As I mentioned in my previous list (https://thepunissure.com/2014/09/16/top-10-songs-of-summer-2014-that-are-not-from-2014/), music carries a special weight in the summer. It can whisper with the wind, lay and linger with the light, and kiss ears like the sun kisses skin.
For many, the warmth of summer brings a certain type of hope and happiness (especially to those of us living in a 4-season part of the world), and songs have a singular capacity — unlike any other art form — to soundtrack the season and the moments therein.
That said, I’ve decided to do another Best Songs of The Summer list. Here are my favourite 30 songs from the summer of 2014:
30. Sir Sly – Gold
Sounding like one of The Neighbourhood’s better tracks, “Gold” is a valuable metal.
29. Anna Graceman – Words (Glastrophobie remix)
Words, words, words… piano, gitch, and melody. The original is pleasant too, but this version has a particularly attractive zest about it.
28. Tiaan – Devil’s Touch
Breezy, fresh, and relatively minimal pop, “Devil’s Touch” is a spritely summer song.
27. Spoon – Do You
Spoon’s comeback single is a winner. It’s a spork to save the day when you’ve neither the time nor the inclination to decide which utensil is most appropriate.
26. Rdgldgrn – Turn
Really got into this jam. A little 311, a little Sublime, a little bit of an earworm.
25. Seether – Words as Weapons/Same Damn Life
These two songs are the cleanest, most polished I’ve heard Seether. This might not do it for some, but I’m down with it. Shaun Morgan’s voice sounds great with strong supporting melodies.
Words as Weapons
Same Damn Life
24. Sia – Elastic Heart
Sia’s voice is a weapon. An elastic one with a heart as strong as a diamond. Possibly the best track from her latest album.
23. Sophie – Lemonade
“Lemonade” doesn’t just push and prod the boundaries of pop in 2014, it obliterates them. What a fantastic “is this really happening” track.
22. Twenty One Pilots – House Of Gold
Already huge, or getting there, I’m not sure. What I am sure of is whatever attention it garners is well deserved.
21. OK GO – The Writing’s On The Wall
OK GO always make amazing videos. “The Writing On The Wall” is no exception. What they’ve added to the formula is the best song they’ve ever done. (Seriously, watch this video if you haven’t already — it’s awesome.)
20. La Roux – Kiss And Not Tell
I would’ve chosen another tune as the 4th single, but that’s no slight to “Kiss And Not Tell”. This is a super stylish ditty and one of the better songs on La Roux’s sensational second album, Tropical Chancer.
19. Charli – Boom Clap (Cahill Radio Edit)
Almost as excellent as the original, the Cahill Radio Edit achieved an impressive level of ubiquity for a dance remix. This is because it’s really, really good.
18. Iggy Azelea f. Charli XCX – Fancy
Didn’t fall head over heels in love with this track when I first heard it, and frankly, I don’t think I have to this point. But I can’t deny its power. It’s a massive banger with a simple beat, slick rhymes a wicked hook from Charli XCX. Oh, and I can’t count the number of people I’ve annoyed and possibly offended deeply by “singing”, ad nauseam, “first things first, I’m the realest.”
17. James Arthur – Recovery
It’s the massive chorus. And Arthur’s vocal delivery. And the verses. And how it gets distorted near the end. But that chorus. That sprawling, loopy, heart-racing chorus.
16. Duke Dumont – Mumble Man
Mumbling has never sounded so catchy. And the bass at 1:32 is killer. This is house music that needs no introduction. It just needs a dancefloor and some speakers. The victims will reveal themselves. They’ll have no choice.
The Pun Is Sure 