Best Songs of 2014 So Far

As it's April, with essentially a quarter of the year already gone by, I thought it would make sense to write a piece regarding the 'Best Songs of 2014...So Far'. Plus, I haven't really written anything in some time so would probably be best to update the page. With so many releases already fighting for a Top 10 position for all of 2014, it's been quite a positive looking year already, so here's a list of songs I've chosen that are contenders in no particular order. I'm also doing this in two parts, so it's not just inundated with mediocre descriptions, aiming each part to have as varied genres as possible.

Applebottom // Sex Drugs Cash

First on the list, Applebottom with his in your face rampage that is 'Sex Drugs Cash'. My god. What a song. Straight from the start, you're bombarded with a heavy bass drum, with badass female vocals and an overall sense something daunting is about to happen. When it kicks in, you're overwhelmed by the general cockiness, with dirty lyrics, a driving bass line and a thumping beat, it swaggers without looking back. While the lyrics aren't exactly feminist, they definitely suit the atmosphere and make for one of the best house vocals in some time.

Tirzah // No Romance

Incredibly smooth, powerful and melancholic, Tirzah's 'No Romance' is a fine example of contemporary soul that sounds like it was made in the 21st century. I've always had a bit of an issue with neo-soul, seeing it more as a continuation of a genre without trying to bring anywhere new (albeit Erykah Badu). Tirzah is part of another wave of electronic soul artists such as Sampha or Kelela that give the genre a new life, taking it somewhere interesting whilst retaining a sense of authenticity. This song definitely possesses all the features of a classic soul song, but it doesn't sound like that's what it's trying to be.

Gorgon City // Ready For Your Love

I've always been a big fan of Gorgon City and whilst many after hearing 'Ready For Your Love' would feel they're beginning to sell out, it's far from the case. Yeah it is a lot more commercial than their earlier material, but at it's core it's the same Gorgon City I've known since I first got into them. Always an impressive duo, they're proof you can make a hit record without having to sell your soul to the devil, maintaining the loyalty of older fans while being accessible enough for a wider audience.

Mac DeMarco // Brother

Everyone's favourite slacker rocker is back with a new album this year which has definitely got people excited. Mac DeMarco is one of the only modern day Indie artists I can actually tolerate and more than that, enjoy. 'Brother' follows a similar formula as his antecedent records, it sounds lazy but you know it's been perfectly crafted. That's a really hard combination to achieve but the fact he does it with ease, time after time, proves he might just be a lot smarter than he puts on.


Octa Push // Please, Please, Please (Molo Remix)

A sonic lashing, Molo's fine remix of Octa Push's 'Please, Please, Please' is for me, another example that electronic music as a whole, remains the most innovative genre (for lack of better term) today. You're presented with some fairly calm steel drums, a jumpy beat, then a brief interlude and it sounds like what would happen if you gave Animal Collective a set of steel drums. It's cool, different and highly original. With a wave of powerful synths coming in halfway through, it's an indication that Portugal's budding electronic has only just started.


Midland // Trace (Grain Remix)

I spoke about Grain a while back and how much the record had impacted me so early on in the year. His remix of Midland's 'Trace' is still one of the songs I currently listen to the most. As I said last time, it's hypnotic, odd, inspired and just generally remarkable, it's one of the best remixes I've heard in a while. And it's just as valid then as it is now. Unfortunately I didn't manage to see him at Fabric (for various reasons) but hopefully I'll catch him again. Watch out for the name, as I'm sure something even bigger is lurking under the water.

Ratking // So Sick Stories

One of the best rap groups to come out of the US for some time, Ratking proves that New York remains arguably, the most important hub for the genre. 'So Sick Stories' featuring the always incredible King Krule, is such a good song. It's got quite an experimental twang and the fact they're so young is a possible sign that this is where the genre is going. Many have lauded this group and rightly so, but I think something that has been underlooked is their voices. For me, I often get attached by the rapper's voice and these guys' voices are so distinct from what's out there at the moment. Crafting such amazing lyrics at such an age is pure raw talent, and with King Krule on chorus duties, there is definitely hope for the next generation of artists.