Biggest Songs of 2014

Brendan Squitieri, Writer

2014 has been a great year for music. The radios were overflowing with new artists and hit songs. Based on popularity, number of singles sold on iTunes, and chart position on Billboard, here are the top 10 songs of 2014.

 

10. Tove Lo: Habits (Stay High)

Tove Lo is a Swedish artist that was first introduced to the world in 2013 with her debut album Queen of the Clouds. Her music became worldwide in 2014, when Habits (Stay High) was re-released and charted in the top 5 on Billboard. The catchy hook of the song has been blasted on radio stations around the world, in nightclubs, and has become a popular song to remix. The song is about doing anything to forget about someone who you have recently lost.

 

  1. Meghan Trainor: All About That Bass

The debut single from American singer-songwriter, Meghan Trainor, has swept the world by storm with its catchy hook and meaning. The inspiration for All About That Bass is primarily body imagine and not caring about the size of your body. Announced “Song of the Summer”  by some critics, it has been nominated for one People’s Choice Award, one MTV Europe Music Award and two Grammy Awards.

 

  1. MAGIC!: Rude

Rude is the debut single from Canadian Band MAGIC! The song topped the charts internationally and has been a popular song on the radio. It was even remixed by many DJs, even Zedd. The song is based on a real-life experience, which allows the song to be relatable.

 

  1. Sia: Chandelier

Chandelier may be the biggest single from Australian artist Sia. Praised for dynamic vocals and excellent production, Chandelier is the lead single from Sia’s sixth studio album 1000 Forms of Fear. The worldwide success has given the song four Grammy nominations for Song of the Year, Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance, with its video receiving a nomination for Best Music Video.

 

  1. DJ Snake & Lil Jon: Turn Down For What

Voted best party song of 2014 by Rolling Stone, Turn Down For What is a collaborative single that charted top 5 on Billboard and has been blasted on almost every radio station. The song has also been featured in various movies, commercials, and television programs.

 

  1. Sam Smith: Stay with Me

Stay with Me is the biggest hit from young, new, British artist, Sam Smith. The song is a gospel-tinged pop ballad that topped many charts, including Billboard. Stay with Me has been nominated for many Grammy Awards including: Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance.

 

  1. Iggy Azalea: Fancy (feat. Charli XCX)

Fancy is the debut single from new Australian rapper Iggy Azalea. Its huge commercial success lead the song to reach number one on Billboard. Fancy was also named Billboard’s Song of the Summer, was the most-streamed song on Spotify and most-watched music video on VEVO in 2014.

 

  1. Jessie J: Bang Bang (feat. Ariana Grande & Nicki Minaj)

The dynamic trio of Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj produced a top 3 song that was praised for excellent vocals and production. The song is the first single from Jessie J’s third studio album Sweet Talker. The song has been nominated for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys.

 

  1. Ariana Grande: Problem (feat. Iggy Azalea)

Problem is the lead single from Ariana Grande’s second studio album My Everything. The song debuted in the top 5 on Billboard and became Ariana’s most successful single to date. It stayed in the top 10 for 16 weeks. The song has been praised for its 90’s influence and catchy hook.

 

  1. Taylor Swift: Shake it Off

Shake it Off is the first single from international sensation Taylor Swift’s fifth studio album 1989. The new catchy pop track took the world of music by storm, remained number one on Billboard for almost two months and has been in the top 10 since its release in August. The single led 1989 to be the most selling album of 2014.