2014 was an interesting shift in music for me. The main thing is that I really started gaining a respect and love for EDM, which I previously loathed. In addition, bands I used to outright hate, such as Issues or I See Stars, I became huge fans of.
For the first time ever, I tracked this list over the year, pegging potential candidates on my laptop. It's interesting, though, because the list didn't change in terms of being arbitrary; random times I felt that a song should be at the top, and other times I didn't feel that way. Considering that I expanded my music taste so much in the past 6 months, I had to consider that as well. This was probably the most difficult list I've made so far, but for all the right reasons.
This year was great for music in any genre. Punk, metal, rap, R&B, you name it, saw many exciting releases and debuts. Here I am to count down my personal 2014 songs of the year, and keep in mind that since this is a personal list you probably won't agree with my choices. Let's get it goin':
20. "People Like Me, We Just Don't Play" by Emarosa
This band was almost certainly done in 2011, but after three long years of trying out vocalist after vocalist, failed attempt after failed attempt, they finally landed on Bradley Walden of Squid the Whale. The result was their junior effort Versus, which consisted of a drastic change in style. This band is nowhere near as heavy as they used to be, but instead now feature a softer, more alternative style. It fits in very well with Walden's vocals, especially in the opener "People Like Me, We Just Don't Play." Walden takes this track to another level, accompanied by a great guitars (especially in the second verse). They have a future with Walden, that's for sure.
19. "In Return" by Trophy Eyes
Sometimes, songs will just fall into your lap. No one will suggest it to you, there won't be much buzz on the internet; you just kind of find it. That was the case here, as this very fast track made its way into my heart. It goes from a two beat to half timing so seamlessly, a transition that seems easy in theory but is actually not. In terms of pop-punk, lead singer John Floreani isn't your average vocalist. He has a very gritty style that is very well suited for a hardcore band. It's a very cool combination, and I'm very excited to see this band rise up the ranks.
18. "Don't Lean on Me" by The Amity Affliction
This is one of those bands I never cared about till a few months ago. "Pittsburgh" was the song that got me hooked, but "Don't Lean on Me" is what made me stay. It's like watching the Dallas Mavericks play: come for Rondo/Dirk/Ellis, but stay for the great team offense.
I love the piano in the beginning, because you think it'll be a ballad in the beginning, but it turns out to be a pretty heavy song. The screams in the song aren't overbearing, which is actually really easy to do considering not only the sound of this track, but also the subject matter. The lyrics aren't poetic, but do a good job of displaying a cry for help. You really sympathize with the character they built here, and that's probably what they were going for.
17. "Big Dusty" by Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ has been up and coming for a while. He has a raw, old-school style that is gaining many followers, and the crazy part is how young he is. Definitely has a great career ahead of him, and "Big Dusty" is certainly indicative of that.
It's a pretty chill song, which is best for Joey's style. He isn't very aggressive, but his wordplay more than makes up for that. He's so clever in his punchlines, his external and internal rhymes, and overall delivery. Joey's going to make it big one day, and you can point to this song being the pivot.
16. "Tread Lightly" by Four Year Strong
Four Year Strong has been trying to make their way back to the top after 2011's subpar "In Some Way, Shape or Form." This included a brief break and a retooling of their style. The result was a short EP in 2014 entitled Go Down in History. This was a callback to the style that got them famous, sans keyboardist Josh.
"Tread Lightly" was the first single off this EP, and it was a relief for many fans who were growing concerned about their future. It's a typical pop-punk song in so many ways, but it fits Four Year Strong's sound so well that it ranks up there with even classics such as "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die" and "Wasting Time." How this translates to a full-length LP no one knows, but for now it's good to see them back in full form.
15. "Camera Thief" by Atmosphere
Atmosphere's Southsiders album is one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2014, a large part of which is owed to "Camera Thief." The beat really makes this song, though, making use of vocal effects and different synth sounds. It doesn't really feel like too much, and complements Atmosphere's flow well.
