Whiteboard's Best Of 2014
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American Authors - Best Day of My Life
 Bursting full of energy and verve, Best Day of My Life bounced to its peak in the charts this summer. Paramount success came soon after featuring world wide in countless adverts; this forever-optimistic tune captured the daydreaming idealist in all of us. Plucky chords, punchy beats and heartfelt whimsical lyrics canât help but uplift and transform any mood, an achievement in itself. Euphoric and inspiring, the song is worthy of a place in our best of year list. JP
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 Ben Khan â Youth
 Comprised of euphoric synths, bluesy guitar licks and the odd elephant trumpet - Youth â the intro track to Ben Khanâs debut 1992 EP comprises everything that weâve come to love about the young Londoner. Following a handful of raw Soundcloud recordings that appeared online in 2013 - garnering an obscene amount of Jai Paul comparisons â Youth became a refreshing breeze of euphoria, providing the perfect start to one of the yearâs most memorable debut releases. JH
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  Bipolar Sunshine â Where Did The Love Go
 Securing their place as one of the most exciting up and coming bands that England has to offer, at the moment, Bipolar Sunshine (the side project of Kid Britishâs Adio Marchant) released their third EP â Where Did The Love Go â in April, and the recordâs title track soon became a definitive standout. Fusing Marchantâs distinctly British Hip-Hop inspired vocals with a mesmerising hook and chorus, instantly becoming one of our favourite releases of 2014, while breeding profound excitement for the release of the bandâs debut album, due to arrive in the new year. JH
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  Bishop Nehru â You Stressinâ
 Albeit having become one of the biggest dance acts on the planet right now: Disclosure teamed up with teenage Hip-Hop sensation Bishop Nehru for a super-track that fuses Nehruâs sleek rhymes presented above the brotherly duoâs outstanding production skills. Standing out from a pack of massively exciting young MCs arising from New York at present, at the tender age of 18, the Rockland County native has already released a collaborative album with MF Doom, as well as a handful of successful mix-tapes, all leading up to the 2015 release of his debut solo album of which Nas is set to take on production duties, following an onslaught of comparisons between the two artistâs musical styles. Thus posing the question: is Bishop Nehru the 21st Centuryâs answer to Nas? We certainly think so. JH
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 Disclosure â F For You
 Although Disclosureâs incredible sophomore album â Settle â was a thing of 2013, standout single F For You was re-released at the beginning of this year. This time, however, the single was re-worked ever so slightly as a remix, featuring vocals from R&B legend Mary J. Blige, adding a whole new dimension to the already accomplished dance track from the Surrey-based brother duo. JH
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 George Ezra - Budapest
 Ezraâs hit Budapest - from his debut album - Wanted On Voyage - emerged from nowhere, on to an already thriving folk-pop scene earlier this year. At the tender age of 21, his unexpectedly rich, bluesy tones suitably contrast the subtle guitar riffs present throughout the track. Progressing to a catchy and quirky chorus showcasing the full range of Ezraâs distinctive baritone vocals timbre. Fuelled by both intense and sincere lyricism, Budapest gains Ezra a place within our best songs of 2014. JP
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 Jamie T - Zombie
 Jamie T fans were, needless to say, relieved when he triumphantly returned with his first single in five years. His signature frank and blunt lyrics are abundant in Zombie, pleasantly reassuring fans that the Londoner hasnât lost touch and his unique song writing style, earlier presented through classics Sticks 'n' Stones and If You Got The Money. His slow cockney slur opens this steady paced track, full of heavy drum beats and harsh guitars. His repetitive lyrics are not for the fainthearted, depicting gore in his âbloodshot eyesâ and a rather disconcerting eerie laughter that lurks in the background of the chorus. Featuring an appropriately timed October release, which is sure to become an ideal Halloween party tune of the future. JP
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  Jungle â Busy Earninâ
