My Top Albums for 2014
2014 was a GREAT year for music! Many of my favorite artists released projects this year and I discovered many fantastic new artists! Everywhere I turned someone was releasing a new album or I was being recommended new artists or albums. That made my list especially difficult to create this year. But after some deliberation, I think this list best represents the albums that meant the most to me this year.
5. Katy B - Little Red
I first discovered Katy B in Banana Republic shopping one afternoon. A house remix to her single "What Love Is Made Of" was playing, and with the help of SoundHound, I bought it immediately. To my dismay, this track didn't make the album, but to my joy, its omission was quickly overshadowed by an incredibly fun track lineup! The UK has been putting out some great music as of late, and to me, Katy B is in that number. This album--equal parts dance, tasteful pop, and good vocals--was a nice unexpected treat in the first quarter of the year. Favorite Tracks: 5 AM :: Aaliyah (feat. Jessie Ware) :: Crying for No Reason :: All My Lovin' :: Sapphire Blue 4. Miguel Migs - Dim Division
One of the things that makes Miguel Migs one of my favorite musicians is that he is always experimenting with new sounds but at the same time staying true to himself....and that's not something that many artists pull off successfully. Dim Division is hands-down Miguel Migs' smoothest, sexiest house album ever. And he teamed up with some awesome vocalists. The usual suspects Lisa Shaw, Aya, and (more recently) Meshell Ndegeocello all make appearances. And this time around he also features the likes of Martin Luther and Omar. This album pairs so nicely with a cocktail and a skyline view. Cannot wait to see Miguel Migs spin a set again! Favorite Tracks: I Can Feel It (Stripped Version) :: Give Me Somethin' (feat. Lisa Shaw) :: This Feelin (feat. Andy Allo) :: What Do You Want (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello) :: Sail On (feat. Jason Brock) :: Free My Mind (feat. Martin Luther) 3. Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga - Cheek to Cheek
Well, I love jazz, and I love Lady Gaga. So when I heard last year that my favorite pop artist was teaming up with a legendary jazz crooner for a project, I could hardly contain my excitement. This album did not disappoint at all! With its late September release, it was the perfect way to ring in the autumn. Gaga's jazz background and vocals shine on this album and Tony proves that he's still got it at age 88. Listening to this duo breathe new life into the Great American Songbook was a pure joy. And it has been loads of fun being able to sing along to songs that I first heard performed by the likes of Nat King Cole, Ella, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, etc. Favorite Tracks: Don't Wait Too Long :: Nature Boy :: Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye :: Cheek to Cheek :: Lush Life :: Sophisticated Lady :: But Beautiful :: Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) :: On A Clear Day (You Can See Forever) (from the Target Edition) :: Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered (from the Target Edition)
2. Kimbra - The Golden Echo
Back in 2012, Kimbra's Vows LP completely changed my life. After an entire summer and autumn of playing her album non-stop, I was ready for more right away. Fast forward to 2014, and Kimbra delivered just that.......and boy did she deliver! Whereas her debut was a blend of pop and soul, The Golden Echo stays more on the soulful side of things and tastefully so. I absolutely love Kimbra's confidence, her reverence for pure music and her distinct voice. This album brings me so much joy each and every time I press play on it....and it will continue to do so for quite some time. Favorite Tracks: Teen Heat :: Rescue Him :: Everlovin' Ya (feat. Bilal) :: As You Are :: Love in High Places :: Miracle 1. Lana Del Rey - Ultraviolence
...and to think, before this spring, I didn't really pay that much attention to Lana Del Rey. There were a total of about three songs of her's that I really cared for prior to this year. Then came "West Coast" the lead single from Ultraviolence, and I became intrigued. Shortly thereafter, a few promotional releases came out and they were all perfect. Compared to Born to Die, this is a much more stripped down LDR. Ultraviolence is consistent--both in tone and subject matter. There's not much joy to be found on this album....but for some reason you can't stop listening. There are are very few albums that I can listen to from start to finish without being tempted to skip at least one track, and this is one of them. Thanks to this album, I'm now a big Lana Del Rey fan and have gone back and found joy in a lot of her previous work and I'm eager for new music from her. I also can't wait to see her next summer! Favorite Tracks: Ultraviolence :: Shades of Cool :: Pretty When You Cry :: Old Money :: The Other Woman :: Black Beauty Honorable Mentions: Again, because there was so much good music this year, my honorable mentions list is a LOT longer than normal, but these are all albums that I considered for my top albums this year: Chromeo - White Women Ralf Gum - In My City Blue Six - Signs & Wonders MØ - No Mythologies to Follow Jennifer Hudson - JHUD She & Him - Classics You+Me - rose ave
