By Gabby Fellows
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Hozier- ‘Hozier’
A perfect blend of bluesy rock vocals and catchy guitar riffs mixed with poetic lyrics- Hozier’s self titled album is one that was much desired in a year of synth-pop anthems with no real depth. Each track is different enough to hold listener’s interest for the entirety of the record, but alike enough to allow the songs to smoothly transition into each other, creating a feeling of completeness. To many people’s surprise, Hozier sings more songs than just “Take Me To Church” that are worth a listen. Check out “Jackie and Wilson.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSWqxbswQAY
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Chet Faker- ‘Built on Glass’
Focusing mostly on synth rhythms and heavy basslines, Faker’s newest album is the answer to any modern music lover’s prayers. Using harmonies and layered background vocals as well as an impressive arsenal of instruments, Built on Glass delivers a sturdy groove the entire album. Electronic tends to get a bad reputation anymore (as it should), but tracks like “Talk is Cheap” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aP_-P_BS6KY) prove that true, talented artists can be hidden in the genre’s overdramatic characteristics.
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OK GO- ‘Hungry Ghosts’
Let’s ignore the fact that OK GO is mostly known for the outrageous music videos- they make really incredible music. With an excess of loud bass, accentuated drums and choppy vocals, this album is by far the group’s best. You want a catchy song with an out of this world music video? Check. A soft ballad that still stays in the playful boundaries of what OK GO was founded on? Check. A party anthem that will finally replace the overused, outdated rap song? Got it. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UX2SRgr5Wg8&list=PLFdTtsxKP2oFQYiWzaW9ERz8kyMg2uTn3&index=4)
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Jack White-‘Lazaretto’
I can’t say enough about this album and about Jack White in general. This man knows how to make music, plain and simple. Slow jams, fast paced anthems, shrieky songs that linger in your head days after… this guy just knows. I’m not sure if it’s his erratic vocals or his haunting instrumentals that leave one yearning for more, but “Lazaretto” always seems to end too soon. Regardless, this is the album that will be memorized within a week after purchased and screamed in the car at top volume. For starters, check out “Would You Fight For My Love?” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQOnbp_DspY)
- Cold War Kids- ‘Hold My Home
Thumping drums, overly punctuated vocals, poems put to music. This is the best album that has come out of 2014. Each song is unique and filled with so much raw emotion- plus they’re executed perfectly. Cold War Kids find a way to bring concert-like sound and feeling to every album they create, and this is no exception. “Hold My Home” has a song for every emotion and is, by far, the best album of 2014. Give “First” a listen. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE23hMLbHg4)