Music · 2014
Pop Shifts, Surprise Drops, and Blockbuster Anthems
In 2014, pop music asserted absolute dominance through massive chart-topping albums and unshakeable synth anthems, even as digital releases reshaped traditional listening habits. From Taylor Swift's full pop transition to iconic viral hits, the year proved that music could still command global pop culture.
- Taylor Swift / Album / Oct 2014
1989
Taylor Swift fully embraced mainstream synth-pop with her record-breaking fifth album, spawning ubiquitous hits like Shake It Off and Blank Space.
- Pharrell Williams / Pop / Single
Happy
Originally from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, Pharrell's irresistibly buoyant soul-pop track dominated global airwaves to become the biggest single of the year.
- Beyoncé & Jay-Z / Stadium Tour
On the Run Tour
Music's ultimate power couple joined forces for a massive co-headlining stadium tour across North America and Europe, grossing over $100 million.
- Jan 26, 2014 / Awards / Dance
Daft Punk Sweeps the Grammys
The helmeted French duo won Album of the Year for Random Access Memories and Record of the Year for Get Lucky at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards.
- U2 / Apple Event / Sep 2014
Songs of Innocence
U2 sparked widespread tech controversy when Apple automatically deposited their new album into the iTunes libraries of over 500 million unsuspecting users.
- Sia / Electropop / Single
Chandelier
Featuring Maddie Ziegler's mesmerizing dance performance in the music video, Sia's vocal masterclass became a haunting pop culture phenomenon.
- Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars / Single
Uptown Funk
Released late in the year, this exuberant retro-funk powerhouse instantly captivated audiences and kicked off a multi-week run atop global charts.
- FKA Twigs / Debut Album / Aug 2014
LP1
British artist FKA Twigs emerged as an avant-garde R&B visionary with her critically acclaimed, boundary-pushing debut studio album.
Enjoyed your trip back in time?