Before we fully step into 2024 and what all is in store for us, we’re taking a nostalgic trip down memory lane to celebrate ten indie albums from 2014 that not only defined the year but also left an exciting mark on the music landscape. These albums, rich in creativity and diversity, showcase the best of what indie music had to offer a decade ago. And hopefully, they inspire others to revisit some of the best music of the 21st century.
1. St. Vincent – St. Vincent
Annie Clark, aka St. Vincent, didn’t just release an album in 2014; she kicked off her fantastic music career in the most exciting way possible. Her self-titled album is a kaleidoscope of quirky beats and razor-sharp lyrics. It’s like falling into a technicolor dream where pop meets avant-garde.
2. The War on Drugs – Lost in the Dream
Imagine driving through a misty landscape, with nothing but your thoughts and a perfect soundtrack. That’s Lost in the Dream for you. The War on Drugs managed to bottle the essence of introspective road trips with their sprawling, reverb-laden soundscapes. Tracks like “Red Eyes” are less songs and more emotional experiences.
3. Sharon Van Etten – Are We There
Sharon Van Etten’s Are We There is a heart-wrenching diary set to music. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s all about the messy business of being human. Van Etten doesn’t just sing; she bares her soul, especially in tracks like “Your Love is Killing Me,” which feels like a punch to the gut in the best way possible.
4. Alt-J – This Is All Yours
With This Is All Yours, alt-J proved they were not a one-hit wonder. They came back with an album that was as weird and wonderful as their debut. It’s a smorgasbord of sounds, from the haunting “Hunger of the Pine” to the groovy “Left Hand Free,” which is still a major hit nearly a decade later.
5. Angel Olsen – Burn Your Fire for No Witness
Angel Olsen’s Burn Your Fire for No Witness is a masterclass in indie storytelling. Olsen’s voice, a blend of silk and steel, delivers lyrics that are both intimate and universal. Songs like “Windows” feel like whispered confessions during a late-night drive. It’s melancholic, it’s beautiful, and it’s utterly unforgettable even 10 years later.
6. Hozier – Hozier
Of all the artists on this list, Hozier’s debut album might have aged the best. The Irish singer-songwriter’s album is a soulful exploration of love, spirituality and social issues. Each song is a rich tapestry of blues, soul and rock, bound together by Hozier’s profound lyricism and vocal prowess.
7. Future Islands – Singles
Future Islands’ Singles is an electrifying mix of synth-pop and soulful vocals. The band’s frontman, Samuel T. Herring, brings a raw energy to tracks like “Seasons (Waiting on You),” making you feel every word. This album is like a burst of energy and emotion, perfect for dancing away your troubles, no matter how old you are now.
8. Mac DeMarco – Salad Days
Salad Days is Mac DeMarco’s ode to the joys and pains of youth. With his laid-back vocals and jangly guitar, DeMarco creates a vibe that’s part beach bum, part introspective poet. The title track, “Salad Days,” feels like a lazy summer afternoon spent pondering the meaning of life. But as you re-listen to it, try not to have an existential crisis about being 10 years older.
9. FKA Twigs – LP1
Who were you before FKA Twigs dropped LP1? The album is an ethereal journey through love and self-discovery. Her sound is a unique blend of R&B, electronic, and trip-hop, creating a sonic world that’s all her own. Tracks like “Two Weeks” are still mesmerizing, showcasing her ability to blend vulnerability with a powerful, almost otherworldly presence.
10. Kings Kaleidoscope – Becoming Who We Are
Kings Kaleidoscope brought a refreshing sound to indie worship music in 2014. Becoming Who We Are showcased that they weren’t your typical worship band. Through a mixture of reimagined hymns and original songs of faith, the band began forging their own lane and showed the Christian music scene a different way forward.