His flow is amazing as always, I don't really need to go into it more. Southsiders is up there on my Albums of the Year, and not just for me. He's a driving force in the underground hip-hop scene, and deservedly so.
14. "De-Stress" by Rebelution
Rebelution's purpose as a band, I feel, is to just make catchy music and let you relax. Their sound alone is enough to brighten up my day, and "De-Stress" is a great play on that feeling. It does exactly what the title suggests, it helps you get rid of excessive stress, which is really nice. Some people listen to more aggressive music to help them calm down, and others listen to more relaxed ones. This is easily the latter. In every respect, this is a typical Rebelution song, which is good enough to make the list.
12. "The Loved Ones who Hate Us" by Handguns
This is so pop-punk, but that's what makes it so good. 2014 saw the breakthrough of Handguns, who has been underrated for a good while. It has a catchy chorus, fast-paced verses, nothing complicated about it at all. Sometimes, following a template isn't bad idea at all if you know what you're doing.
11. "Tabletops" by Murs and Mayday
Trumpets!!
Seriously, though, I can't get over how catchy the beat is. Murs and Mayday are also a great collaborative effort. Listen to the whole album called Mursday if you want to know what I'm talking about. I can't really say much else besides go listen to the song!!
10. "L’exquisite Douleur" by Being as an Ocean
I'm usually able to point out why I like a certain song, but in this case I really can't. Being as an Ocean is a band I've only found recently despite their popularity, and this was one of the first songs I heard from them. The music video is very unoriginal, but I really love those black and white videos for some unexplained reason (see the theme here?).
The beginning of the song starts off with a monologue from lead vocalist Joel Quartuccio (that's an awesome name, by the way), then goes into his well known chaotic screams. There's never a dull moment in this song, as there are many shifts in the sound, from guitars cutting out, to having a choir sing the chorus.
Speaking of singing, the clean vocals are very well executed at the end. Tyler Ross has such a good range, which is on display in this track. Highly recommend this song and band to anyone who hasn't heard of them yet.
9. "Erased" by Volumes
The first time I saw Volumes was at a show with Secrets and Crown the Empire. Yes, that sounds incredibly out of place, but you have to understand how fun of a show that was. You have three distinct bands with all different sounds, yet making it work very well.
Anyways, after the show I really got into Volumes, specifically their new album No Sleep. Now, this album will (spoilers) be on my Albums of the Year list, but this particular one has two songs by them. They are the only band this year to have two songs on the list, one at this spot and one to be revealed later.
"Erased" has become the staple for this band, and I think it's well-deserved. Volumes excels at making slow but heavy songs, so this is a perfect introduction to them. The clean vocals and screams get equal time, as do many of their songs, but the transitions are so well done. The guitars in the bridge are very well done, as is the drumming throughout the song.
8. "Desperate Measures" by Hand of Mercy
Hand of Mercy is a bare-boned hardcore band. Everything about this band is heavy, including this song. Being the lead single from their album Resolve, they put themselves on the map with this one. No breaks, nothing, just loud and heavy for 2 1/2 minutes. If this is your cup of tea, check it out.
7. "Sound of Unity" by Yas (featuring Tech N9ne)
There's nothing really that pops out about this song; an average beat that is pretty simple conceptually. The reason this is so high, however, is the fact that you have a rapper who identifies as a Muslim collaborating with one who identifies as a Christian, and using that as the subject matter.
That's so ballsy, considering how bigoted many people are. This wasn't just a half-assed try either, this was a full integration of both cultures (Yas from the Middle East, Tech N9ne from Missouri). Yas's verses are in Farsi, and Tech's in English, until the final chorus. In a move some might see as cheesy, but myself see as important, Tech N9ne actually sings in Farsi instead of Yas.
