Top five albums of 2014

by Dana Rodriguez, reporter

2014 was a great year for music. Many albums were released, but which were the best? These artists had some of the most successful albums in the industry for 2014.

Five: 5 Seconds of Summer, 5 Seconds of Summer

Sophomore Shane Meckes says, “This album keeps me interested and enjoying every song.”

5 Seconds of Summer’s debut album 5 Seconds of Summer made a name for the group. Between their hit singles “She Looks So Perfect” and “Amnesia,” their worldwide Where We Are Tour with one direction, and their own follow up tour Rock Out With Your Socks Out, the group is bound for success thanks to this smashing Album. With pop-feel songs like “Don’t Stop” and edgy songs like “Voodoo Doll” and “Social Casualty,” the album certainly deserves its spot in the top five albums of 2014.

Four: In the Lonely Hour, Sam Smith

“It was impossible not to notice Smith’s heart-rending range, which seemed to have come out of nowhere.” -Billboard

Sam Smith’s album In the Lonely Hour contained his first big hit “Stay With Me.” After it hit, Sam only got more fame and award show appearances. The first hit single was only followed up by another hit “I’m Not The Only One.” The album is filled with heart wrenching songs and has earned a spot in the top five countdown.

Three: X, Ed Sheeran

“Every song on the album keeps my attention from start to finish and shows his talent,” Says Sophomore Joclyn Day.

No one can say Ed Sheeran’s song are all the same and his newest album X proves it. The album ranges from heartfelt ballads such “Tenerife Sea” and his single “Thinking Out Loud” to upbeat songs such as “Runaway” and another two singles “Sing” and “Don’t.” The diversity of the album solidifies the need for this album to be in the top five of 2014.

Two: 1989, Taylor Swift

“Even though I was never a big fan of Taylor, 1989 renewed me and my love for her music,” Sophomore Jessica Lauer said about the album.

Nothing bad can be said about Taylor Swift’s newest work of art 1989. Her single “Shake it Off” was everywhere only to be followed by “Blank Space,” ensuring we got not break from Taylor’s amazing talent since the album dropped. The first album track “Welcome to New York” even landed Taylor Swift as an ambassador for New York. The album was one of the highest selling and had everyone, fans of Swift or not, appreciating her newest work. A spot on the top five album is the least the album deserves.

One: Four, One Direction

“Four tempers bursts of youthful exuberance in the vein of “Live While We’re Young” or the “Teenage Wasteland”-biting “Best Song Ever” with mellow, even melancholy moments that are intended to reflect the group’s maturation.” -Billboard

One Direction’s fourth album Four was a record-breaking album. The album went to number one in 146 countries, that is about two-thirds of the world. This is more than any of the other albums and is proof that One Direction is still at the top of the charts. It includes amazing singles such as “Steal My Girl” and their mature song “Night Changes.” Four steals the show over any album of the year and is certainly number one on the list for 2014.