2014 seemed to be a year that was dominated by pop female vocalists. With songs like Anaconda, All About that Bass, and Problem, the charts were dominated with few males arriving on the scene. However, in my top ten list for 2014, males dominate with their new releases. Perhaps it's because the music from the males seemed to be a lot more serious than the females and their marketing techniques.
1. Life of the Party - Shawn Mendes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fcTCMWx2-s
Life of the Party pulled out inches ahead of Say Something to claim my top spot for 2014. Although being extremely similar to Say Something, Life of the Party held a more motivational message for me, and was the more inspiring song. Ultimately, this was the swaying factor that favoured Shawn Mendes' song to come in first.
2. Say Something - A Great Big World - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVgixOjGhVU
This song could have claimed the top spot if it had been released closer to the end of the year. Over the course of the year, it lost its special appeal. However, it remains an amazing song. The harmonies are spot on, the piano work is simply inspiring, and the passion behind the song is unrivalled. Definitely a top song for the year.
3. Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WpyfrixXBqU
Coming out of 2014, I can safely say that Ed Sheeran is my favourite musical artist. I believe I can also say that he is the most talented musician alive right now. His understanding of the guitar and how it can create a song is amazing. His vocal improvement can easily be seen, and all of a sudden, he has crafted himself into a musical genius. I expect for Sheeran to be around for a very long time.
4. Say Hello - Sky Terminal - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QvrYYt5eRg
The top Christian release of the year for me. The song could also be played on contemporary radios, but maintains its Christian message. Truly an inspirational song, and the best that Sky Terminal has to offer thus far. This song now has me hooked on the band, and I hope they can continue their upward development.
5. Stay with Me - Sam Smith - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA
Definitely one of the top if not the greatest breakout artist of this year, Sam Smith has a gem in Stay with Me. The song has introduced him to the world, with his soulful vocals a wonder in the industry today. The big question for him is can he duplicate this song's success next year?
6. One - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ix9NXVIbm2A
Another new release from Sheeran's album X, or Multiply, has to make the summer release album the best of the year. Again, it shows the diversity of Sheeran's skill, from dabbling in hiphop to returning to his famed ballad style. On stage with his guitar and a mic, Sheeran can make magic. Goes to show that all the tricks and fancy displays that many artists use today aren't the only things that can provide a good show; pure talent is enough to draw people in too.
7. Holy (Wedding Day) - The City Harmonic - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_B0-ll_T7f8
The next three songs are by no means new releases, but they still crack my top ten list for 2014, as they are amazing songs. While The City Harmonic did come out with a new album in 2014, titled Heart, nothing can rival the pure star power of Holy.
8. I See Fire - Ed Sheeran - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mllXxyHTzfg
Again, not a new release, in fact the final movie to the Hobbit series was released this year, but this song was from the second one. Most times I don't like movie soundtracks, but this was one song that I had to have. Perfectly structured for the Hobbit series, it displays a new asset to Ed Sheeran's skill set; songwriting.
9. One Thing Remains - Jesus Culture - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DtmA3ji8RkY
This song is a perfect example of where I can see worship music heading in the next few years. Passionate, free singing driven by emotional instruments that aim to inspire and motivate. The lyrics are fairly simple, and the song relies on a lot of repetition. It leaves room for the Spirit to move though, and forces worshippers to rely on God for the right words.
10. Alive - Hillsong Young and Free - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEvEVALLjNQ
The emergence of Hillsong Young and Free into the Christian music industry fills a void that has been missing for many years. This song displays the potential of this style of music to take Hillsong and Christian music to a new level, or to new places.
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