The reason I loved this was because it showed that someone who hadn't been exposed to that culture previously could learn about it and make attempt to understand the other side. Even the simple act of not having the whole song be in English is crucial because of the fact that that it displays two individuals that have a significant cultural difference coming together and making music. It's a very powerful song, and one that I feel everyone needs to listen to.
6. "With the Wolves" by The Ghost Inside
After three straight acclaimed albums, my expectations for Dear Youth, The Ghost Inside's latest effort, were through the roof. I wasn't disappointed with lead single "Avalanche," but I was still worried it'd be a letdown.
I loved it, to be blunt. Every song on the new album is great, but my favorite has to be "With the Wolves." In all respects it's a typical TGI song, with a heavy riff starting off going into lead vocalist Jonathan Vigil's screams.
I just feel that this is one of the most complete songs the band has done. The transitions are seamless, the clean vocals are done more in support than the lead, which is how this band operates best. The quick paced verses also serve a stark contrast to the slower bridge, and builds to a really powerful final chorus. Vigil's vocals are outstanding on "With the Wolves," as well as the entire album.
5. "Should Know Better" by Comeback Kid
My favorite thing in the world to listen to is party hardcore. It gets me absolutely hyped for anything, and I can play it anywhere. "Should Know Better" is Comeback Kid's attempt at this, and I have to say it more than excels at this.
It starts off with such a simple riff, but then everything explodes into a chaotic chorus led by vocalist Andrew Neufeld. His vocals have always been so distinct and recognizable, and have gotten noticeably better on their new album Die Knowing. The whole album is actually so well done, with a wide variety of sounds and tempos. This is my favorite in the record just because of how amped it gets me.
The lyrics are brief but, according to my personal interpretation, they describe someone who's so stubborn that their decisions affect them negatively. This is something I think everyone reading this has experienced; sometimes we get so steadfast in our lives that we forget that being so can be detrimental to us.
4. "Take Out the Gunman" by Chevelle
What makes a truly great song? In my opinion, not only can it be good on the ears on the initial listen, but also last for a long time. By this, I mean that it won't sound dated or strange several years later. Many songs today lack that sense of longevity, but bands like Chevelle have made a career out of it.
Chevelle has been around for a long time. Next year will mark their 20 year anniversary as a band (you'll definitely see me at that tour), but what's crazy is that they are still putting out great music. Not only that, they only seem to be getting better! 2014's La Gargola was very well received by critics and fans alike, with the single "Take Out the Gunman" getting lots of airplay.
Similar to the previous album's "Face on the Floor," this one starts out with an infectious riff. Seriously, Chevelle's ability to build off a single note or riff surpass that of most bands. That's what makes them stand out, and ultimately so memorable. I've been a huge fan of them for a little over ten years now, and seeing how they're stuck to a formula, yet perfected it, is a sight to truly see.
Cowbell. Come on, now. That's awesome. Using your cowbell as a snare drum? Great work, Sam Loeffler. Pete does a great job on vocals and guitar as well. He has a very underrated scream, and the solo was simple yet effective.
There are multiple interpretations on the lyrics to "Take out the Gunman." It's a perspective on mass shootings from the potential hero's view, but according to drummer Sam Loeffler, this song raises a very important question:
"the real point is about how the media sensationalizes it and how it perpetuates it, because we talk about it so much and concentrate on it so much, which is — when you put something on television, it just becomes bigger than life and then, you know, the age-old question is, if you don't put it on TV and nobody knows about it, will it happen less? I don't know."
(taken from Loeffler's interview. Source)
3. "Mountain House" by Tides of Man
Vocalists are the most easily identifiable member of a band; this is a pretty clear observation. Tides of Man's old vocalist, Tilian Pearson, is actually really well known. So, why would you become an instrumental band once he leaves? Short answer: it works.
Long answer:
"Mountain House" is gorgeous. I don't feel like I need lyrics to contribute to this one. It's like watching a painting and being able to come up with your own interpretation. With lyrics, even though there's some wiggle room, there's still a limited number of meanings one can possible have. The instrumental is the track that makes the train go, except in this case there's no conductor (the lyrics). I loved this song the second I heard it, and I never thought that would happen with an instrumental track.
