Top 10 Songs of 2014: Allison Johnson, KTSW Music Director

By Allison Johnson
Music Director

At the end of every year I always dread sitting down and trying to figure out how to somehow put into a short list form all of the incredible albums, songs and artists that have sparked my interest and conversations. However, it is customary to compile such a list, so here are my top 10 songs of 2014 (though they may change within the next hour).

(Click on the images for links to songs)

10. The War on Drugs, “Red Eyes” off Lost in the Dream
This song reminds me so much of “Born to Run”-era Springsteen, so obviously I love it. 

9. Frankie Cosmos, “Sad 2” off Zentropy 
Frankie Cosmos Zentropy is by far one of my favorite albums of 2014, and this song makes me miss everyone. Short and sweet.

8. Drake, “0 to 100 / The Catch Up”
The first time I heard this song I immediately stopped everything I was doing. I love Drake (understatement).

 7. Mac DeMarco, “Brother” off Salad Days
Overall, I liked “2” a lot more than I like “Salad Days,” but “Brother” is one of my favorite Mac songs. The intro is too groovy! 

6. Pillar Point, “Diamond Mine” off Pillar Point
Underrated album, underrated artist, diamond mine, diamond mine…

5. Cloud Nothings, “Psychic Trauma” off Here and Nowhere Else
“You’ll never be here, it’s hard to explain. Psychic trauma, returns with age.” 

4. Perfect Pussy, “Interference Fits” off Say Yes to Love
Meredith Graves managed to write some of the best lyrics of 2014 (all time?)
“Since when do we say yes to love?”

3. iLoveMakonnen, “Club Goin Up on a Tuesday (ft. Drake)” off ILoveMakonnen
Once I was walking in Bushwick and someone drove by at noon blasting this. Anywhere, anytime, this song goes up. 

2. Alvvays, “Archie, Marry Me” off Alvvays
“HEYYYY HEYYYYYY, marry me, Archie.” The faint chirping of birds at the beginning gets me every time.

1. Future Islands, “Seasons (Waiting on You)” off Singles
Samuel Herring drenched in sweat performing this song within feet of me is one of my most cherished memories.
“…Because I’ve been waiting on you
I’ve been weighing on you.”

Last, but certainly not least, here are some honorable mentions: Rae Sremmurd, “No Flex Zone“; Tijuana Panthers, “Cherry Street”; Interpol, “My Desire”; Foxygen, “Cosmic Vibrations”; Taylor Swift, “Shake it Off”; Bobby Shmurda, “Hot N*****”.