15 Best Songs of 2014

The year 2014 was a time of great musical experimentation and innovation. With the rise of streaming platforms and the increasing accessibility of music, fans had access to a broader range of sounds and genres than ever before. From electronic dance beats to stripped-down acoustic ballads, the best songs of the year 2014 showcased the full range of what music had to offer. 

What music was trending in the 2014s? In this article, we’ll look at some of the most memorable hits and discuss why they continue to be beloved by fans today. So, join us as we explore the best songs of 2014 and celebrate the artists who shaped the music of this era.

If you’re a fan of 2014 songs, you may also enjoy Taylor Swift songs of all time.

“Happy” – Pharrell Williams

“Happy” is a high-energy, feel-good track by Pharrell Williams that captures the essence of joy and positivity. The song’s cheerful melody, upbeat rhythm, and celebratory lyrics are contagious, making it nearly impossible not to sing and dance along. The track’s production is a fusion of different genres, including pop, funk, and R&B, with a joyful blend of percussion, horns, and synths, creating a cheerful soundscape. 

The lyrics to “Happy” are simple yet powerful, encouraging listeners to focus on the present moment and find happiness in the little things. The song has a universal message, reminding us all to be grateful for the good things in life, no matter how small they seem. “Happy” is an upbeat anthem that will bring a smile to your face and make you feel good, no matter what kind of day you’re having.

Click here for “Happy” lyrics

“All of Me” – John Legend

John Legend’s “All of Me” is a powerful love song that showcases the singer’s incredible vocal abilities. The song starts with a soft piano intro, building up to a heart-warming chorus that expresses the depth of the singer’s love for his partner. The lyrics are personal, relatable, and deeply touching, with lines like “Cause all of me loves all of you,” sending shivers down the listener’s spine. 

The song is elevated further by John’s exceptional voice, which conveys raw emotion with every note. It is an actual work of art and a testament to music’s power to unite people. With its timeless message and memorable melody, “All of Me” is a song that will continue to be cherished for generations to come.

Click here for “All of Me” lyrics

“Fancy” – Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX

“Fancy” by Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX is a dynamic, high-energy pop track that showcases the two artists’ unique styles and personalities. The song begins with a hypnotic beat that sets the tone for the rest of the track, while Iggy’s confident and bold delivery paints a picture of a life of luxury and extravagance. Her verses are filled with references to her wealth and success, celebrating a carefree and opulent lifestyle. 

Charli XCX’s chorus adds playful and infectious energy to the mix, her vibrant and spunky vocals blending seamlessly with Iggy’s bold rapping. Combining these two artists creates a dynamic and unforgettable sound that demands the listener to move their body to the beat. “Fancy” is a pop anthem that is both confident and fun, making it an unforgettable and enduring hit.

Click here for “Fancy” lyrics

“Stay with Me” – Sam Smith

“Stay with Me” is an emotional powerhouse of a song delivered with soulful passion by the talented Sam Smith. Its simple and stripped-down instrumentation focuses solely on Smith’s powerful voice, which takes center stage as he pleads for the person he loves to stay with him. The lyrics are heartfelt and personal, exploring the fear of abandonment and the desperation of wanting someone to stay by your side, no matter what. 

The song builds gradually, with Smith’s voice growing in intensity as the song progresses before reaching a powerful and cathartic climax. “Stay with Me” is a stunning reminder of the power of music to connect with listeners on an emotional level and evoke deep feelings of love, loss, and longing.

Click here for “Stay with Me” lyrics

“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift

“Shake It Off” is a vibrant and energetic pop-infused number by Taylor Swift, included in her 2014 album “1989.” The song celebrates resilience, self-acceptance, and the freedom to be yourself, regardless of what others say or think. The upbeat production features a driving bassline, lively horns, and a catchy, upbeat melody that will have listeners tapping their feet and dancing along. 