It's so easy to dismiss bands like this without a vocalist, simply because we have nothing to sing along with. I just needed to sit back and really understand what's going on this song. There is a variety of guitar riffs used in "Mountain House," as well as awesome drums that provide the backbone.
Don't hold back just because it's instrumental. Don't make the same mistake I initially did. Tides of Man seems to be better off without a vocalist, and could even become the next Explosions in the Sky.
2. "I" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick is one of the best in the game right now. Even if you don't like his flow or style, you have to admit that his lyrics are intelligent and tell a story.
The song title "I" is a perfect description on what this song about. Kendrick's been through so much in life, but at the end of the day his love for himself is what gets him through. It promotes a positivity that is rarely seen in music, let alone rap. In this age of negativity and anger, where the Internet can often break us down instead of build us up, we forget that we are all great people inside. I tend to forget that a lot, which is why this song hits so close to home.
Kendrick is known for pushing the envelope lyrically, and it is apparent here. No one expected him to take this direction artistically or musically, and that's what I love about him. He's so unpredictable, but stays true to his form. It a complete paradox which only few can pull off. What I mean is that he changes his flow and delivery quite frequently, but doesn't fall into rapping about the same tired topics. Kendrick really did well on this track. How it measures to his other hits is remains to be seen, but for now is an instant classic.
And for my number one song of the year...
1. "Across the Bed" by Volumes (featuring Casey Sabol of Periphery)
The only band to have two songs on this list; that should give a fair indication on how I feel about the album. This song struck a chord with me the second I heard it, and it seems like I listen to it around five times a day. I haven't gotten sick of it once, mostly because of the fact that the vocals exceed anything else from the genre this year.
Let's talk about the beginning: it starts off with an ominous duet with the two guitarists, as well as keys. It slowly builds up to the verse where vocalist Michael Barr, as well as the drums, comes in. It then becomes incredibly heavy, with Barr's screaming soaring. It also sets the scene of an intimate scene between the character and their lover.
Casey Sabol of Periphery, another band I love, handles the chorus. He does an incredible job here, and has great chemistry with Barr.
There's a difference between a song that outright is misogynistic and one that is about sex. This is the latter, as it really sounds like the protagonist misses the intimate and passionate moment with their lover. This was their tribute to them, reminiscing on the energy and bond they shared whenever they made love. It's much more than sex to this person, it's about a feeling of being high on love, which involves so many different feelings. "Across the Bed" is a mature exploration of this topic.
In addition, guitarist Diego Farias does such a good job in complementing not only Barr, but also Sabol. In fact, you could say that he leads the songs; he starts off the track with his duet of different riffs, and also gets the bridge started. Nick Ursich has a very interesting and technical style of drumming that is shown in this song.
It's fair to ask why this is my song of year. To put it short, it has everything I could ask for. While I don't particularly relate to the lyrics, I can really see the emotion behind it. That's pretty tough to do as an artist, getting people who don't identify with your subject matter to empathize with you. They do that flawlessly here.
When you consider that this band is only five years old, it puts into perspective how good this song is. Something that I haven't mentioned yet is how the guitars, drums, and bass do a wonderful job surrounding the lyrics. That's what pushes this song over the edge into being at the top of this list.
2014 was a fantastic year for music, and I know that many of you will disagree with this list. Feel free to let me know what you think should be at the top, or even come up with your own list! At the end of the day, these were all the songs that I felt needed to be on here, and I have no regrets. Let's just hope 2015 gives me this many choices.
For the first time ever, I tracked this list over the year, pegging potential candidates on my laptop. It's interesting, though, because the list didn't change in terms of being arbitrary; random times I felt that a song should be at the top, and other times I didn't feel that way. Considering that I expanded my music taste so much in the past 6 months, I had to consider that as well. This was probably the most difficult list I've made so far, but for all the right reasons.
