Dopest Albums of 2014

It’s that time of year again when we come together and celebrate the year that was, highlighting the best that came out of 2014. Chicago proved once more to be a fruitful city for the music world, providing some excellent projects in Hip Hop and Rock.

Because a mixtape is as much a representation of an artist’s vision as any album released via a record label, we’ve bypassed making separate lists and given both their due within one comprehensive list. So now, hit the jump to see the best 2K14 had to offer.

The Black Keys – Turn Blue

The Black Keys’ 2014 release was already slated to appear on this year-end list in our review right from the start largely thanks to its great amount of songs that could be enjoyed individually and as part of the whole-album experience. The music heard on Turn Blue boasts groovy hooks and perfectly-crafted riffs… What more can you ask for?

Key Tracks: “Fever” “Bullet In The Brain”” “Gotta Get Away”

Childish Gambino – STN MTN/KAUAI

The most unconventional project featured on this list is included for very much that same reason. Childish Gambino’s full-fledged album (Because The Internet) was chock-full of great tracks and Radio-ready tunes that we love, but STN MTN/KAUAI is a treasure on its own because it shows that experimental side that first gave him some credibility on the underground scene. Plus, this also served as Jaden Smith’s serious launch into Hip Hop without the need to reference his pops.

Key Tracks: “Sober” “Retro” “Late Night in Kauai”

Jack White – Lazaretto

Jack White is one of the last (contemporary) Gods of Rock remaining these days but the lack of competition doesn’t seem to slow him down. Lazaretto, White’s second solo release, is much less bare-bones Rock as heard with The White Stripes and more so Folk/Blues, but this mesh of the traditional guitar lead with the sounds that lay at the foundation of Rock & Roll shows off his ability to evolve and still “sound like Jack White.”

Key Tracks: “Lazaretto” “Would You Fight For My Love?” “High Ball Stepper”

Logic – Under Pressure

Under Pressure is Logic’s mainstream release, a project that serves as the Maryland rapper’s answer to the hype that has been building since he broke onto the scene. Logic went against the norm by skipping on the tradition of including features (although the great “Driving Ms. Daisy” with Childish Gambino was included in the deluxe version) but it’s the guest production from the likes of 6ix, Rob Knox and Tae Beast that makes up for that. Logic justifies his ever-increasing fan-base’s affinity towards him.

Key Tracks: “Under Pressure” “Buried Alive”

Mick Jenkins – The Water[s]

Mick Jenkins’ The Water[s] is a great release as we see one of the most promising up-and-comers in our stomping grounds live up to his potential. The music Jenkins makes has a depth that is not exactly seen in the drill scene that dominates Chicago’s airwaves; his artistic voice is naturally poetic and it hits all the right points for people who tend to say they prefer “real Hip Hop.”

Key Tracks: “Dehydration” “Jazz” “Rain”

The Orwells – Disgraceland

Our favorite Rock stars-in-the-making took us into their basement and gave us a peek at teenage creativity at its finest. These Elmhurst reps have good ol’ Rock & Roll at the core of their sound, but it’s their ability to write songs that lean towards sub-genres like Punk and Garage Rock that allow you to see there’s plenty of directions that they can go towards from here and master them all.

Key Tracks: “The Righteous One” “Dirty Sheets” “Who Needs You”

Pharrell – G I R L

Pharrell kept his quest for world domination going with G I R L, an album packed with everything from Pop to Funk to Soul. The man has got hit-making in his blood and this album is a manifestation of that. Plus, it’s got what may very well be the world anthem of 2014 in “Happy.”

Key Tracks: “Hunter” “Happy” “Come Get It Bae”

 

Run The Jewels – RTJ 2

Run The Jewels, the Hip Hop super duo consisting of El-P and Killer Mike, made one of the genre’s greatest releases in RTJ II boasting raw sounds, complex lyrics, and great features  (Zack De La Rocha!). We saw them play Lollapalooza and at the confines of the Lacuna Lofts with great success, and with RTJ II they further prove they’re a force to be reckoned with no matter the size of the stage or the medium.

Key Tracks: “All My Life” “Blockbuster Part 1” “Close Your Eyes”

Saba – Comfort Zone

We’ve been fans of Saba for some time now so our anticipation for Comfort Zone was up there with any die-hard out there, and lucky for us, the Pivot rep did not disappoint. This is Saba stepping into the fast lane, proving he can keep up with anybody worth their buzz in Chicago and showing off he’s ready for a national spotlight.

Key Tracks: “Burnout” “Butter” “For Y’all”

The Smashing Pumpkins – Monuments to an Elegy

The Smashing Pumpkins are more and more just a shadow of their former selves, and while the darkness has definitely toned down in recent years, Billy Corgan still knows how to write good music. The sound of Monuments is a testament to how a band can age well and that an evolution in sound doesn’t always translate to sacrificing on quality.

Key Tracks: “Tiberius” “Drum + Fife”

St. Vincent – St. Vincent

St. Vincent’s self-titled album was the breakthrough release of the year, delivering to the mainstream a project with the potential of being a game-changer and shining a light on  The future of Rock seems to lay on St. Vincent’s forward-minded sounds and she’s just one of a very short list of artists worth handing over the wheel to.

Key Tracks: “Birth In Reverse” “Digital Witness”

Twin Peaks – Wild Onion

Give The Rolling Stones a modern twist then put it through a fuzz filter and you’ve got yourself Twin Peaks’ Wild Onion. The sophomore album from this Chicago band showcases their ability to create Pop-y Rock with great hooks and riffs dripping with nostalgia.

Key Tracks: “I Found A New Way” “Making Breakfast” “Telephone” “Flavor”