Swift’s lyrics are uplifting, as she encourages those who feel like they don’t fit in and encourages them to rise above the negativity and embrace their unique qualities. With its contagious energy and positive message, “Shake It Off” is a timeless track that inspires listeners to live confidently, positively and self-assuredly.

Click here for “Shake It Off” lyrics

“Counting Stars” – OneRepublic

“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic is a radiant and uplifting composition that captures the essence of hope, ambition, and the resilience of the human spirit. The song opens with a folksy acoustic guitar progression that sets the stage for Ryan Tedder’s rich and soulful voice to take center stage. The thought-provoking and introspective lyrics delve into the challenges of life and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity while balancing the upbeat rhythm and driving percussion. 

The chorus soars with an optimistic and infectious melody, inviting listeners to join in on counting stars and reaching for their dreams. With its compelling mix of instrumentation, lyrics, and vocals, “Counting Stars” is a standout track that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who hears it.

Click here for “Counting Stars” lyrics

“All About That Bass” – Meghan Trainor

“All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor is a feel-good, uptempo song that exudes confidence and self-love. The track’s upbeat rhythm and melody create a lively atmosphere, while Trainor’s lyrics encourage listeners to embrace their bodies and love themselves for who they are. 

The song’s body-positive message is a much-needed reminder in today’s society, where body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards often leave people feeling insecure and dissatisfied with their appearance. With its empowering lyrics and upbeat melody, “All About That Bass” is a powerful declaration of self-love and an invitation to embrace one’s unique beauty.

Click here for “All About That Bass” lyrics

“Dark Horse” – Katy Perry ft. Juicy J

“Dark Horse” is a high-energy and electrifying track that combines the pop sensibility of Katy Perry with the rap prowess of Juicy J. The song opens with a haunting melody that sets the stage for Perry’s mesmerizing vocals, layered over a driving beat and an atmospheric soundscape. Juicy J enters the mix with his distinctive flow, adding a rap verse that gives the track even more edge and attitude. 

The chorus is catchy and upbeat, with Perry’s powerful voice soaring over the top of the pulsating beat. “Dark Horse” is a dynamic and innovative track showcasing the musical chemistry between Perry and Juicy J and their ability to push the boundaries of popular music. The result is an energetic, haunting track with a modern, timeless sound.

Click here for “Dark Horse” lyrics

“Blank Space” – Taylor Swift

“Blank Space” is an upbeat and ironic track that showcases Taylor Swift’s musical humor and charm. The song opens with a haunting melody that sets the stage for Swift’s playful and sarcastic vocals as she takes on the media’s obsession with her romantic relationships. The chorus is upbeat and memorable, with a pop-friendly production that is both modern and timeless. 

“Blank Space” is a musical commentary on how the media treats female celebrities and is a bold and empowering statement from one of the most successful female artists of our time. The song is both a playful nod to Swift’s past and a confident declaration of her independence and is sure to resonate with fans of all ages.

Click here for “Blank Space” lyrics

“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars

“Uptown Funk” is a modern funk-pop masterpiece that seamlessly blends the sounds of vintage funk and soul music with contemporary pop production. The collaboration between Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars was a match made in heaven. The two artists brought their skills to the forefront to deliver an electrifying and unforgettable performance. Mars builds the song on a funky bassline and a driving drum beat, providing the catchy, sing-along lyrics that cement “Uptown Funk” as a true pop anthem. 

The song pays homage to the funk and soul music of the past decades while infusing it with a contemporary twist, ensuring its status as a timeless classic. From the infectious rhythm to the feel-good lyrics, “Uptown Funk” is an impossible song to dance to and sing along to.

Click here for “Uptown Funk” lyrics

“Take Me to Church” – Hozier

“Take Me to Church” is a moving and thought-provoking anthem blends gospel, soul, and rock elements to create a unique and powerful musical experience. Hozier’s impassioned vocals and introspective lyrics explore the themes of love, religion, and spirituality, offering a poignant commentary on the societal pressures that often threaten to tear love apart. 