This year was great for music in any genre. Punk, metal, rap, R&B, you name it, saw many exciting releases and debuts. Here I am to count down my personal 2014 songs of the year, and keep in mind that since this is a personal list you probably won't agree with my choices. Let's get it goin':
20. "People Like Me, We Just Don't Play" by Emarosa
This band was almost certainly done in 2011, but after three long years of trying out vocalist after vocalist, failed attempt after failed attempt, they finally landed on Bradley Walden of Squid the Whale. The result was their junior effort Versus, which consisted of a drastic change in style. This band is nowhere near as heavy as they used to be, but instead now feature a softer, more alternative style. It fits in very well with Walden's vocals, especially in the opener "People Like Me, We Just Don't Play." Walden takes this track to another level, accompanied by a great guitars (especially in the second verse). They have a future with Walden, that's for sure.
19. "In Return" by Trophy Eyes
Sometimes, songs will just fall into your lap. No one will suggest it to you, there won't be much buzz on the internet; you just kind of find it. That was the case here, as this very fast track made its way into my heart. It goes from a two beat to half timing so seamlessly, a transition that seems easy in theory but is actually not. In terms of pop-punk, lead singer John Floreani isn't your average vocalist. He has a very gritty style that is very well suited for a hardcore band. It's a very cool combination, and I'm very excited to see this band rise up the ranks.
18. "Don't Lean on Me" by The Amity Affliction
This is one of those bands I never cared about till a few months ago. "Pittsburgh" was the song that got me hooked, but "Don't Lean on Me" is what made me stay. It's like watching the Dallas Mavericks play: come for Rondo/Dirk/Ellis, but stay for the great team offense.
I love the piano in the beginning, because you think it'll be a ballad in the beginning, but it turns out to be a pretty heavy song. The screams in the song aren't overbearing, which is actually really easy to do considering not only the sound of this track, but also the subject matter. The lyrics aren't poetic, but do a good job of displaying a cry for help. You really sympathize with the character they built here, and that's probably what they were going for.
17. "Big Dusty" by Joey Bada$$
Joey Bada$$ has been up and coming for a while. He has a raw, old-school style that is gaining many followers, and the crazy part is how young he is. Definitely has a great career ahead of him, and "Big Dusty" is certainly indicative of that.
It's a pretty chill song, which is best for Joey's style. He isn't very aggressive, but his wordplay more than makes up for that. He's so clever in his punchlines, his external and internal rhymes, and overall delivery. Joey's going to make it big one day, and you can point to this song being the pivot.
16. "Tread Lightly" by Four Year Strong
Four Year Strong has been trying to make their way back to the top after 2011's subpar "In Some Way, Shape or Form." This included a brief break and a retooling of their style. The result was a short EP in 2014 entitled Go Down in History. This was a callback to the style that got them famous, sans keyboardist Josh.
"Tread Lightly" was the first single off this EP, and it was a relief for many fans who were growing concerned about their future. It's a typical pop-punk song in so many ways, but it fits Four Year Strong's sound so well that it ranks up there with even classics such as "Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die" and "Wasting Time." How this translates to a full-length LP no one knows, but for now it's good to see them back in full form.
15. "Camera Thief" by Atmosphere
Atmosphere's Southsiders album is one of the most critically acclaimed albums of 2014, a large part of which is owed to "Camera Thief." The beat really makes this song, though, making use of vocal effects and different synth sounds. It doesn't really feel like too much, and complements Atmosphere's flow well.
His flow is amazing as always, I don't really need to go into it more. Southsiders is up there on my Albums of the Year, and not just for me. He's a driving force in the underground hip-hop scene, and deservedly so.
