Top Songs of 2014: Relive the Biggest Hits of the Year

2014 was a vibrant year in music, delivering a diverse range of chart-toppers that dominated playlists and airwaves alike. From infectious pop anthems to soulful ballads and dancefloor fillers, the year’s biggest songs showcased a variety of genres and artists that resonated with audiences worldwide. According to the official charts, several tracks stood out from the crowd, achieving phenomenal sales and streaming numbers. Let’s delve into the Top Songs Of 2014 and explore what made them so unforgettable.

The Reign of “Happy” and Pharrell Williams

Topping the charts in 2014 was the undeniably catchy and uplifting track “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. Released initially for the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack in June 2013, “Happy” transcended its film origins to become a global phenomenon. It was later featured on Pharrell’s album G I R L and by 2014, it had amassed a staggering 1.62 million in combined sales and streams. Its enduring popularity was further cemented when it was named the UK’s most downloaded track of all time, surpassing even Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” – a song that also featured Pharrell!

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.” The infectious rhythm and positive message of “Happy” clearly struck a chord, making it the biggest song of 2014.

Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” Blends Classical and Dance

Securing the second spot in the top songs of 2014 was Clean Bandit’s groundbreaking hit “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne. This innovative track seamlessly fused classical elements with dance music, creating a unique and captivating sound. “Rather Be” marked Jess Glynne’s breakthrough into the music scene and achieved a combined chart tally of 1.29 million in 2014. Notably, it shared the title of the longest-running Number 1 of the year with Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” (which itself landed in eighth place on the year-end list), each spending an impressive four weeks at the summit.

John Legend’s Soulful Ballad “All Of Me” Captivates Hearts

John Legend claimed the third biggest song of 2014 with his heartfelt ballad “All Of Me.” This deeply personal ode to his wife Chrissy Teigen resonated with listeners worldwide thanks to its raw emotion and beautiful melody. “All Of Me” peaked at Number 2 on the charts in April 2014 and maintained incredible staying power, spending 44 weeks in the Top 40 throughout the year. By year’s end, it had reached a combined total of 1.2 million across all formats, solidifying its place as one of the top songs of 2014 and a timeless love song.

Mr Probz’s “Waves” Rides a Remix to Success

Taking the fourth position in the Official Singles Chart of 2014 was Mr Probz with “Waves.” While the original track gained traction, it was the remix by Robin Schulz that propelled “Waves” to mainstream success. This remixed version became the biggest-selling debut single of the year, accumulating 1.01 million combined chart sales. “Waves” demonstrated the power of a well-executed remix to transform a song’s reach and impact.

Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” Achieves a Slow-Burning Success

Rounding out the top 5 of the official singles chart for 2014 was Ed Sheeran’s enduring hit “Thinking Out Loud.” Featured on his million-selling album X, “Thinking Out Loud” achieved a unique chart record. It claimed the longest ever climb to Number 1 after 19 weeks in the Top 40, showcasing its gradual but persistent rise to the top. By the end of 2014, it matched Mr Probz’s “Waves” with a chart tally of 1.01 million, confirming its status as one of the top songs of 2014 and a testament to Ed Sheeran’s songwriting prowess.

A Glimpse at the Rest of the Top 10

Beyond the top 5, the remainder of the top 10 songs of 2014 showcased a diverse musical landscape. Ella Henderson’s powerful vocals in “Ghost,” Sam Smith’s soulful breakthrough with “Stay With Me,” and Meghan Trainor’s body-positive anthem “All About That Bass” all made significant impacts. Pitbull and Kesha’s energetic collaboration “Timber” and George Ezra’s catchy folk-pop tune “Budapest” further exemplified the variety of sounds that resonated with audiences that year.

The top songs of 2014 represent a snapshot of a year filled with memorable melodies and diverse musical talents. From global sensations to breakthrough artists, these tracks left an indelible mark on the music scene and continue to be enjoyed by listeners today.

The Official Top 10 Singles Chart of 2014:

© 2014 Official Charts Company. All rights reserved.