2014
in MusicAlbums
25
Artists
22
Milestones
38
Notable Releases
Glory
John LegendCollaboration with Common for film Selma, won Academy Award and Golden Globe for Best Original Song
Man Against Machine
Garth BrooksComeback album released after Brooks' 13-year retirement, marking his return to recording and signaling his official comeback with Sony Music Nashville.
Duets
Donnie McClurkinCollaborative album featuring Mary Mary, Fred Hammond, John P. Kee, and others that debuted at No. 4 on the Gospel Billboard charts.
In the Lonely Hour
Sam SmithSmith's debut studio album that reached number one on the UK Albums Chart and number two on the Billboard 200. It became the best-selling debut album of the 2010s in the UK and won four Grammy Awards including Best Pop Vocal Album.
Stay with Me
Sam SmithThe third single from In the Lonely Hour that reached number one in the UK and number two on the US Billboard Hot 100. Won Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.
× (Multiply)
Ed SheeranSecond studio album that topped charts worldwide, named second-best-selling album of 2015, featured Grammy-winning 'Thinking Out Loud'
Thinking Out Loud
Ed SheeranBallad single featuring ballroom dance choreography, won Grammy Awards for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance in 2016
My Everything
Ariana GrandeHer second studio album that debuted atop the Billboard 200 with 169,000 copies. Featured hit singles 'Problem,' 'Break Free,' and the diamond-certified 'Bang Bang,' establishing her as a chart powerhouse.
Something in the Water
Carrie UnderwoodCrossover gospel-influenced single that reached number one on Hot Country Songs and topped Hot Christian Songs chart for multiple weeks; Grammy-winning
Greatest Hits: Decade #1
Carrie UnderwoodCompilation album that broke multiple chart and sales records with biggest sales debut for a hits collection in over six years
Love, Marriage & Divorce
Toni BraxtonCollaborative album with Babyface that won Best R&B Album at the 57th Grammy Awards and debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200.
Blue Smoke
Dolly Parton42nd studio album that debuted at number six on Billboard 200, making it her first Top 10 album and highest-charting solo album at the time
Girl
Pharrell WilliamsSecond solo album that peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 with positive critical reception
1989
Taylor SwiftHer synth-pop masterpiece that marked her artistic shift from country to pop, spending 11 weeks at number one with 14 million copies sold worldwide. It became her best-selling album and spawned three number-one singles including 'Shake It Off' and 'Blank Space'.
Uptown Funk
Bruno MarsCollaboration with Mark Ronson that became Billboard's best-performing song of the 2010s, spending 14 weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 and winning Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. The song became one of the century's most recognizable pop songs.
Significant Milestones
Comeback Album and World Tour
TourAfter 13 years of retirement, Brooks announced his comeback with Sony Music Nashville, released Man Against Machine, and began his major comeback world tour.
Debut EP Release
DebutReleased his first EP, The Way She Rides, marking the beginning of his professional music career.
Island Records Deal and First Single
DebutMendes signed with Island Records and released his first single 'Life of the Party,' becoming the youngest artist to debut in the top 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Signed to Warner Bros. Records
DebutLipa signed her first major record deal with Warner Bros. Records after co-writing the song 'Hotter than Hell' during studio sessions. This marked a pivotal moment in her professional music career.
The Voice Season 6 Appearance
AchievementWallen competed on season 6 of The Voice, joining Usher's team after auditioning with 'Collide' by Howie Day. Although eliminated in the playoffs, the appearance was instrumental in raising his profile and establishing industry connections.
Record-Breaking Final Concert at AT&T Stadium
TourThe final concert of The Cowboy Rides Away Tour at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas drew 104,793 people, setting a new record for the largest indoor concert in North America and the largest ticketed attendance at a single-headliner concert in the United States.
Debut Album 'In the Lonely Hour' Released
DebutSmith released their debut studio album through Capitol Records UK which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album showcased Smith's vocal talents and emotional songwriting.
The Voice Coach
AchievementStefani joined NBC's The Voice as a coach for Season 7, replacing Christina Aguilera and beginning a recurring role on the show.
Second Album Success
AchievementReleased × ("Multiply") in June 2014, which topped charts worldwide and was named second-best-selling album of 2015. Wrote over 120 songs for the album over three years.
One Direction Historic Billboard Record
DebutAfter release of album Four, One Direction became only group in 58-year history of Billboard 200 chart to have first four albums debut at number one.
American Music Awards - New Artist of the Year
BreakthroughWon the award for New Artist of the Year at the 2013 American Music Awards. Also received the Breakthrough Artist of the Year award from the Music Business Association.
Record-Breaking Tour
TourThe 'Where We Are Tour' grossed over $290 million, becoming the highest-grossing tour of 2014, the 15th highest-grossing concert tour of all time, and the highest-grossing tour by a vocal group.
Four Consecutive Number One Albums
DebutOne Direction released their fourth album 'Four,' which debuted at number one in 18 countries, making them the only group in Billboard 200's 58-year history to have their first four albums debut at number one.
Time's 100 Most Influential People
Cultural MomentUnderwood is recognized by Time magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world, placing her in the "Icons" category alongside global leaders and cultural figures.
Greatest Hits: Decade #1 Success
DebutGreatest Hits: Decade #1 achieves the biggest sales debut for a hits collection in over six years and the biggest first-week sales for a female hits album in over nine years. The lead single "Something in the Water" reaches number one on multiple charts.