14. "De-Stress" by Rebelution
Rebelution's purpose as a band, I feel, is to just make catchy music and let you relax. Their sound alone is enough to brighten up my day, and "De-Stress" is a great play on that feeling. It does exactly what the title suggests, it helps you get rid of excessive stress, which is really nice. Some people listen to more aggressive music to help them calm down, and others listen to more relaxed ones. This is easily the latter. In every respect, this is a typical Rebelution song, which is good enough to make the list.
13. "Pussy Vultures" by Dance Gavin Dance
Pretty funny title, I have to say. This is actually one of the softest songs Dance Gavin Dance has made to date. It's an interesting new sound they have with Tilian Pearson, but it works so well. Will Swan is my favorite guitarist because of his ability to switch between so many different styles, be it hardcore, hip-hop, and even funk. Matt Mingus on the drums is always a pleasure to listen to as well.
This is the style I want them to go forward with, to be completely frank. It suits everyone just so much better, and shows that Dance Gavin Dance can still be heavy but also have softer elements.
This is the style I want them to go forward with, to be completely frank. It suits everyone just so much better, and shows that Dance Gavin Dance can still be heavy but also have softer elements.
This is so pop-punk, but that's what makes it so good. 2014 saw the breakthrough of Handguns, who has been underrated for a good while. It has a catchy chorus, fast-paced verses, nothing complicated about it at all. Sometimes, following a template isn't bad idea at all if you know what you're doing.
11. "Tabletops" by Murs and Mayday
Trumpets!!
Seriously, though, I can't get over how catchy the beat is. Murs and Mayday are also a great collaborative effort. Listen to the whole album called Mursday if you want to know what I'm talking about. I can't really say much else besides go listen to the song!!
10. "L’exquisite Douleur" by Being as an Ocean
I'm usually able to point out why I like a certain song, but in this case I really can't. Being as an Ocean is a band I've only found recently despite their popularity, and this was one of the first songs I heard from them. The music video is very unoriginal, but I really love those black and white videos for some unexplained reason (see the theme here?).
The beginning of the song starts off with a monologue from lead vocalist Joel Quartuccio (that's an awesome name, by the way), then goes into his well known chaotic screams. There's never a dull moment in this song, as there are many shifts in the sound, from guitars cutting out, to having a choir sing the chorus.
Speaking of singing, the clean vocals are very well executed at the end. Tyler Ross has such a good range, which is on display in this track. Highly recommend this song and band to anyone who hasn't heard of them yet.
9. "Erased" by Volumes
The first time I saw Volumes was at a show with Secrets and Crown the Empire. Yes, that sounds incredibly out of place, but you have to understand how fun of a show that was. You have three distinct bands with all different sounds, yet making it work very well.
Anyways, after the show I really got into Volumes, specifically their new album No Sleep. Now, this album will (spoilers) be on my Albums of the Year list, but this particular one has two songs by them. They are the only band this year to have two songs on the list, one at this spot and one to be revealed later.
"Erased" has become the staple for this band, and I think it's well-deserved. Volumes excels at making slow but heavy songs, so this is a perfect introduction to them. The clean vocals and screams get equal time, as do many of their songs, but the transitions are so well done. The guitars in the bridge are very well done, as is the drumming throughout the song.
8. "Desperate Measures" by Hand of Mercy
Hand of Mercy is a bare-boned hardcore band. Everything about this band is heavy, including this song. Being the lead single from their album Resolve, they put themselves on the map with this one. No breaks, nothing, just loud and heavy for 2 1/2 minutes. If this is your cup of tea, check it out.
7. "Sound of Unity" by Yas (featuring Tech N9ne)
There's nothing really that pops out about this song; an average beat that is pretty simple conceptually. The reason this is so high, however, is the fact that you have a rapper who identifies as a Muslim collaborating with one who identifies as a Christian, and using that as the subject matter.
That's so ballsy, considering how bigoted many people are. This wasn't just a half-assed try either, this was a full integration of both cultures (Yas from the Middle East, Tech N9ne from Missouri). Yas's verses are in Farsi, and Tech's in English, until the final chorus. In a move some might see as cheesy, but myself see as important, Tech N9ne actually sings in Farsi instead of Yas.
