The Top 5 Albums of 2014

As 2014 winds down I can’t help but look at what an amazing year it has been for music. In the spirit of the end of the year coming near, I am going to share with you the top five albums of 2014 that are must hears.

#5: Hesitant Alien by Gerard Way– This was an interesting album to see be released due to the recent split of My Chemical Romance in 2013. Gerard Way is the former vocalist and founder of the emo-rock group My Chemical Romance. Shortly after the break up of the band, Way announced that he would be releasing a solo album, and it did not disappoint. “Hesitant Alien” is a strong revival of what Gerard Way once stood for, before the tragic glam rock days of My Chemical Romance with their album “Danger Days.” This album has it all, from songs like “The Bureau” that possesses that angst we all know and love to other songs like “Brother” that offers the softer side of Way. Well, done, Gerard.

#4: Happiness Is by Taking Back Sunday– Taking Back Sunday is at it again – for the sixth album and fifteenth year of being a band. It’s always impressive when a band can continue to produce music actually worth listening to after so many years have passed, and Taking Back Sunday are professionals at it. Most Taking Back Sunday fans prefer either the early days of the band or the “bigger label” sound that comes with newer Taking Back Sunday. There are the few exceptions that enjoy it all, and I, personally, am one of those fans. “Happiness Is” does a good job of bringing together all of the great and different sounds Taking Back Sunday has made over the years. The opening song “Flicker, Fade” kicks the album off with an aggressive yet fast paced feeling that pulls you in. As the album continues, the sound calms down a little bit more with songs like “Better Homes and Gardens.” Needless to say, I am a fan of what Taking Back Sunday is continuing to bring to the table.

#3: Hebrews by Say Anything– This year Say Anything brought us another album filled with Max Bemis’ sarcastic comments and cynical view on the world and himself. The difference this time around is the sound that Bemis decided to run with on this album. Bemis commented on how he replaced guitar riffs on this album with orchestral string arrangements. Although it sounds like it would be disappointing, trust me, it’s not. This album still has the same old Max Bemis on it. This is especially present on the track “Judas Decapitation” which starts off with Bemis talking about his feelings on what people have to say about him as a family man now instead of a drug addict. By leaving the guitar riffs out of Say Anything’s seventh album, Bemis has allowed himself to grow even more as an artist, and it was quite successful.

#2: 5 Seconds of Summer by 5 Seconds of Summer– Okay, I know that everyone associates 5 Seconds of Summer with the boy band scene, but after hearing their entire album I think otherwise. The self-titled album showcases four Australian lads that merely want to keep the pop-punk scene alive. This album has obvious influences from bands like Blink-182 and All Time Low, which reinforces 5 Seconds of Summer’s attempt at keeping pop-punk alive. The entire album has a fun, upbeat sound to it with the exception of a few slower tunes. From start to finish the album is a solid one, with tracks that are fun to sing along with like “Kiss Me Kiss Me” and “Good Girls.” This year has been very successful for the four boys and we are all looking forward to what is to come.

#1: 1989 by Taylor Swift– 2014 has been a huge year for America’s sweetheart, Taylor Swift, and her newest album “1989” is the cherry on top of it all. Swift took the whole world by storm with the release of her first official pop album and ended up being the first and only album of 2014 to go platinum with an impressive 1.287 million copies sold in the first week. The album is littered with 1980-style beats and Swift’s clear voice and is a success from start to finish. We all know “Shake It Off” and “Blank Space,” which are great songs, but Swift offers even more on the rest of the album. Songs such as “I Wish You Would” and “How You Get the Girl” fulfill the need for dancier beats and girl power, while songs like “Clean” and “This Love” showcases Swift’s vulnerability with being heartbroken. If “1989” is a clear sign of what is to come from Swift, count me in.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *