With another monumental year coming to a close, it is only natural to reflect in admiration on the infamous songs that we all jammed out to in our cars on road trips, in our rooms during a study break and even at concerts that we attended. The songs that made the cut on Official Charts Top 40 Songs of 2014 were ones that will surely go down in history forever. In the past, these songs have included Fergalicious, Gold Digger and Apologize- all songs with lyrics that most of us still know by heart roughly ten years later.
2014 was a year unlike any other in the music world. Big names such as Rihanna, Lady GaGa and Justin Timberlake failed to make the cut whereas upcoming artists Passenger and Aloe Blacc found tremendous success. Some songs, however, were more capable of summarizing 2014 than others due to their catchy tune, relatable lyrics or even their compelling message.
1. Rather Be (by Clean Bandit)- Otherwise known as the go-to song for all age groups in 2014. Whether you’re a teenage girl screaming the lyrics at a party or a middle aged man commuting to work with the radio on- “Rather Be” was known and loved by everyone this year. Ironically, the song produced by Cambridge natives became an American favorite so quickly that it was used in a Coca-Cola commercial and in the closing credits montage of Derek Jeter’s final season as a Major League baseball player.
2. Magic (by Coldplay)- While also written and performed by a British group, “Magic” is a song that anyone, no matter where they may be from, can relate to. The song has a slower rhythm than most of Coldplay’s hit songs but still has the “stomp-clap” beat that their avid fans adore. This year, “Magic” has been nominated for the World’s Best Song at the World Music Awards and was placed at number 30 on Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Song’s of 2014 list.
3. Happy (by Pharrell Williams)- Having not heard from Pharrell since 2006, the success following the release of his 2014 album Girl was a major surprise. “Happy”, which was originally created for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, eventually catalyzed a major sensation all across America. While the music video for “Happy” was nominated for Best Male Video and Video of the Year at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards, the song has done much more than that. “Happy” is a feel-good song that relays a positive message for listeners of all ages and backgrounds rather than the violent and disturbing messages that have become increasing popular in the hip-hop world.
