2014’s Best Pop Singles: Idolator Editors Pick 20 Favorites
10. Made In Heights, “Ghosts”
Made In Heights crafted 2014’s prettiest piece of electronica with “Ghosts.” The Los Angeles-based duo’s genius lies in their restraint. Vocalist Kelsey Bulkin mysteriously sing/whispers over Sabzi‘s gorgeous, cascading synths before launching into the song’s subtle-yet-oddly-euphoric chorus. In fact, you could be forgiven for getting more than a slight Janet Jackson vibe here.
While a little too weird and whimsical for pop radio (it’s about weeping supernatural entities), “Ghosts” suggests that great things could happen for the odd couple in 2015. But do yourself a favor and hop onto the Made In Heights train early. This song in particular is a great starting point. — MIKE WASS
9. Mary J. Blige, “Right Now”
Mary J. Blige is the undeniable Queen Of Hip Hop Soul, but the legendary singer aimed for a musical transformation when she jetted across the pond for her new album. The London Sessions was created with a variety of UK singers, songwriters and producers, and one of the main highlights to come out of the project was “Right Now.”
Produced by Disclosure and co-written with Sam Smith, this single fits right in with the current throwback to the ’90s trend, yet it does so in a way that doesn’t have Blige seeming like she’s trying too hard to fit in with the youngsters. In fact, she completely owns this retro groove as her velvety, soulful vocals match perfectly with the bumping UK house-inspired production. — BIANCA GRACIE
8. Kiesza, “Hideaway”
If CeCe Peniston had written a song for Robin S back in 1992, and MK produced it, we like to think it would have sounded a lot like “Hideaway.” True, Canadian songbird Kiesza may not have the pipes of those two mentioned divas, but the heart, soul and sound of house music’s heyday was alive and well in this firecracker of a dance jam, which hit #1 across Europe throughout the spring and summer, and was certified Gold here in the States.
Kiesza popped into the Idolator studio back in March, as her one-shot video for “Hideaway” was going viral, and talked to us about crafting the vibe of the song with producer Rami Samir Afuni: “We tried all different types of styles. Eventually it led to kind of just tapping into what we were both really passionate about, [which] was the ’90s.” — ROBBIE DAW
7. Tinashe featuring Schoolboy Q, “2 On”
From the moment “2 On” broke out in January, we knew Tinashe was (finally!) on her way to the top. Over the year, the murky, DJ Mustard-produced ode to getting ratchet and going dumb in the club slowly-but-surely took over radio airwaves and club speakers, climbing its way up the charts.
The Aquarius diva’s unbelievably fire-hot, tightly choreographed live performances on late night TV and award shows certainly helped to extend the song’s shelf life, too. The trap-tinged club bumper seemingly influenced other pop starlets (Fergie‘s “L.A. Love,” any one?) and consistently kept us getting 2 on (and on and on) all year long. — BRADLEY STERN
6. Ariana Grande featuring Zedd, “Break Free”
Even though Ari broke free a year prior with breezy R&B-pop throwback cuts like “Baby I,” the mini-diva made an even more massive splash in 2014. The horn-heavy “Problem” with Iggy Azalea had us bopping our heads all summer long, but it was her first major foray into EDM, courtesy of Zedd, that had us appreciating the songstress in a whole new light.
Even though her enunciation is a bit dodgy (like a deadly…what?), “Break Free” is nothing less than an all-out emancipation anthem for the dance floor, full of rapid-fire beat breakdowns and a chorus that just won’t quit. This is the part when we say we love Ariana. — BRADLEY STERN
