Genre: Electropop, Experimental Hip Hop, Moombahcore // Label: Interscope
This would be, like, M.I.A.'s attempt at making a straight-EDM club track. But, of course, it's not going to be about dancing, love or something like that. Here, Maya takes a jab to the modern day YOLO culture - adding her own twist (YOLO? If you only live once, why do you always do the same ****?). And it's amazing.
Genre: Art Pop, Chillwave, Electropop // Label: Mute
This is probably the only purely-Electronic track on the entirety of Goldfrapp's most recent album, 'Tales of Us'. And I really LOVE it, it's practically the child between 'Felt Mountain' and 'Supernatural'.
If there's one thing I adore from this song is it's incredibly tense build-up. And, well, how this build up lasts for about 8 minutes - this tenseness is perfectly captured in its great music video.
Genre: Industrial Techno, Electro House, Tech House // Label: Interscope
This track is probably the most insane thing both Robyn and Röyksopp ever made. A soulless, hard-hitting Techno track, that looks like the mid-point between Gessaffelstein, The Chemical Brothers and Zedd. A future classic.
Genre: Contemporary R&B, Pop Rap, Trap Rap // Label: Columbia
While I'm not really a big fan of Jay Z's verse, you can't deny this is probably one of the sexiest moments in Beyoncé's iconic self-titled album. Also, the beat is completely insane.
Genre: Hardcore Hip Hop, Cloud Rap, Witch House // Label: Fool's Gold
I might not be really into Danny's music, however, Corin Roddick's production is top-notch, and Megan James' vocals are as sweet as usual. The lyrics are great as well.
In this track, Holly Herndon practically chops and screws all her internet searches. Videos she has seen, Skype conversations, etc. And, no surprise, it's mindblowing.
Genre: Wonky, Synth Pop, Alternative R&B // Label: Republic
Of course, this isn't as great as the original... HOWEVER... if there's anything that's getting close to it, it has to be this remix. The beats are completely insane, the structure, everything. I loved it.
Genre: UK Bass, Deep House, Alternative R&B // Label: PMR
While I kind of... hate? Sam Smith, his vocals here are totally mindblowing. The beats, the song structure, which is 6/4, totally slays my soul. So happy this is a smash hit, Disclosure really deserve it.
Genre: Electropop, Contemporary R&B, Art Pop // Label: Monkey Puzzle
Everything on this song and video is perfect. The lyrics, which are about alcoholism (sort of), are hidden in a catchy chorus, Electropop/R&B/Reggae-ish rhythm. Her vocals are great as well, and they have no flaw whatsoever. Also, the video is ABSOLUTELY everything.
Genre: Synth Pop, Art Pop, Dream Pop // Label: To whom it may concern.
Ah... iamamiwhoami's big, big, BIG comeback. While it has got a little bit old after so many listens, every time I listen to it I get goosebumps, specially when it reaches to its bridge. The music video is perfection as well.
One of the highlights of CHVRCHES' debut album, 'The Bones of What You Believe', got one of the best music videos of the recent times. Really love the special effects of the ending and its story.
Genre: Art Pop, Synth Funk, Alternative Dance // Label: Republic
When I ask people why do they like Jason DeRulo's "Talk Dirty", they tell me that's it because of the horn part. Well, if you want a cool track with a kick-ass horn part, why not this? Also, the song has got an actual meaning. And Annie kicks more ass than DeRulo anyway.
Genre: Electropop, Alternative R&B, Synth Pop // Label: Sony Music
I don't really care much for R&B-Katy. However, this song is an exception. And, to be honest, WHAT an exception. Her vocals are some of the most beautiful she's ever made, and I really like the way it builds up until the end, which is glorious.
Genre: Synth Pop, Synthwave, EBM // Label: Arts & Crafts
It seems like the 80's-revival thing is the new fashion. Grimes, CHVRCHES, Kavinsky, all are sort of bringing the 80's back - but Trust does it on a very different way. It it less... direct. Here, on "Capitol", Robert Alfons mixes those influences with stuff like EBM, Darkwave, Dream Pop, and stuff like that. And it totally works.
