Sam Smith isn't the only Sam stealing hearts. It might sound wild, but it works on his debut album, mainly thanks to Hunt's swagger and sexy sing-talk vocal delivery. "Montevallo," Sam Hunt: Props to singer-songwriter Sam Hunt for blending country music with elements of R&B, electronica and hip-hop. "My Everything," Ariana Grande: Ariana Grande has already launched four Top 10 hits from her second album, but there's so much more that bangs beyond "Bang Bang" on "My Everything." The powerful vocalist nails it with a cool blend of R&B and pop songs that's almost as good as her revering 2013 debut. The New Zealand group's album, "Evergreen," is a winner with instrumentalist Caleb Nott shining on the eclectic, alternative production, giving Georgia Nott a platform to showcase her calming vocals, especially on "Killing You" and "Mother & Father." "Evergreen," Broods: The parents of brother and sister duo Broods should be proud.
"Just Like Vegas" is only one of the many standouts. Though she had a huge hit with the addictive "2 On," the singer proves she's much more than a one-hit wonder on "Aquarius." Her whispery vocals glide over the songs' beats so nicely you'll constantly hit repeat. "Aquarius," Tinashe: Tinashe, who is also part of the alternative R&B movement, delivered an album that moved the needle this year. "Sucker," Charli XCX: Let's boom clap for Charli XCX and her top notch album, "Sucker." The mix of rock and pop songs are confident and catchy, and prove that although Charli XCX was the side chick on songs like Iggy Azalea's "Fancy" and Icona Pop's "I Love It," she's the real leading lady. The English singer's soft vocals layered over weird beats make this 10-track set a must listen, thanks to addictive tracks like "Two Weeks," ''Numbers" and "Lights On."
"LP1," FKA twigs: FKA twigs' ethereal and eerie album is heavenly. His rhymes are smart, and he is a powerful storyteller that, at times, echoes rap king Nas. The insanely talented rapper captures so much on his third album, tackling various topics from losing his virginity to growing up in Fayetteville, North Carolina to contemporary rappers, who should take note. There can only be only reply when he sings, "Oh, won't you stay with me?" That would be a resounding, "Yes." Tracks like the radio hit, "Stay With Me," and "Leave Your Lover" are intense and emotional, making for an honest, beautiful album that soothes the soul. The songs, anchored by his piercing voice, had the power to make you cry, smile, shiver and even dance.
"In the Lonely Hour," Sam Smith: Sam Smith's album was an emotional roller coaster - a ride you couldn't get off of even if you tried. The AllMusic review by John Bush stated: "Sarah Vaughan's contribution to the genre of saloon song LPs, doesn't have a stellar selection of material.Benny Carter's refined arrangements and ensemble playing don't exactly reinforce the isolation of the title, but Vaughan sounds excellent on 'I'll Never Be the Same', 'These Foolish Things', and 'If I Had You'.Hopefully, Carter wasn't responsible for the occasionally canned sound of the strings The Lonely Hours is a solid match of vocalist and arranger in most respects, with only the quality of the material weighing it down slightly".Up for a good long listen? Check out the Associated Press' top albums of 2014 list:
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