The reason I loved this was because it showed that someone who hadn't been exposed to that culture previously could learn about it and make attempt to understand the other side. Even the simple act of not having the whole song be in English is crucial because of the fact that that it displays two individuals that have a significant cultural difference coming together and making music. It's a very powerful song, and one that I feel everyone needs to listen to.
6. "With the Wolves" by The Ghost Inside
After three straight acclaimed albums, my expectations for Dear Youth, The Ghost Inside's latest effort, were through the roof. I wasn't disappointed with lead single "Avalanche," but I was still worried it'd be a letdown.
I loved it, to be blunt. Every song on the new album is great, but my favorite has to be "With the Wolves." In all respects it's a typical TGI song, with a heavy riff starting off going into lead vocalist Jonathan Vigil's screams.
I just feel that this is one of the most complete songs the band has done. The transitions are seamless, the clean vocals are done more in support than the lead, which is how this band operates best. The quick paced verses also serve a stark contrast to the slower bridge, and builds to a really powerful final chorus. Vigil's vocals are outstanding on "With the Wolves," as well as the entire album.
5. "Should Know Better" by Comeback Kid
My favorite thing in the world to listen to is party hardcore. It gets me absolutely hyped for anything, and I can play it anywhere. "Should Know Better" is Comeback Kid's attempt at this, and I have to say it more than excels at this.
It starts off with such a simple riff, but then everything explodes into a chaotic chorus led by vocalist Andrew Neufeld. His vocals have always been so distinct and recognizable, and have gotten noticeably better on their new album Die Knowing. The whole album is actually so well done, with a wide variety of sounds and tempos. This is my favorite in the record just because of how amped it gets me.
The lyrics are brief but, according to my personal interpretation, they describe someone who's so stubborn that their decisions affect them negatively. This is something I think everyone reading this has experienced; sometimes we get so steadfast in our lives that we forget that being so can be detrimental to us.
4. "Take Out the Gunman" by Chevelle
What makes a truly great song? In my opinion, not only can it be good on the ears on the initial listen, but also last for a long time. By this, I mean that it won't sound dated or strange several years later. Many songs today lack that sense of longevity, but bands like Chevelle have made a career out of it.
Chevelle has been around for a long time. Next year will mark their 20 year anniversary as a band (you'll definitely see me at that tour), but what's crazy is that they are still putting out great music. Not only that, they only seem to be getting better! 2014's La Gargola was very well received by critics and fans alike, with the single "Take Out the Gunman" getting lots of airplay.
Similar to the previous album's "Face on the Floor," this one starts out with an infectious riff. Seriously, Chevelle's ability to build off a single note or riff surpass that of most bands. That's what makes them stand out, and ultimately so memorable. I've been a huge fan of them for a little over ten years now, and seeing how they're stuck to a formula, yet perfected it, is a sight to truly see.
Cowbell. Come on, now. That's awesome. Using your cowbell as a snare drum? Great work, Sam Loeffler. Pete does a great job on vocals and guitar as well. He has a very underrated scream, and the solo was simple yet effective.
There are multiple interpretations on the lyrics to "Take out the Gunman." It's a perspective on mass shootings from the potential hero's view, but according to drummer Sam Loeffler, this song raises a very important question:
"the real point is about how the media sensationalizes it and how it perpetuates it, because we talk about it so much and concentrate on it so much, which is — when you put something on television, it just becomes bigger than life and then, you know, the age-old question is, if you don't put it on TV and nobody knows about it, will it happen less? I don't know."
(taken from Loeffler's interview. Source)
3. "Mountain House" by Tides of Man
Vocalists are the most easily identifiable member of a band; this is a pretty clear observation. Tides of Man's old vocalist, Tilian Pearson, is actually really well known. So, why would you become an instrumental band once he leaves? Short answer: it works.
