2014 Roundup: Naomi's Music Picks, Pt. 1

For those of you who don't know her, my sister Naomi is a bit of a music nerd, as am I. We have been complaining to each other for months about 2014's uninspired output. Sure, there were a few gems here and there, and one monster album that no one could hide from, but mostly this year sent a huge wave of "meh" through our speakers. Naomi, on a desperate search to find good music, listened to more albums than she ever had before and came up with the following lists, just for you, dear readers.

Here's Naomi's take on 2014, parte uno:

Songs I Would Like Someone To Apologize For

• "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy 
• "You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile" by Sia 
• "Maps" by Maroon 5 
• "I Can't Stop Drinking About You" by Bebe Rexha 
• "Tuesday" by I LOVE MAKONNEN feat. Drake 
• "Rude" by MAGIC!

The MVP of 2014

Charli XCX

I will be the first to admit that “Boom Clap” isn’t exactly a masterpiece, but even when she was off this year, Charli was still the most captivating and down-to-earth of all the 2014 newbie mainstream artists. Charli XCX is a synthpunk pop princess, and I couldn’t be happier that she is getting the credit she deserves.

  

Best Album of 2014

Changing Light by Mirah

It’s hard to think that such a sweet, ethereal voice comes from a levelheaded forty-year-old, but that is part of what makes this album so intriguing. Mirah is so intelligent and sincere that when she compares her bad breakup to “the ending of the world,” you will believe her. This is not sad white girl music, this is a grown woman reflecting on the choices she’s made. Her introspection covers a broad spectrum of emotions, coming in waves of shrouded metaphors (“I Am the Garden”) and blunt criticism (“24th St”). The album reads like a storybook, a tale of love lost and hope restored.

Next up: the best songs of 2014.