2014 was a banner year for popular music, a vibrant tapestry woven with infectious grooves and emotionally resonant ballads. This year gave us tracks that effortlessly blended genres, showcasing the incredible diversity of talent across the musical landscape. To celebrate the enduring power of these unforgettable songs, we've compiled a list of the best tracks from that year, a collection designed to transport you back to a time of catchy hooks and deeply felt lyrics. Remember the infectious energy that swept across dance floors? Or the melancholic beauty that resonated in quiet moments? This list aims to recapture those feelings, highlighting the incredible artistry that defined 2014's musical landscape. Whether you're a nostalgic fan rediscovering your favorites or a new listener eager to explore a rich musical past, prepare to be captivated.
This collection isn't just a simple ranking; it's a journey through a year that offered something for everyone. From the irresistible funk that got everyone moving, to soulful ballads that tugged at heartstrings, and anthemic pop anthems that ruled the airwaves, 2014 offered a diverse and captivating soundtrack. You'll find tracks here that transcended fleeting trends and continue to resonate today, demonstrating the timeless appeal of well-crafted music. Dive into this curated selection and rediscover – or discover for the first time – the magic of 2014's unforgettable hits. Prepare to be swept away by the incredible sounds that defined a year of musical brilliance.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Uptown Funk | Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars | 5B+ | |
| 2. Counting Stars | OneRepublic | Native | 4B+ |
| 3. Dark Horse | Katy Perry ft. Juicy J | 4B+ | |
| 4. Thinking out Loud | Ed Sheeran | x (Deluxe Edition) | 4B+ |
| 5. Let Her Go | Passenger | 4B+ | |
| 6. Blank Space | Taylor Swift | 1989 (Taylor's Version) | 3B+ |
| 7. Chandelier | Sia | 1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version) | 3B+ |
1. Uptown Funk
What makes a song transcend its era and become a timeless classic? Released in 2014, Mark Ronson's "Uptown Funk" featuring Bruno Mars, is a prime example. This infectious track expertly blends funk, soul, and pop, creating a vibrant and irresistible groove. Its instantly recognizable riff, punctuated by Mars' charismatic vocals and dynamic performance, propelled "Uptown Funk" to the top of charts worldwide. The song's enduring popularity stems from its undeniable energy, clever lyrics, and masterful production, making it a ubiquitous anthem that continues to resonate with listeners years later. Its widespread airplay, from radios to malls, cemented its status as a defining song of 2014. [Insert Link to Song Here]
2. Counting Stars (OneRepublic)
OneRepublic's "Counting Stars" released in 2014, is a standout track from their Native album. Blending folk-pop sensibilities with a distinctive disco beat, the song quickly captivated audiences worldwide. Its infectious melody and evocative lyrics resonated deeply, leading to significant chart success, including reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100. "Counting Stars" earned critical acclaim, solidifying its place as one of 2014's best songs due to its enduring popularity and lasting impact on listeners. [Optional: Include a link to the song here, e.g., "Listen to it on Spotify: [Spotify link]"]
3. Dark Horse (2024)
Released in 2014, Katy Perry's "Dark Horse" featuring Juicy J, stands as a standout track among the year's best. Blending pop with hip-hop influences and a distinctly dark, mystical aesthetic, the song's infectious beat and memorable hook ensured its widespread success. The music video, referencing Egyptian mythology while telling a compelling narrative, added to its cultural impact. Unlike many contemporary pop songs, "Dark Horse" retains a timeless quality; its unique blend of genres and strong visual imagery cemented its place as a defining song of 2014, leaving a lasting legacy on the pop landscape. The song's continued popularity, years after its release, underscores its enduring appeal. [Optional: Insert link to stream/purchase "Dark Horse" here.]
4. Thinking out Loud - x (Deluxe Edition)
Released in 2014, Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud" is a timeless romantic ballad from his acclaimed album x. This pop masterpiece, co-written with Amy Wadge, quickly became a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its heartfelt lyrics about enduring love and commitment. The song's success is undeniable, evidenced by its chart-topping performance and Grammy wins for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. The accompanying music video, featuring Sheeran's surprising dance performance, further solidified its cultural impact, showcasing his dedication and artistic versatility. "Thinking Out Loud" remains a beloved anthem for weddings and romantic moments, a testament to its enduring appeal. [Insert Link to Song Here]
5. Let Her Go - 2024
Released in 2014 (though originally from 2012, its popularity surged then), Passenger's "Let Her Go" is a poignant folk-pop ballad that resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. Its simple yet powerful melody and lyrics, exploring the regret of losing love, struck a chord, leading to immense chart success and critical acclaim, including a Brit Award nomination. The song's enduring appeal lies in its relatable themes of heartbreak and the bittersweet realization of a missed opportunity, making it a standout track from 2014 and a timeless classic. [Insert link to song here]
6Blank Space
Taylor Swift
2014
1989 (Taylor's Version)
7Chandelier
Sia
2014
1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version)
8All of Me
John Legend
2013
Love In The Future (Expanded Edition)
9Wake Me Up
Avicii
2013
True
10Love Me Like You Do
Ellie Goulding
2015
11Timber
Pitbull ft. Kesha
2024
12Radioactive
Imagine Dragons
2013
13Firework
Katy Perry
2010
Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection
14Happy
Pharrell Williams
2013
G I R L
15Stay With Me
Sam Smith
2014
In The Lonely Hour
16Fancy
Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
2024
17Story of My Life
One Direction
2013
Midnight Memories (Deluxe)
18Royals
Lorde
2013
Pure Heroine
19A Sky Full of Stars
Coldplay
2014
Ghost Stories
20Style
Taylor Swift
2014
1989 (Taylor's Version)
21Take Me to Church
Hozier
2013
Hozier
22Maps
Maroon 5
2014
V
23I See Fire
Ed Sheeran
2024
24Best Day Of My Life
American Authors
2014
Oh, What A Life
25Jealous
Nick Jonas
2024
26Lose Yourself to Dance
Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams
2024
27Don't
Ed Sheeran
2014
x (Deluxe Edition)
28Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989