 It was only a little while ago that the West London collective, formed around duo Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland, were as shrouded in mystery as a Scooby-Doo plotline. Yet having released their thunderous debut album earlier on in the year, the bandâs sauntered into the mainstream with all guns blazing, setting the bar with Busy Earninâ, one of the most infectious singles of the past five years. Sounding as though taken straight from the 1970s with a funk-driven hook that would sound perfect as the main theme for an American cop sit-com, with a career defining level of achievement that will be far from easy to follow. JH
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 Kwabs - Wrong or Right
 2014 welcomed newcomer Kwabs to the music scene, releasing his first EP Wrong or Right, produced by SOHN back in February. King of neo-soul pop, his songs are all scrupulously crafted, both lyrically and musically. Wrong or Right showcases the deep rich tones of his baritone voice and - at times - melancholy sound; contrasting beautifully with the effervescent lively electro rhythms. This particular song also exhibits Kwabsâ forte - taking intense and powerful subject matters and skillfully pairing them with spacey, minimal synth backgrounds. Kwabs discovered a niche in the soul pop market and cleverly continues to build upon the foundations found in this articulate track. JP
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 MNEK â Wrote A Song About You
 Having produced and written songs for a variety of successful acts, including Rudimental, Little Mix, The Saturdays, and Kylie Minogue, to name a mere few, MNEK made a huge leap into the foreground with his debut single proper â Wrote A Song About You. Featuring lyrics that explore the process of writing a song, within a song, this is just the tip of the iceberg for the young artist and his expanding list of creative capabilities, not to mention one of the most exciting pop choruses of the past five years. JH
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  Neon Trees â First Things First
 With their third album released this summer, the Utah band swiftly leapt to the top of the chats with various singles from Pop Psychology. However, it is their third single and the final track on the LP that makes itâs way in to our collection of 2014âs finest moments. With itâs anthemic roots, solid pop beats, handclaps and slick guitars, First Things First is a substantially captivating track, providing catharsis for lead singer Tyler Glenn to express personal struggles in the lapse between albums. Flaunting flawless vocals from both Tyler and drummer Elaine Bradley; whilst connecting to their fans through insightful lyrics personal experiences, rounding off the album perfectly. JP
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  Paolo Nutini - Iron Sky
 From These Streets to Sunny Side Up, Paoloâs remarkable talent has evolved to his latest creation, Caustic Love; his first album in five years, released in April. Amongst the funk-fuelled bluesy singles that may suit fans of the aforementioned albums, there is one track in particular that refuses to be ignored - the heartfelt, angst ridden, forever-earnest Iron Sky. Powerful and poignant, Paoloâs compelling lyrics and rough raspy vocals declare the harsh reality in todayâs cold society. Featuring an excerpt from Chaplinâs The Dictator, cleverly weaved in to the track, resonating urgency and emotion, the song abruptly morphs in to crashing drums and roaring brass; magnifying the merciless struggle of life. A truly bold statement, Iron Sky is undoubtedly undeniable. JP
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 Sam Smith â Money On My Mind
 Undoubtedly one of the yearâs biggest breakthrough acts, Sam Smith released his highly lauded debut album earlier this year. While Stay With Me earned Smith the title as one of the yearâs most melancholy balladeers, the albumâs first single was a far cry from everything thatâs since followed. Withholding a remix-friendly pop sheen thatâs filled with danceable hooks and an exceptional vocal delivery. JH
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 Theophilus London â Canât Stop (Featuring Kanye West)
 Although Kanye West failed to release the promised follow-up to last yearâs Yeezus, King Yeezy has, however, managed to demonstrate his incredible production skills, notably playing the role of executive producer for the Brooklyn rapperâs new album â Vibes. And as well as taking a back-seat within the record, Kanye does lend his vocals to Canât Stop, featuring a pristine verse that harks back to the artistâs early career, while Londonâs input is, also, better than ever. JH
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 Words & Thoughts of Julia Prigmore & Jonathan Hatchman