The song’s haunting melody and sweeping crescendo, combined with Hozier’s passionate delivery, make for a compelling and memorable listening experience. “Take Me to Church” is a bold and unapologetic declaration of love and faith and serves as a timeless testament to the power of music to inspire and heal.

Click here for “Take Me to Church” lyrics

“Summer” – Calvin Harris

“Summer” by Calvin Harris is a bright and energetic dance-pop hit that radiates the spirit of summertime. The track begins with a vibrant blend of electronic beats, synths, and percussion, creating a dynamic and electrifying soundscape. As the song progresses, the energy builds to an irresistible chorus that will have you singing along and swaying to the rhythm. The lyrics, with their upbeat and playful tone, evoke the sense of freedom and carefree fun that comes with summer days. 

Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach, partying with friends, or living life to the fullest, this song will make you smile and get you in the summertime mood. “Summer” is a true celebration of the season, showcasing Calvin Harris’ talent for crafting infectiously catchy and upbeat tracks that make you feel like dancing.

Click here for “Summer” lyrics

“Am I Wrong” – Nico & Vinz

“Am I Wrong” by Nico & Vinz is a thought-provoking song that explores the idea of being true to oneself. With its upbeat rhythm and positive energy, this song inspires listeners to break free from societal expectations and follow their path. The song’s lyrics, delivered in a blend of pop, R&B, and world music styles, express the message that it’s okay to be different and to think outside the box. 

The catchy chorus, “Am I wrong for thinking out of the box from where I stay?” invites listeners to join Nico & Vinz in celebrating individuality and self-expression. The song is a powerful anthem for anyone who has ever felt limited by societal norms and celebrates the freedom of embracing one’s true self.

Click here for “Am I Wrong” lyrics

“Waves” – Mr. Probz

“Waves” by Mr. Probz is a reflective and thought-provoking ballad that explores the complex nature of the human mind and the challenges we face in our everyday lives. The song starts with a gentle acoustic guitar melody, accompanied by Mr. Probz’s warm and tender vocals, before gradually building to a powerful chorus that delivers a message of hope and resilience. 

The lyrics delve into the themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the ability to overcome adversity. The track’s instrumentation is simple yet powerful, featuring only a few key elements, such as piano, strings, and percussion. The beauty of “Waves” lies in its ability to tap into the universal human experience, reminding us all that we are not alone in our struggles and that there is always a way to find peace and happiness.

Click here for “Waves” lyrics

“Problem” – Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea

“Problem” is a fusion of pop, hip-hop, and R&B, featuring the vocal prowess of Ariana Grande and the fiery rhymes of Iggy Azalea. The song was a massive commercial success when it was released in 2014, reaching the top 10 charts in over 20 countries and receiving critical acclaim for its upbeat, energetic sound and catchy melody. The lyrics address the difficulties that arise in a relationship and the importance of addressing them head-on. 

Grande’s soaring vocals convey the frustration and disappointment of a relationship starting to fall apart, while Iggy’s rap verses add a touch of attitude and empowerment to the mix. With its upbeat tempo and infectious chorus, “Problem” is an empowering anthem that encourages listeners to tackle their problems head-on and never back down. The song remains a staple of both artists’ discographies and continues to be a popular choice for fans of pop and hip-hop music.

Click here for “Problem” lyrics

Best Songs of 2014 Recap

As we wrap up our journey through the best songs of 2014, it’s clear that this year was a pivotal time in music. From catchy pop tunes to boundary-pushing experimental tracks, the artists of 2014 showcased the full range of what the medium could achieve. We hope you enjoyed revisiting some of the most memorable hits of this era with us. To continue our exploration of the best songs of the past, be sure to check out our next article on the top songs of 2015. Thank you for joining us on this musical journey!

Don’t miss out! Check out our other playlists about songs of 2020, songs about Graduations, songs about Fear, and songs about Falling Out Of Love.