2014 was a vibrant year for music, marked by diverse genres and breakout hits that dominated playlists and airwaves alike. While the year saw numerous tracks vying for the top spot, one song ultimately reigned supreme, capturing hearts globally and becoming the undisputed No 1 Song Of 2014 in the UK: Pharrell Williams’ infectious “Happy”. This feel-good anthem not only topped charts but also became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the power of positive vibes in music. Originally part of the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack released in June 2013, “Happy” continued its incredible journey into 2014, solidifying its place as the year’s biggest hit.
According to OfficialCharts.com, “Happy” achieved a combined sales and streaming figure of 1.62 million throughout 2014. This monumental success underscores the song’s widespread appeal and enduring popularity. Pharrell’s “Happy” even achieved another significant milestone, topping the list of the UK’s most downloaded songs of all time, surpassing Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” – a track where Pharrell was also a featured artist!
Pharrell himself acknowledged the public’s role in this achievement, stating to OfficialCharts.com, “I would just like to say thank you, first and foremost, to the people, because the charts are determined by them. I have a lot to be thankful for because they’ve chosen these things and it’s resulted in Happy being what it’s become.” His words highlight the organic growth of “Happy”‘s popularity, driven by listeners connecting with its uplifting message and catchy melody.
While “Happy” undoubtedly took the crown as the no 1 song of 2014, the year was filled with other chart-topping contenders. Clean Bandit’s “Rather Be” featuring Jess Glynne secured the second spot, amassing a combined chart tally of 1.29 million. This classical-dance fusion track marked Jess Glynne’s breakthrough and showcased the innovative sounds emerging in the music scene. Interestingly, “Rather Be” shared the title for the longest-running Number 1 of 2014 with Meghan Trainor’s “All About That Bass” (which ranked eighth on the year-end list), each holding the top position for four weeks. This tie at the top emphasizes the competitive nature of the charts and the diverse range of popular music in 2014.
John Legend’s soulful ballad “All Of Me” claimed the third biggest song of 2014. This heartfelt ode to his wife Chrissy Teigen resonated deeply with audiences, peaking at Number 2 and maintaining an impressive 44-week presence in the Top 40 throughout the year. “All Of Me” finished with a combined total of 1.2 million, proving the enduring appeal of sincere and emotionally resonant songwriting.
Mr Probz’s “Waves,” remixed by Robin Schulz, landed in fourth place on the Official Singles Chart of 2014. This track distinguished itself as the year’s biggest-selling debut single, achieving 1.01 million combined chart sales. Its blend of melancholic vocals and electronic production captured a unique space in the charts, demonstrating the variety of sounds that resonated with listeners in 2014.
Rounding out the Top 5 was Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud.” This now-classic love song from his album “X” achieved a remarkable feat, claiming the longest ever climb to Number 1 after a staggering 19 weeks in the Top 40. “Thinking Out Loud” tied with “Waves” at 1.01 million combined chart sales for the year, further illustrating the incredibly tight competition at the top of the charts.
The Official Top 10 Singles of 2014:
| Rank | Title | Artist |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HAPPY | PHARRELL WILLIAMS |
| 2 | RATHER BE | CLEAN BANDIT FEAT JESS GLYNNE |
| 3 | ALL OF ME | JOHN LEGEND |
| 4 | WAVES | MR PROBZ |
| 5 | THINKING OUT LOUD | ED SHEERAN |
| 6 | GHOST | ELLA HENDERSON |
| 7 | STAY WITH ME | SAM SMITH |
| 8 | ALL ABOUT THAT BASS | MEGHAN TRAINOR |
| 9 | TIMBER | PITBULL FEAT KESHA |
| 10 | BUDAPEST | GEORGE EZRA |
In conclusion, 2014’s music landscape was rich and diverse, but Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” undeniably shone brightest as the no 1 song of the year. Its massive commercial success and cultural impact cemented its place in music history. While “Happy” led the charge, other tracks like “Rather Be,” “All of Me,” “Waves,” and “Thinking Out Loud” also achieved phenomenal success, reflecting the varied tastes of music fans and the dynamic nature of the charts in 2014. The year served as a testament to the power of music to uplift, inspire, and connect with audiences on a global scale, with “Happy” leading the way.