No conozco muchas El remix de Tennis Court esta bien, aunque nada le llega a la original Latch! yo también la descubrí muy tarde, por eso no la debuté y Chandelier
I consider this album to be really underrated. I mean, yes, the guy is getting enough attention, but still - this album is pretty good, and most people tend to ignore it in, say, Best of lists, reviews and stuff like that. But if you're into incredible, totally insane beats and vocal samples, while having catchy, sort of... accessible? melodies, then you'll love this record as much I do.
Highlights: "Loftmane", "Postie", "Metal Swing" // You'll Like It If You Like: Machinedrum, Burial
Genre: UK Bass, Glitch, Grime // Label: Tri Angle // April 21th, 2014
‘That’s Harakiri’ makes it even very clear in the title. The word “harakiri” means a ritualistic suicide form, originated in Japan, that is done for reasons of honor, consisting on slitting one’s stomach with a bladed weapon - listening to this album is practically a sacrifice, a flirtation with death, but almost every minute of it is worth it.
Highlights: "Gutter Vibrations", "I Don't", "Meshes" // You'll Like It If You Like: Evian Christ, The Haxan Cloak // REVIEW
Genre: Nu-Disco, Space Disco, Synthwave // Label: Olsen // April 7th, 2014
Probably I’m the only one who think so, but I think this is what ‘Random Access Memories’ should have been. While it has some amazing moments, it probably doesn’t have tracks as brilliant as “Delorean Dynamite” or "Oh Joy", and it doesn’t flow as well when you’re listening to it as a whole. That is not the problem with ‘It’s Album Time’, because you can listen to it as a whole or each track individually, and it would sound amazing anyway.
Highlights: "Inspector Norse", "Delorean Dynamite", "Oh Joy" // You'll Like It If You Like: Daft Punk, Lindstrøm // REVIEW
Genre: Art Pop, Indie Pop, Noise Pop // Label: Republic // February 14th, 2014
St Vincent's self-titled album is probably her most commercial one - it is also her first under a big label - but by no means is a bad one. Yeah, it may not be 'Strange Mercy', but it feels like a natural evolution from that album, to a more mature, yet playful attitude.
Highlights: "Digital Witness", "Rattlesnake", "Prince Johnny" // You'll Like It If You Like: PJ Harvey, Talking Heads
Genre: Alternative R&B, UK Bass, Neo-Soul // Label: Night Slugs/Fade to Mind // October 1st, 2013
If Rihanna released an album in 2014, or if Janet Jackson came back to follow the current trends of R&B, it would probably sound like this. But it's much more than that. Kelela's vocals have got a really strong personality, and the music produced by people like Nguzunguzu, Bok Bok, Kingdom, etc. is amazing as well. I really like the direction R&B is going right now.
Highlights: "Enemy", "Do It Again", "Keep It Cool" // You'll Like It If You Like: AlunaGeorge, Rihanna
Genre: Art Pop, Progressive Electronic, Synth Pop // Label: Stolen // February 27th, 2014
'Total Strife Forever' may not be perfect, but it takes a lot of risks - also, it is definitely one of the best debut albums of the year so far. He is an innovator, and if you're into weird, eccentric Electronic or Pop music, you'll definitely enjoy this release.
Highlights: "Total Strife Forever I", "Dripping Down", "Song for a Granular Piano" // You'll Like It If You Like: F**k Buttons as much as James Blake // REVIEW
Genre: Electropop, Alternative R&B, Synth Pop // Label: RCA // March 31th, 2014
The album could be taken a beautiful yet direct take on all kinds of Modern Pop music, ranging from the most experimental, to the most pure "pop" moments - most of them are nice, very few of them, not so much (a.k.a., "Walk This Way"), but if you like Pop music from the likes of Lorde, Lykke Li, Purity Ring or Solange you shouldn’t miss this album.
Highlights: "Fire Rides"; "Maiden", "Red in the Grey" // You'll Like It If You Like: Lorde, Purity Ring // REVIEW
Genre: Industrial Hip Hop, Noise Rap, Hardcore Hip Hop // Label: Sub Pop // June 10th, 2014
'CLPPNG' is a much mature take on the Noise Rap thing than ‘Midcity’ was. clipping. may not be as big as Death Grips (R.I.P.) or Dälek, let alone as big as M.I.A. or Kanye West, but, as they make some odd, unaccessible tracks, they’re able to make songs that are not based into that gimmick, and are actually really intelligent. I’m hoping big things will be coming for them, and I’m really hoping for their sound to evolve in the future.
