Another year is in the books, and we here at Hush Comics couldn’t pass at the chance to rank our favorites of this year’s releases in all types of mediums. Some of the winners will surprise you; heck, some of the results surprised us. The results are completely subjective, and therefore were chosen with infallible logic. We would love to hear your opinions on what we have chosen, or if you thought we missed anything. This should be a fun review before we gear up for 2015.
Best New Artist
- Charli XCX
- Jhene Aiko
- Kiesza
- Sam Smith
- Sia
WINNER – Sam Smith
SAM SMITH IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL!!! After initially hearing Sam Smith for the first time with his breakout hit, “Stay With Me,” I had several thoughts. Who is this sad, sad man? How come I haven’t listened to this song 100 times by now? And, why am I crying in the shower with all my clothes on? Sam Smith brings something to the table other artists do not. Although it is more than common to sing of love, loss, and heartbreak, Sam Smith does it in the clearest most honest way I’ve heard in a long time. When hearing him sing, I don’t think to myself, “these are celebrity famous people problems,” rather these are the problems of the common man. Sam Smith brings a voice and a melody to those individuals facing the same problems, yet have no idea how to articulate it. 2014 was a little more enjoyable due to Sam Smith, let’s hope he 2015 comes with the same shine. – Evan
Second Place – Jhene Aiko
This soulful songstress first made her way into my aural cavities was on Childish Gambino’s “Pretty Toes” last year. I instantly fell in love with her voice. R&B is a barren wasteland these days. I mean sure, you have your Frank Oceans and your Janelle Monaes, but Jhene Aiko is reminiscent of when R&B was just… sexy. Though her voice is unique, I am instantly reminded of a softer version of Cassie and Amerie. Just ten years ago, a style like that was a dime a dozen, but now it is a breath of fresh air on these tired ears. – Sherif
Third Place – Kiesza
Let’s face it, guys, aside from a slew of respectable one-hit wonders, 2014 has been a pretty crappy year for new music. As I went through and listed by favorite songs of the year, I came across the music video for Kiesza’s (I’m still unsure how to pronounce the name) “Hideaway,” and I was blown away. Further into the YouTube rabbit hole we go, I found a magical journey of continual aural pleasure. This album will take you back to the early 90’s, where house music and rhythmic dance reigned supreme. It’s rare to see an artist who looks like they enjoy what they do as much as I enjoy listening it, and I hope we get to enjoy her for years more to come. Fun Fact: Kiesza has a cover of Hozier’s “Take Me To Church” that is pretty darn great. – Sherif
RUNNER UP – Sia
It wasn’t until stood in our dining room with a 30 lb light fixture in my hands that I really appreciated Sia. As I struggled to match the pitch of “Chandelier,” or as I was wailing, “Shan-de-leh-heeeeeer,” I realized what a talented singer she was. Now, calling her a “new” artist is nothing short of a lie; the Aussie singer has been around for over a decade, morphing her style from a jazzy R&B to the popular sound that has made her an international sensation. – Sherif
RUNNER UP – Charli XCX
Charli XCX is just plain fun! I listen to “Boom Clap” nearly every morning on my way to class and that British accent is to die for. Charli XCX makes me want to dance around my room all day and the fact that she’s only two years older than I am (she’s 22) is pretty damn impressive. With an early Madonna feel mixed with her own spooky, modern jam tone, Charli XCX’s name started to get big with her feature on Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy.” She really blew up when she lent her song “Boom Clap” to The Fault in Our Stars‘ Soundtrack. “Boom Clap” is a fan favorite for Fault Fanatics and Nerdfighters worldwide. Released as the album’s first single, it peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also charted as number 6 on the UK Singles Chart. One thing that I found particularly interesting about Charli XCX is that she has synesthesia, meaning that she sees music in different colors. “I love music that’s black, pink, purple or red – but I hate music that’s green, yellow or brown.” Whatever color her music is, I absolutely love it. – Charlotte
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