25. Clean Bandit – New Eyes

Released: May 30, 2014

What makes this album so well done is the way Clean Bandit have cleverly used violins and violas to blend in well with the electronic elements of the many songs – in ‘Mozart’s House’ the group uses part of the string quartet No. 21 by Mozart which works well with the song’s overall theme. You could also say that their use of collaborators made this album what it was, from the fantastic Jess Glynne to the sharp vocals of Elizabeth Troy. – Kelson Conteh

24. Mac Miller – Faces

Released: May 11, 2014

This 24-track compilation gives Mac Miller fans plenty of good music and may have likely turned some Mac Miller haters into fans alike. While the album features Sir Michael Rocks and two tracks with former tour partner, Odd Future’s Earl Sweatshirt, Faces is 95% all Mac. More so than projects in the past, this is where Mac shows people that he is more than just a white rapper in a snapback. Faces is not only one of Miller’s best produced works yet, overall it is probably his best project to date.

23. PARTYNEXTDOOR – PARTYNEXTDOOR TWO

Released: July 29, 2014

Even though the album is titled with a “2” this is actually the first. The OVO artist, PARTYNEXTDOOR, has really blown up in the past year with features from Mr. OVO himself, Drake and a solid following from a popular EP released last summer. Looking to solidifying himself with another good release he comes out the gates with “East Liberty”. The familiar spacey smooth sounds we’ve become accustom to are the perfect start off. The beginning of this album is very strong with songs like “SLS” and “Sex on the beach”. I would suggest a listen as it’s very smooth and would be great ambient music for certain situations. – Alex Avgerinos

22. Future Islands – Singles

Released: March 24, 2014

Future Islands, the synthpop band out of Baltimore, gave listeners their 4th full-length project called Singles. Do not be fooled by the title, because like many albums, Singles does not live and die by its singles, such as the opening track ‘Seasons (Waiting On You)’. Although in just 10-tracks, this album contains very little fillers and gives 42 minutes of quality music. Singles is certainly showcases Future Islands outstanding song writing.

21. Angel Olsen – Burn Your Fire for No Witness

Released: February 14, 2014

American folk and indie singer-songwriter Angel Olsen has given us many projects in the past, but this is her best yet. While she has put out a number of albums over the past few years, she may not be in your radar, but she certainly needs to be. If you like indie and folk music, you will likely love when Angel Olsen has to offer.  Another short and sweet project, with 11 tracks, and certainly one of the most worthy listens of 2014.