Long answer:
"Mountain House" is gorgeous. I don't feel like I need lyrics to contribute to this one. It's like watching a painting and being able to come up with your own interpretation. With lyrics, even though there's some wiggle room, there's still a limited number of meanings one can possible have. The instrumental is the track that makes the train go, except in this case there's no conductor (the lyrics). I loved this song the second I heard it, and I never thought that would happen with an instrumental track.
It's so easy to dismiss bands like this without a vocalist, simply because we have nothing to sing along with. I just needed to sit back and really understand what's going on this song. There is a variety of guitar riffs used in "Mountain House," as well as awesome drums that provide the backbone.
Don't hold back just because it's instrumental. Don't make the same mistake I initially did. Tides of Man seems to be better off without a vocalist, and could even become the next Explosions in the Sky.
2. "I" by Kendrick Lamar
Kendrick is one of the best in the game right now. Even if you don't like his flow or style, you have to admit that his lyrics are intelligent and tell a story.
The song title "I" is a perfect description on what this song about. Kendrick's been through so much in life, but at the end of the day his love for himself is what gets him through. It promotes a positivity that is rarely seen in music, let alone rap. In this age of negativity and anger, where the Internet can often break us down instead of build us up, we forget that we are all great people inside. I tend to forget that a lot, which is why this song hits so close to home.
Kendrick is known for pushing the envelope lyrically, and it is apparent here. No one expected him to take this direction artistically or musically, and that's what I love about him. He's so unpredictable, but stays true to his form. It a complete paradox which only few can pull off. What I mean is that he changes his flow and delivery quite frequently, but doesn't fall into rapping about the same tired topics. Kendrick really did well on this track. How it measures to his other hits is remains to be seen, but for now is an instant classic.
And for my number one song of the year...
1. "Across the Bed" by Volumes (featuring Casey Sabol of Periphery)
The only band to have two songs on this list; that should give a fair indication on how I feel about the album. This song struck a chord with me the second I heard it, and it seems like I listen to it around five times a day. I haven't gotten sick of it once, mostly because of the fact that the vocals exceed anything else from the genre this year.
Let's talk about the beginning: it starts off with an ominous duet with the two guitarists, as well as keys. It slowly builds up to the verse where vocalist Michael Barr, as well as the drums, comes in. It then becomes incredibly heavy, with Barr's screaming soaring. It also sets the scene of an intimate scene between the character and their lover.
Casey Sabol of Periphery, another band I love, handles the chorus. He does an incredible job here, and has great chemistry with Barr.
There's a difference between a song that outright is misogynistic and one that is about sex. This is the latter, as it really sounds like the protagonist misses the intimate and passionate moment with their lover. This was their tribute to them, reminiscing on the energy and bond they shared whenever they made love. It's much more than sex to this person, it's about a feeling of being high on love, which involves so many different feelings. "Across the Bed" is a mature exploration of this topic.
In addition, guitarist Diego Farias does such a good job in complementing not only Barr, but also Sabol. In fact, you could say that he leads the songs; he starts off the track with his duet of different riffs, and also gets the bridge started. Nick Ursich has a very interesting and technical style of drumming that is shown in this song.
It's fair to ask why this is my song of year. To put it short, it has everything I could ask for. While I don't particularly relate to the lyrics, I can really see the emotion behind it. That's pretty tough to do as an artist, getting people who don't identify with your subject matter to empathize with you. They do that flawlessly here.
When you consider that this band is only five years old, it puts into perspective how good this song is. Something that I haven't mentioned yet is how the guitars, drums, and bass do a wonderful job surrounding the lyrics. That's what pushes this song over the edge into being at the top of this list.
2014 was a fantastic year for music, and I know that many of you will disagree with this list. Feel free to let me know what you think should be at the top, or even come up with your own list! At the end of the day, these were all the songs that I felt needed to be on here, and I have no regrets. Let's just hope 2015 gives me this many choices.
