Number One Song 2014: Reliving the Year’s Biggest Hits

2014 was a vibrant year in music, marked by catchy pop anthems, soulful ballads, and the rise of dance-infused tracks that dominated global charts. While many songs vied for the top spot, one track truly captured the zeitgeist and became the undisputed number one song 2014: Pharrell Williams’ infectious hit, “Happy.”

Released initially in June 2013 as part of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack before becoming the lead single from his album G I R L, “Happy” wasn’t just a chart-topper; it was a cultural phenomenon. By the end of 2014, it had amassed a staggering 1.62 million combined sales and streams, solidifying its place as the number one song of 2014. Its enduring popularity is further cemented by its recognition as the most downloaded song of all time in the UK, surpassing even Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” which ironically also featured Pharrell Williams.

Pharrell himself acknowledged the public’s role in the song’s success, stating, “I would just like to say thank you, first and foremost, to the people, because the charts are determined by them.” This sentiment underscores the organic connection “Happy” forged with listeners worldwide, becoming an anthem of positivity and joy.

While “Happy” reigned supreme as the number one song in 2014, the year was rich with other chart-dominating tracks. Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be,” featuring Jess Glynne, secured the second spot, showcasing a fusion of classical and dance elements that resonated deeply with audiences. This groundbreaking track achieved a combined chart figure of 1.29 million, marking Jess Glynne’s breakthrough into the music scene. Interestingly, “Rather Be” shared the title of the longest-running number one song of 2014 with Meghan Trainor’s body-positive anthem “All About That Bass” (which landed in eighth position on the year-end chart), each holding the top spot for four weeks.

John Legend’s heartfelt ballad “All Of Me,” an ode to his wife Chrissy Teigen, claimed the third biggest song of 2014. Peaking at Number 2 in April and maintaining an impressive 44-week presence in the Top 40, “All Of Me” garnered 1.2 million combined sales, proving the enduring power of soulful melodies and relatable lyrics.

Mr Probz’s “Waves,” remixed by Robin Schulz, took the fourth position on the Official Singles Chart of 2014. This track stood out as the biggest-selling debut single of the year, achieving 1.01 million combined chart sales, demonstrating the impact of a well-executed remix in propelling a song to mainstream success.

Rounding out the top five was Ed Sheeran’s introspective “Thinking Out Loud.” From his multi-platinum album X, this song achieved a unique chart feat: the longest climb to Number 1, reaching the peak after 19 weeks in the Top 40. By year’s end, it also reached 1.01 million in combined chart sales, showcasing Sheeran’s songwriting prowess and enduring appeal.

The Official Top 10 Singles of 2014 showcased a diverse range of genres and artists, reflecting the dynamic musical landscape of the year. Beyond the top 5, the top 10 included Ella Henderson’s powerful “Ghost,” Sam Smith’s breakthrough hit “Stay With Me,” Meghan Trainor’s aforementioned “All About That Bass,” Pitbull’s energetic “Timber” featuring Kesha, and George Ezra’s catchy “Budapest.” These songs, and the many others that populated the charts in 2014, created a memorable soundtrack for the year.

In conclusion, 2014 was a year defined by Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” as the number one song, but also enriched by a plethora of other phenomenal hits that spanned genres and captured the hearts of music lovers globally. From dance anthems to soulful ballads, the top songs of 2014 continue to be celebrated and enjoyed, reminding us of a vibrant and diverse year in music history.

(Table of Top 100 Songs from Original Article – To be included as per original article)