Highlights: "Story 2", "Ends", "Work Work" // You'll Like It If You Like: Death Grips, M.I.A. // REVIEW
This is not Ben Frost’s most structured work, neither his most accessible. However, ‘A U R O R A’ represents a dark, mysterious, sometimes even disgusting, yet still very exciting sonic experience that you may rarely hear somewhere else this year.
Highlights: "Secant", "Venter", "A Single Point of Blinding Light" // You'll Like It If You Like: Coil, Swans // REVIEW
Genre: Experimental Hip Hop, Glitch Hop, Noise Rap // Label: Third Worlds // June 8th, 2014
It is expected for most Björk fans who didn’t know Death Grips before to have a hard time while listening to this release - since it’s way too abrasive and inaccessible, compared to most of her work. However, I found the production of the album oddly similar to that of her latest album, ‘Biophilia’, mixed with a little bit of Dälek and Flying Lotus.
Also, R.I.P. Death Grips, you will never be forgotten.
Highlights: "Big Dipper", "Billy Not Really", "Say Hey Kid" // You'll Like It If You Like: Dälek, Flying Lotus // REVIEW
All your albums are amazing! I only need to check out Ben Frost and Clipping. but I know those guys are right up my alley and I will love them.
On the singles side, I'm happy to see Crying For No Reason, that song is brilliant. And I've been playing Latch since Settle came out last year and it never gets old. Can't wait to see what's at the top of your list
Genre: Dance-Pop, UK Funky, Electropop // Label: Columbia // February 4th, 2014
Katy B may be doing the trendy stuff - but she gives it an appeal that the other pop stars don’t, and, in fact, this is probably the most complete straight-up Pop release of the year so far, and I really doubt anyone will top it. Go on, Katy. You are the pop star the world needs.
Highlights: "Next Thing", "Sapphire Blue", "Everything" // You'll Like It If You Like: Disclosure, Robyn // REVIEW
Genre: Art Pop, Dream Pop, Trip Hop // Label: Interscope // June 17th, 2014
This is miles better than 'Born To Die', and proves that, even if you don’t like Lana Del Rey -the image, the singer, whatever-, she still gives an interesting concept, rarely found in typical pop music nowadays.
Highlights: "Brooklyn Baby", "Cruel World", "West Coast" // You'll Like It If You Like: Mazzy Star, Goldfrapp // REVIEW
Genre: Experimental Rock, Post-Rock, No Wave // Label: Mute // May 12th, 2014
Maybe, the only complaint I have to make about the album, is about how long it is (2 hours long, to be more exact), but still, ‘To Be Kind’ is completely majestic and demonstrates that Swans are one of the most important bands of the latest 30 years, and that their sound will never get old.
Highlights: The entire album. Seriously. // You'll Like It If You Like: Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Slint // REVIEW
Genre: Contemporary R&B, Electropop, Pop Rap // Label: Columbia // December 13th, 2013
I can't say anything but this: This album is a game-changer. Leaving the surprise visual album thing behind - this album, musically, has little to no flaws. She brings some of her most personal, raw, crazy and sexiest songs she's done. And I love it. Now I have no doubts about it - Beyoncé is one of the best Pop queen we've ever had.
Highlights: "Haunted", "Partition", "***Flawless" // You'll Like It If You Like: Kanye West, Madonna's 'Erotica'
Genre: Synth Pop, EBM, Synthwave // Label: Arts & Crafts // February 14th, 2014
'Joyland', Trust's second full-length album, was announced in late December 2013, and was described to be an “eruption of joy, eels and guts”. So, what to expect from the album? Well, an eruption of joy, eels and guts. That is probably the best description from the album you'll ever get. And, yeah, as it’s expected, this album isn’t as dark as ‘TRST’. But it’s still haunting and interesting -you can really see yourself travelling in the neon-tunnel featured on the cover, and, in my opinion, it’s actually way better than their debut. Not really sure if he’ll top this, but I don’t think it really matters now. He gave us 2 great albums in a row, and I’m sure his future projects will have, at least, a similar amount of mind-blowing-ness in it.
