Ladies in Music: The Best of 2014 Releases
2014 had its ups and downs, but one things for certain, it was a big year for women in music! From everything to hip hop to psych-rock, there were ladies rocking in every genre. Here are just some of the magic that was released by talented, bad ass babes. Be sure to check them out before 2015!
Bonfire Beach, Bonfire Beach
Singer and guitarist Dexy Valentine provided the best tunes to kick ass tunes with this release from her latest side project. The single “Spit U Out” has all the right elements and perfectly encapsulates the flirty dirtiness of Los Angeles in the 80’s, while maintaining a modern twist. If you’re looking for some amazing party jams, look no further.
1989, Taylor Swift
No end-of-the-year-ladies-in-music list would be complete without mentioning the album that caught even the most hardcore of TSwift fans by surprise. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve never cared for Swift. Her cutesy pop-country just wasn’t my thing. 1989 is the furthest thing from her previous releases. With classic pop songs, you can’t help but smile and bop along to THEE BEST BEATS. Guilty pleasure or not, I can guarantee there’s something for everyone in this genius album. Hell, she’s even progressed IMMENSLEY lyrically if beats aren’t your thing. Giving her a second chance by listening to this album was the best thing I could’ve done.
Girlpool, Girlpool
Excuse me if my fangirl side comes out talking about this next release, but OH MY GOD GIRLPOOL! With straggly guitars and bluesy bass lines, their single “Jane” off their debut EP, encompasses what they’re all about. Mess with them, you’ll get a fist in the mouth. This specific single was my anthem this year. The power and dominance that Cleo Tucker and Harmony Tividad are able to convey while being a twosome is incredible. If you haven’t heard of them, check them out ASAP!
The Pink Print, Nicki Minaj
DO NOT GET ME STARTED ON THIS ALBUM. It was just released in Novemeber, and it was the perfect way to end the year. One of the most talked about tracks was the iconic “Anaconda”. While many were quick to dismiss and judge it as just another over-sexualized tune, that’s actually not the case. What I love about it is how Minaj took a song that famously objectifies women and used it as a backdrop of sorts in a song all about empowering women. What people must understand about feminism that it’s all about a woman’s right to choose. Just like women can choose to not be sexual beings, they can use their sexuality as they please and that’s exactly what Nicki is expressing in this song. Too often in the music industry, especially in hip hop, women are just objects in the male’s world. Minaj is speaking for women who own their sexuality and power. I also loved how she’s using the male characters in her lyrics without having a male present in the video (besides bb Drake of course, but more on that later). She’s speaking for a group of women who are often so overlooked and underrepresented in popular music, plus size women. This song is about them and for them. Showing the world that “fat ass big bitches” are out in the club having fun just like their thinner counterparts! I love everything about this song & it gave me newfound respect for Minaj. This is her feminism, and this album shows how Minaj is really coming into her own and isn’t concerned with hiding it anymore.
Warpaint, Warpaint
To start of 2014, Los Angeles based female band, Warpaint, released their eponymous second studio album and it was well worth the wait! Their previous release was way back in 2010 and trust me when I say that many, nay all, Warpaint fans were very impatient! But of course, it did not disappoint. With everything from amazing chill-out tunes such as “Love Is to Die” to the bad ass funk rock in “Disco//Very”, their musical maturity and versatility is well on display. It’s one of their most personal and mature works to date. Not only lyrically, but instrumentally. Even vocally, they’re able to convey intense feelings and surroundings, something they had yet to master previously. It’s an amazing listen beginning to end and if you have yet to check it out, do yourself a favor and do it now! Europe babes, you’re in luck! They’re set to begin the Europe leg of their recent tour in March! You can check their website for more info!
Sucker, Charli XCX
What does Icona Pop and Iggy Azealia have in common? No, not their annoying poppy tunes…they both had iconic vocals from Charli XCX! 2014 was definitely her year! Her vocal work made the previously released artists chart toppers tracks what they became, in my opinion. With her own successful track “Boom Clap” (featured on this year’s “The Fault In Our Stars”), the skies are the limit on XCX-mania. What I love about her tunes is that it brings back a fuzzy 1980’s and 1990’s bugglegum pop nostalgia. I am so ecstatic that she’s finally getting attention in her own right and cannot wait to see what she does next!
Listening to Music, Willow Willow
What’s better than having a girl’s day in with your best friend? Nothing, that’s right! For those days, the perfect jam out tunes will be courtesy of Willow Willow. The Los Angeles duo have been besties since kindergarten and their adorably catchy songs show just that. Their single, “Listening to Music”, must have been my most replayed song this year. With endearing vocals and harmonies paired with their magical lo-fi musical tendencies, you’ll find yourself smiling and singing along. As their song says: I will never tire of you!
Stardust, Globelamp
While I love all these releases, the one that really resonated and stuck with me was this debut release from California and Washington based Globelamp aka Elizabeth Le Fey. With haunting vocals and painfully beautiful lyrics, listening to this release is an adventure of its own. My personal favorite track is the inspiring “Warrior”. Although the album is described as very DIY, one can’t help but realize the professionalism and dedication placed into every single song. Every distorted background sound was strategically placed to convey a feeling of hope, abandon, love, etc. With no exaggeration, I can honestly say it’s brilliant. Every song is surrounded with a different feeling, and that’s what I love about it. Please, do yourself a favor and check it out ASAP!
by Candy
