Album of the Year
Oluwamayowa Idowu : Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour has undoubtedly led the conversation. It’s very rare that an act’s debut is so popular whilst retaining traditional values.
YG’s My Krazy Life was definitely the best rap album this year which isn’t saying much considering the lack of mainstream releases. Alongside DJ Mustard, he can count himself as creating one of the definitive sounds of 2014.
Aisha Modibbo: If you’re not affiliated with Taylor Swift or Sam Smith (that rhymed so now I’m suspicious) then you probably know that 2014 hasn’t been a good year for music. Album sales generally didn’t do well. Maybe you should all be buying your music but that’s a topic for another day. I really hoped that I’d have Frank Ocean and Adele on this list but if “ifs” and “buts” were candy and nuts… it’d be a merry Christmas.
For my 2014 albums of the year I pick V by Maroon 5, X by Ed Sheeran and 1989 by Taylor Swift. I realise that all three of these are of the undervalued pop genre but I am done feeling shame about it. I don’t like V as much as I loved Overexposed but I can appreciate what Adam and his friends attempted with this record. I rank Leaving California and Unkiss Me highly but my favourite song on this for now is My Heart Is Open featuring Gwen Stefani. I love how stripped down and honest it is. Please, who cant relate to “it wont take me long to find another lover but I want you”? The song is just full of quotable lyrics plus it has rekindled my fondness for the word lover.
I only have two criticisms of Ed Sheeran’s X: 1) it’s supposed to be pronounced MULTIPLY and 2) his attempts at rap. I have always been a fan of Ed. Always. Kiss Me is one of my all-time favourite songs and it is the 3rd most played song on my iTunes (beaten by All of Me – John Legend and Hey, Soul Sister – Train). I enjoy my love songs and this album has like 5 ballads I can butcher in the shower. If you like slow romantic songs definitely try Thinking Out Loud and Photograph. If you like your romantic songs a little faster listen to Afire Love, Tenerife Sea and I’m a Mess. I See Fire has a gospel feeling similar to Give Me Love from his + album. It has this serene power that subdues you.
There’s no bad thing about 1989. Seriously, ask anyone. We love our pop stars but Taylor Swift doesn’t subscribe to the mindless shit that singers like Katy Perry like to shove down our throats and we tolerate because they’re catchy hits. Beyonce is queen but 7/11 is exactly what I am talking about. No, Ms. Swift’s music has substance and value. It means something to me when I listen to it and it meant something to her when she wrote it. The album is so multi-purpose as well! I listen to it in the shower, while working out and on my way anywhere. I honestly love every song so I’m not going to pick a favourite. Everyone should listen to the whole thing.
Temitayo Ayorinde: In The Lonely Hour It was a pretty slow year.
Amaka Onyemenam: As intimated earlier, I’m not fussy about music.
Demola Fashola: Sam Smith’s In The Lonely Hour. Call me crazy but I think Sam Smith could very well be on his way to becoming a voice of the next generation. His mastery of his craft is astounding for his age. There’s a certain level of desperation in his lyrics that we can all relate to in some way. Nothing sells better than unrequited love and Sam Smith makes unrequited love look good.