The year of 2014 saw many shades in the music industry, from drop in sales to new artists and bands which made breakthroughs with their albums. While relatively new acts like British rock band 1975 and Australian boy band 5 Seconds Of Summer released albums which were loved by millions, old acts like Coldplay and Beyonce also released hit records.
Now as 2014 nears its end, we bring you eight of the many albums which made a critical as well as commercial impact in music this year.
1. X (or Multiply) by Ed Sheeran
Sheeran’s X is currently topping year end charts and sales in UK. X also ranked number one in The Daily Telegraph’s list of Best 50 Albums of 2014. Apart from the international recognition and commercial success, X launched Sheeran into the mainstream market. The album gave hit and memorable singles like Don’t Sing, Thinking Out Loud, Sing and Afire Love. This is definitely the musical masterpiece of 2014.
2. In the Lonely Hour by Sam Smith
Another British artist in the list, Sam Smith’s studio debut album In the Lonely Hour was a surprise 2014 hit. Spawning five chartbusting singles – Lay Me Down, Money on My Mind, Stay with Me, I’m Not the Only One and Like I Can, the album was a commercial success and topped charts in many countries. Although the album received mixed reviews from the critics, it was a noticeable work of this year.
3. Ultraviolence by Lana Del Ray
Ultraviolence, apart from Lana’s third noticeable studio album, was also a big 2014 hit. The album showed Lana’s impressive vocal range and charted songs like Shades of Cool, West Coast and Ultraviolence.
4. Royal Blood by Royal Blood
Formed in 2013 in Brighton, this garage and blues rock band released a significant eponymous debut album this year. The album was successful in garnering substantial critical acclaim both lyrically and musically. Out of the ten song long track list, some of the noteworthy tracks in this album are Out of the Black, Come on Over and Ten Tonne Skeleton.
5. Ghost Stories by Coldplay
The sixth studio album by Coldplay was one of the most waited for releases of 2014. Ghost Stories got critical as well as commercial acclaim and topped charts in more than 20 countries. Tracks like Magic, Midnight, A Sky Full of Stars, True Love and Ink were remarkable hits by the band.
6. 5 Seconds of Summer by 5 Seconds of Summer
This Australian pop punk/ pop rock band’s debut album rocketed the act to international fame and acclaim. The album released five hit singles including international hits like She Looks So Perfect and What I Like About You. The band has emerged to be a noteworthy act of 2014.
7. The 1975 by 1975
Another prominent debut record of 2014, the English indie rock band’s eponymous album also made the act come in the public eye. Six singles from the album including The City and Girls were able to get charted on Billboard.
8. 1989 by Taylor Swift
The transition from country to pop made Swift’s fifth studio album an international chart topper, debuting at number one in over 10 countries. Till now, 1989 has charted two number one hit singles – Shake it Off and Blank Space. It also became the album of 2014 to hit the platinum mark in its first week of release.
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