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Music of 2014

It's no secret that I love music. Each year is just another opportunity to hear new artists (or new music from my favorite artists) and I always look forward to seeing what each year produces music wise. Here's a roundup of some of my favorite albums that came out in the year of 2014.

1. FOUR by One Direction

Is this a surprise? It shouldn't be a surprise. Since this album released in the middle of November, it has practically been all I listen to. I'm not joking when I say I probably listen to it AT LEAST once every day, and "Where Do Broken Hearts Go" and "No Control" at least three or four times. It's kind of an issue, but I am so proud of these boys for growing from traditional pop to this sort of edgier pop-rock. Like, Niall has guitar solos. How cool is that? My apologies if you're sick of hearing me talk about One Direction, but credit is due where credit is due. And these dudes deserve all the kudos in the world.

Favorite tracks: "Where Do Broken Hearts Go," "Girl Almighty," "No Control," "Stockholm Syndrome," "Change Your Ticket," and "Illusion."

2. 1989 by Taylor Swift

When I say that I listen to FOUR at least once a day, I also should add that I listen to 1989 a minimum of twice a day. A minimum. This album is my everything, my life, the blood running through my veins. Taylor Swift owned the entire music industry and world, basically, with the release of "Shake It Off" in August and her fifth studio album in October. I could listen to this album on repeat for an entire road trip and never get sick of it. I will probably destroy my vinyl copy of this record from playing it so frequently (and, if we're being honest, for jumping around and dancing too hard).

Favorite tracks: EVERYTHING (but "Style" is my absolute fave).

3. x by Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran nailed it again with his second studio album this year, especially with songs like "Sing" and "Don't." I don't (HAH) think that it was possible to drive this summer or fall without hearing either of these songs on one or even two different radio stations at one time. Then, our ginger pal performed his third single from x (multiply), "Thinking Out Loud", at the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show and killed his performance. I have a feeling that Ed will continue to release consistently fantastic albums, each one just as fresh and new as the next.

Favorite tracks: "Don't," "I'm A Mess," "Photograph," and "Tenerife Sea."

4. Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness by Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness

Andrew McMahon is my favorite musician of all time. If you ask me what my favorite band is, I will say anything that Andrew McMahon has ever been a part of. If you ask me what my favorite song is, I will tell you that it's "Konstantine" by Something Corporate (McMahon's first music project/band). This was the debut album for his newest musical endeavor and it's anything that you could ever want in an Andrew McMahon work, but even better.

Favorite tracks: "Cecilia and the Satellite," "High Dive," "Rainy Girl," and "Driving Through a Dream."

5. Goddess by Banks

Award for coolest chick on the block goes to Banks. She's an alternative pop (I guess that's the best way to put it?) artist and her songs are some of the most interesting sounding I've heard in a while. I'm all for female artists and new artists, so this was the perfect combination for this album. It's definitely a little more..dark pop, but it's 100% worth a listen.

Favorite tracks: "Beggin' For Thread," "Waiting Game," and "Someone New."

6. Dream Your Life Away by Vance Joy

Okay, I was only going to pick five albums, but then I remembered this little diddy and knew I HAD to mention it. I got "Riptide" for free as an iTunes single however long ago and didn't really listen to it until about a month after I got it. Then, I couldn't stop listening to it. I started playing it on guitar, singing it in the shower, humming it when no music was playing. Then, it was on the radios, and then I feel completely and totally in love with Vance Joy. I'm so fascinated by the simplicity of his music but the big sound and emotions that he can still convey, even with just a ukulele. You've probably heard a good portion of this album and my favorite tracks, but give the entire thing a listen and fall madly in love with his music.

Favorite tracks: "Mess Is Mine," "First Time," and "From Afar."

And since there were so many great singles released throughout the year, I've created a playlist of some of my favorite tracks from 2014.


*Disclaimer: This is my list. If you'd like official lists, here is a list from Rolling Stone*

What was your favorite album and single of 2014? Anything you're looking forward to in 2015?

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