It’s a daunting task, but someone’s gotta do it. Here we go … Grimy Goods 55 Best Songs Of 2014. We’ve spent weeks shuffling through our iTunes libraries and Spotify, reliving some epic show moments to deliver the songs that grabbed us the most this year. Some are full of that rock ‘n’ roll fury, while others tug at your heartstrings — all of them are exceptionally great, and we took the time (A LOT OF TIME) to represent a variety of genres. All songs are listed in no particular order.
If you’re not much of a reader, you can scroll down to start streaming our Spotify list for our 55 Best Songs of 2014. Enjoy and pass it on.
Feature by Grimy Goods writers: Sandra Burciaga, Emily Saex, Anne-Marie Schiefer, Mark E. Ortega, Ziv Biton and Brissa Sanchez.
1. “Trainwreck 1979” by Death From Above 1979 — Talk about making a solid comeback, DFA 1979 opened the floodgates with this new song. One of the best tracks off their reunion album The Physical World, this ear-shattering yet melodic number, let us know the duo were back and better then ever. ~ Sandy
2. “Your Love Is Killing Me” by Sharon Van Etten — There’s just so much passion and emotion in this gorgeous ballad. Its starts slow and steady, building a sweet suspense before taking you on a soaring ride via Van Etten’s superb vocals. You gotta be a corpse not to feel anything when you hear this song. ~ Sandy
3. “Blockbuster Night Part 1.” by Run The Jewels — Off their critically acclaimed sophomore album, RTJ2, this track rumbles with some serious thunder. With flows so fierce, EL-P and Killer Mike just might make you bob your head right off yo’ neck! ~ Sandy
4. “Gold” by Chet Faker — This is one of THE BEST songs to drive around to. Such a catchy chorus and Mr. Faker’s vocals are smooth as hell. ~ Mark
5. “The Spaceship” by Corners — These L.A. locals amazed us with their new album, Maxed Out on Distractions and this song in particular is a definite standout. With a stirring bass line and suspenseful drums, it makes us wonder if this track was created in a psychedelic witch den. ~ Sandy
6. “Animal” by The Pack A.D — The sultry, yet unabashed vocals that strike with precise tension and release on this bass driven number easily seduce and lure you into a dark, rock ‘n’ roll world — this song is a beast and there’s no escaping its grasp. ~ Emily
7. “Black Out Days” by Phantogram — From their early days of playing underground shows at L.A. bars such as Bordello, we’re thrilled with the well-deserved success that New York’s Phantogram has received in 2014. Deep in its lyricism and undeniably catchy, this song is all over the radio and we’re still not over it. ~ Sandy
8. “Dearly Departed” by Shakey Graves — The grungy and urgent voice of Alejandro Rose-Garcia is perfectly complimented by that of sweet honey sounding one of Esme Patterson on this track. Off his long anticipated debut full length, Alejandro gives us a single that isn’t quite country-pop or folk-rock, but rather a downright boot stomping good time. ~ Anne-Marie
9. “Inside Out” by Spoon — This is a gorgeous ballad with so many enchanting elements that makes it more than just another Spoon song. It seamlessly blends a vibrant breakbeat with a glossy indie rock groove. Absolutely stunning in its tight structure and goosebump inducing lyrics. ~ Sandy
10. “White’s Not My Color This Evening” by Cherry Glazerr — The riveting punk single was released as a teaser to their debut LP, Haxel Princess. And it’s absolutely fucking badass. ~ Sandy
11. “All The Time” by Bahamas — From the first note this track has your heart clenched in its grip and won’t let you go until the end. Delicious harmonies and pleading lyrics set against catchy guitar riffs will have you hitting repeat over and over. ~ Anne-Marie
12. “Birth In Reverse” by St. Vincent — A fine crafted display of eccentric indie pop, you’ll find yourself singing along to Annie Clark’s avant garde ballads while bopping your head to its fuzz heavy electro pop aura. Yes, it’s all over the radio, but it’s unquestionably sensational. ~ Sandy
13. “I Don’t Want to Change You” by Damien Rice — This beautifully done song put the worry of a Lisa Hannigan-less Rice song to rest. Rice’s always bone-chilling vocals are accompanied by a gorgeous string section and may be one of his best songs to date. ~ Mark
14. “The Golden Throne” by Temples — Think Tame Impala meets the Beatles. These Kettering, England boys created a dreamy song boasting a yesteryear British pop sound with a psychdelic twist. Smoke a doobie and let you mind take a ride. ~ Sandy
15. “They Don’t Know” by White Sea — The solo project of Morgan Kibby of M83 impressed us with her debut album In Cold Blood. As the album’s track opener, the song is powerfully anthemic. Kibby’s vocals fly with beauty and grace taking you on a climactic ride via her vocal prowess. ~ Sandy
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