Highlights:"Rescue, Mister", "Barely", "Peer Pressure" // You'll Like It If You Like: VNV Nation, Crystal Castles // REVIEW
La verdad no he escuchado ningun album este año aparte del nuevo de Example pero quiero intentar con el de St. Vincent, amo Digital Witness
Escuché algunas de Ultraviolence y no me gustaron nada de nada, quiero a la Lana de BTD de vuelta
I really have to check out the Trust album! It's been on my waiting list for so long haha1
Glad to see Little Red here, but I would say that Crying For No Reason is the highlight of the album for me. You nailed the highlights of Ultraviolence, but I also really love Pretty When You Cry.
Genre: Pop Rap, Contemporary R&B, Trap // Label: Columbia
This is probably Bey's most blatantly sexual track. But the most interesting thing to be found in the track isn't exactly how sexual it is - it is its amazing production, her ***flawless vocals, and, yes, that Big Lebowski sample in the middle of the song.
When I went to see M.I.A. live last year, she performed this song. Everyone literally went totally insane when the second "drop" came on - and the track is totally insane itself. It is Moombahton, Trap, Hip Hop, Electropop, Reggae - all at the same time. And, surprisingly, it all somehow seems to fit perfectly.
Genre: Synth Pop, Art Pop, Electropop // Label: To whom it may concern.
In the music video for this song, Jonna Lee (a.k.a. iamamiwhoami's mastermind) is portrayed as some kind of... ice queen. And I guess it does fit the concept of the song itself since I think it sounds so cold and fragile, yet so melodic and powerful.
I really like this track, because it doesn't hide what it is at all (at least compared to other Lorde songs) - it is a Pop song. A rather complex one, but still. The lyricism in this track is amazing ("We live in cities you'll never see on screen / Not very pretty, but we sure know how to run free"), and her vocal performance is stunning. Once the chorus hits, it feels like you're bound to have that hook in your head for the rest of your life - and you know, that's a great thing.
Genre: Alternative R&B, Art Pop, Future Garage // Label: Harvest
If there's something I like about BANKS' music is how the simple is made really complex. Simple lyrics, like those found on "Brain", are covered in layers and layers of synths and an amazing production, courtesy of Shlohmo. Also, I love how her vocals build up until the end, where she starts to shout (!) the lyrics to the song.
'Voices', which is Phantogram sophomore album... sort of dissapointed me. It wasn't bad by any means, but it hadn't got another song as mindblowing as "Fall in Love" is. This song is a glitchy, sample-heavy Pop track with a hypnotic atmosphere - accompanied by some wonderful lyrics and Sarah Barthel's also wonderful vocals. I'm sad this song wasn't a worldwide hit, as it pretty much deserves to be, but I guess a Top 10 on the Alternative radios isn't really that bad, either?
When I first heard "One", in 2010, I would have NEVER even thought about the possibility of Sky Ferreira making something like this. But, here we are. This is something that could've been easily done by, say, Have A Nice Life, or some other dark Shoegaze band. But she's got something that other bands or other people don't have - sex appeal. Which makes this track somehow even more sinister - and, yes, the video certainly helps.
Genre: Art Pop, Dream Pop, Progressive Pop // Label: Interscope
I was afraid that, after the success of that "Summertime Sadness" remix, Lana would end up making pointless EDM-pop music. Glad that's not the case, because "West Coast" couldn't be more far away than that, it is probably her riskiest song. The tempo changes in the chorus, the synths in the end, the... apathy? in her vocals, it's all so sexy, so daring, so dark, so... good.
Genre: Electropop, Synth Pop, Art Pop // Label: To whom it may concern.
This is probably iamamiwhoami's most Pop song. But that doesn't mean it's generic or anything like that. Her vocals are wrapped up in a sort-of-club-friendly Synthpop that reminds me of early The Knife, and once the chorus hits… damn. First and foremost, it is REALLY catchy. Second, you just HAVE to dance to it. Everytime I listen to this song it makes me feel better - and I guess it's kind of obvious why. BLUE I'M READY FOR YOU!
Genre: Synth Pop, EBM, Electropop // Label: Arts & Crafts
I have nothing to say. Listen to this, then tell me this is not the song of the year.
El remix de Tennis Court esta bien, aunque nada le llega a la original 
Latch! yo también la descubrí muy tarde, por eso no la debuté 
aunque medio que me decepcionaron, les daré más escuchadas a ambos álbumes. 
