By Scarlett Constand ’16 | Staff Writer

1. “Shut up and Dance” – Walk the Moon

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JCLY0Rlx6Q]

After a somewhat lengthy absence from the mainstream music scene, Walk the Moon makes its comeback with “Shut Up and Dance.” It’s catchy and definitely the perfect thoughtless-dancing song of 2014, with powerful guitar strums and airy vocals. “Shut Up and Dance” is fun, but it gets to the point too quickly; within the first couple lines the title appears in full. It reveals the full intentions of the song, but too quickly. “Shut up and Dance” lacks mystique.

9. “Fever” – The Black Keys

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trk7P-9QDyc]

The Black Keys never disappoint, and “Fever” is no exception. It starts off with a swinging, vivid bassline until the rest of the band comes into the picture. That bassline alone gets the song the recognition it deserves. “Fever” is another great song from a great band, but that’s just about it. The Black Keys are known for their jazzy, alternative-rock style, and “Fever” is just that. It is exactly what it’s supposed to be, but it’s nothing special.

8. “Stay with Me” – Sam Smith

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pB-5XG-DbAA]

It’s tasteful and classic, and arguably the greatest song on Sam Smith’s latest album, “In the Lonely Hour.” The song is lovely in every respect: vocals, lyrics and the music are all exemplary. Sam Smith’s style is unmistakable and adored by many; however, it is not individual. There are many voices like his, such as Hozier’s, though their similarity does not take away from their talent, it simply gives it context. “Stay with Me” is a fantastic song on it’s own, but once it’s put together with its peers, it is just a good song.

7. “Love Runs Out” – OneRepublic

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0OWj0CiM8WU]

“Love Runs Out” is an anthem for the ages. It’s a showy, rhythmic song designed to enthrall its audiences. The song starts out with a solid, repetitive drum beat, then builds and climaxes into its full potential. Though basic in the beginning, the song fleshes out its identity with killer vocals and music. “Love Runs Out” is an adventure, and tells a story that sends an ongoing message: keep on moving and all will be well. OneRepublic’s song is a great addition to their most recent album, “Native,” and proves their adequacy in 2014.

6. “Lazaretto” – Jack White

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qI-95cTMeLM]

Jack White is a beacon of hope in today’s rock scene. “Lazaretto” is one of his masterpieces; it’s the ideal combination of blues, jazz and pure rock ‘n’ roll. His riffs are electrifying and resonate in one’s soul; he is the Prince of rock ‘n’ roll. “Lazaretto” is energized and compelling, with its dark blues guitar along with Jack White’s potent screeches. It’s not for everyone, but it’s not meant to appeal; it’s meant to be a driving force and is the best rock tune of 2014.

5. “Digital Witness” – St. Vincent

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVAxUMuhz98]

Intensity is everything, and St. Vincent’s “Digital Witness” is just that. It’s commanding and groovy in sound, with horns repeating and blaring their confident message. St. Vincent is her own, individual artist in the world of music, which makes her music likeable to only a select group of people. “Digital Witness” is original and a wake-up call to live life to the fullest.

4. “Bang Bang” – Jessie J (feat. Ariana Grande, Nicki Minaj)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDdjwpPM3Y]

When artists of such a high caliber come together to create a song, the results may vary, as creative minds may not think alike. “Bang Bang” is a whole different story. It’s an ace and one of a kind. Its beat is addictive and the perfect fuel for the mind. Though repetitive and short-lived, “Bang Bang” is a song to remember.

3. “Yellow Flicker Beat” – Lorde

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PdILZ_1P74]

At the raw age of 18, it’s amazing how talented Lorde is. With two Grammys and many other awards, she’s magnificent in mind and soul. “Yellow Flicker Beat” is slow but also astonishing in its originality and style. It is raw, yet pure in sound, and echoes through one’s mind. Lorde is a masterful songwriter, and this song is a worthy example of her ability.

2. “Take Me to Church” – Hozier

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYSVMgRr6pw]

Hozier’s breakout single “Take Me to Church” is just that–a breakout. It’s one of the most daring songs of 2014. His voice is immaculate and vivid; it also has an incredible depth. Although the chorus repeats one too many times, and it may sound like other songs, it is singular not because of its artist or its lyrics, but because of them both. The lyrics of “Take Me to Church” slip out smoothly and effortlessly. It’s a marvelous song with an exciting future beyond 2014.

1.  “Shades of Cool” – Lana Del Rey

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJABBmAMXnY]

Lana Del Rey is her own genre of music. She is unmatchable in style and class. “Shades of Cool” is a song on her newest album, “Ultraviolence.” It explains the trouble of having a substance-abusing boyfriend and the struggle of whether or not to love him or leave him. Lana Del Rey makes it sound real through her emotional yet commanding voice. She is a frontrunner in a musical revolution, and nobody can overshadow or belittle that. “Shades of Cool” is an outstanding work of art that no other song in 2014 can equal.