeran songs if I write about music. Well… bad luck. This track is amazing, with some of Sheeran’s best lyrics.


’Up’ by Olly Murs feat. Demi Lovato

My preferred version of this song is one of the remixes, but all versions are great. It does say it features Lovato, but this is a duet, and both singers hold up their end really well.


’Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars

I find Mars hit or miss, with more misses than hits, but this track under the guidance of Mark Ronson is, to me, his crowning achievement. It is funky and the lyrics, as egotistical as they are, bring a smile to the face. And what a way to finish this list.


There we are, fifteen songs from 2014. A cover songs list is coming, and that will be shorter.

Anyway, lots of pop music, lots of fun music, and I hope you found something here to enjoy!



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