AllMusic 2014 Year in Review
AllMusic Best of 2014
The end of 2014 is in sight, so it's time to devote ourselves to the daunting task of attempting to summarize the musical output of an entire year. Over the next three weeks we're going to tackle the best releases of a few dozen genres and formats, so be sure to keep an eye out for your favorites, whether it's metal or jazz or Americana. We're starting with our editors' overall best-of list, then we'll narrow our gaze to individual genres.
This flawless, wildly ambitious offering is not only mature, but sets a new bar for creativity in Latin music.
The last of the Pistol Annies to deliver a solo album offers a richly detailed, deceptively relaxed portrait of middle class America in 2014.
Anchored by bass lines that zip and glide, this is one of Richard D. James' most inviting releases, a bright progression from his Analord series.
The producer's debut album delivers uniquely emotional, organic music that revels in its state of flux.
Composed in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, this dark, menacing set is the enigmatic composer's masterpiece thus far.
Equally fiery and committed, Cloud Nothings' fourth album is sustainable punk.
A buoyant celebration inspired by the organ jazz of Jimmy Smith and the joyous New Orleans second-line tradition.
EMA / Billy Sandness / Leif Shackelford
EMA's ambitious second album explores the relationship between identity and the Internet in dazzling, often affecting vignettes.
The multi-talented artist's first full-length expands on her innovative sounds and bittersweet sensuality.
Steven Ellison confronts mortality and pushes four genres forward at once.
The beguiling Freeman is a soft, melodic hybrid of Y2K Ween and early Paul McCartney.
The group's fourth album finds them streamlining their synth pop-influenced sound into something danceable and emotionally cutting.
Gustavo Dudamel / Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela
Gustavo Dudamel and the Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra of Venezuela present a compelling performance of Gustav Mahler's oddest symphony.
A gorgeous, melancholy collection of sunshine and heartache that's quintessentially L.A.
Chiefly produced by Machine Drum, this offers the best yet from the poetic, breathy-voiced alternative R&B gallant.
Raw, exceedingly emotional, and melodic neo-emo-punk that stands proudly next to the classic albums of the '90s emo wave.
Even better than the R&B singer and songwriter's debut, additional proof that she's simultaneously larger than life and 100-percent real.
The certified chef's sixth studio album is one of her best releases, a fruitful alliance with TV on the Radio's Dave Sitek.
The New Zealand singer/songwriter's second album delivers vibrant R&B and pop pastiches that borrow the best of Michael Jackson and Prince.
Hollywood pop star moves into more patient and jazz-inflected moods on this Dan Auerbach-produced album.
A warm, intimate, and resonant career reboot from the veteran country singer.
Following the introspective WIXIW, Liars deliver some of their most spontaneous and wickedly gleeful songs in years.
The Swedish group's fourth, mostly self-produced album is highlighted by a handful of stormy ballads.
Canadian goofball grows up alongside his lighthearted but deceptively complex pop style, offering his most consistent set of songs as he ponders aging.
Mahan Esfahani offers exquisite interpretations of Rameau's complete keyboard works on this double-disc from Hyperion.
Miranda tries to be everything to everyone on her fifth album and comes awfully close to succeeding.
On his first record in 13 years, the Brazilian songwriter delivers an intimate, spacious, nearly perfect collection of simple yet elegant songs.
Impressively dark and dramatic shoegaze/noise rock debut that takes the tropes of those styles and totally owns them.
On his Blue Note debut, the noted drummer assembles a killer core band and three special vocal guests to deliver an ambitious, affirmative set.
Mike Hadreas' bold, terrifying, and heartbreaking third album features Portishead's Adrian Utley and PJ Harvey collaborator John Parish.
Second album from Detroit post-punkers expands on their furious beginnings with more nuanced moods and production.
More sophisticated, straightforward, and confident, the third album from these tuneful indie rockers is their most mature.
Robert Plant / Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters
lullaby and... The Ceaseless Roar
Plant returns to the mysticism of England without abandoning the shape-shifting, genre-bending sound of Band of Joy.
Growing into something serious, rappers El-P and Killer Mike stun once again with this excellent sequel.
Sidiki Diabaté / Toumani Diabaté
The kora's modern master and his eldest son team up to deliver a mesmerizing set of unadorned duets on their debut together.
The Nottingham duo's brilliantly crude breakthrough proves they're one of the most truly punk acts of the 2010s.
A fascinating mix of directness and artifice, St. Vincent's fourth album is her most satisfying yet.
The Jicks get mellow, sunny, and mischievous on this, their first album since Malkmus reunited Pavement.
Metamodern Sounds in Country Music
On his sophomore effort, the singer/songwriter expands his songwriting and sonic reach but stays country to the core.
The jazz trumpeter's funky, soul- and hip-hop infused Blue Note debut produced by vocalist Jose James.
Temples' debut is a thrilling introduction to their brand of backward-looking, forward-sounding psych pop.
A stellar set of slow jams from a singer whose career was considered D.O.A. in 2008.
Half-threatening, half-punishing collision of dub, ragga, grime, and other strands -- a masterstroke from Kevin Martin and crew.
Third album of dreamy, understated, and slowly unfurling rock stands as this Philly group's finest hour.
The trumpeter's vibrant, '70s jazz fusion-infused third album, with production and vocals from Dee Dee Bridgewater.
Thomas Hampson / Wolfram Rieger
Notturno: Songs by Richard Strauss
To celebrate Richard Strauss' 150th anniversary, baritone Thomas Hampson and pianist Wolfram Rieger present a recital of 18 essential songs.
tUnE-yArDs' third album thrives on contradictions, delivering some of the duo's most challenging yet accessible music.