Step back in time with us to a summer of unforgettable tunes! 2014 was a scorcher, and not just because of the weather. The summer of '14 saw a vibrant explosion of musical talent, leaving behind a legacy of songs that are still stuck in our heads today. Remember those long, sun-drenched days spent cruising with the windows down, the perfect soundtrack essential to the experience? If you're looking for a nostalgic trip back to those carefree days, or simply want to discover some incredible music you might have missed, you've come to the right place. This list dives deep into the very best songs of the summer 2014, uncovering the chart-toppers, the hidden gems, and the tracks that perfectly captured the mood of that unforgettable season. Prepare for a wave of summery vibes and rediscover the music that defined a generation.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Counting Stars | OneRepublic | Native | 4B+ |
| 2. Dark Horse |
Katy Perry Juicy J | PRISM (Deluxe) | 4B+ |
| 3. Chandelier | Sia | 1000 Forms Of Fear (Deluxe Version) | 3B+ |
| 4. Rude | MAGIC! | Don't Kill the Magic | 3B+ |
| 5. All of Me | John Legend | Love In The Future (Expanded Edition) | 2B+ |
| 6. Bang Bang |
Nicki Minaj Ariana Grande Jessie J | Sweet Talker (Deluxe Version) | 2B+ |
| 7. Summer | Calvin Harris | Motion | 2B+ |
1. Counting Stars (Native - 2025)
Uplifting Melody: Counting Stars boasts an irresistibly catchy melody that perfectly captured the carefree spirit of summer 2014, making it ideal for sunny days and warm nights.
Anthemic Quality: Its soaring vocals and powerful chorus created a sense of unity and shared experience, making it a perfect soundtrack for summer gatherings and unforgettable moments.
Nostalgic Vibe: The song's blend of pop and electronic elements evokes a distinct feeling of that particular summer, instantly transporting listeners back to those carefree days.
2. Dark Horse (2013)
Catchy Hook: "Dark Horse" boasts an instantly memorable melody and hypnotic rhythm, perfect for those long, hot summer days.
Unique Blend of Sounds: The fusion of Katy Perry's pop sensibilities and Juicy J's rap verses created a surprisingly fresh and infectious sound that dominated the airwaves.
Summer Anthem Vibes: Its dark, mysterious tone contrasted with its upbeat tempo made it an unexpectedly perfect soundtrack for summer 2014, capturing the season's enigmatic energy.
3. Chandelier (Sia - 2025)
Sia's Vocals: Sia's powerhouse vocals are a defining feature of "Chandelier" conveying both vulnerability and raw emotion perfectly suited for those long, hazy summer nights.
Catchy Melody: The song's instantly memorable melody and driving beat made it inescapable during the summer of 2014, becoming a ubiquitous soundtrack to barbecues, beach trips, and carefree summer days.
Anthemic Quality: "Chandelier" transcended a typical summer hit; its soaring chorus and relatable themes of excess and vulnerability resonated deeply, solidifying its place in the summer of 2014's cultural landscape.
4. Rude (MAGIC!)
Sound: "Rude" boasts a bright, reggae-infused pop sound perfectly suited for summer's carefree vibe; its upbeat tempo and catchy melody are undeniably infectious.
Vocals: Nasri Atweh's smooth vocals deliver the playfully cheeky lyrics with effortless charm, making the song instantly relatable and fun.
Summer Anthem Status: Its release in 2014 cemented "Rude" as a quintessential summer hit, its cheerful energy capturing the season's spirit and remaining a popular choice for warm-weather playlists.
5. All of Me - Love In The Future (Expanded Edition)
John Legend’s Vocals: Legend's smooth, soulful vocals perfectly captured the warm, romantic feeling of a summer night, making "All of Me" an ideal soundtrack for summer evenings.
Romantic Lyricism: The deeply personal and heartfelt lyrics resonated with listeners seeking a soundtrack for summer romance, solidifying its place as a summer anthem.
Timeless Quality: Despite its release in 2013, "All of Me" transcended the typical summer hit trends, becoming a persistent radio staple throughout the summer of 2014 and beyond.
6. Bang Bang - Sweet Talker (Deluxe Version)
Catchy Hook: "Bang Bang" boasts an instantly memorable chorus, perfect for singalongs at summer barbecues or pool parties.
Triple Threat Vocals: The powerhouse vocals of Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, and Jessie J blend seamlessly, creating a dynamic and unforgettable sound.
Summer Anthem Vibe: Its upbeat tempo and sassy lyrics perfectly capture the carefree energy of a summer hit, making it a quintessential track for the season.
7. Summer (Calvin Harris - 2025)
Catchy Hook: Summer's instantly recognizable synth riff and driving beat cemented its status as an undeniable summer anthem, instantly transporting listeners to sun-drenched days.
Upbeat Energy: The song's relentlessly positive vibe and infectious melody perfectly captured the carefree spirit of summer 2014, making it ideal for pool parties and road trips.
Nostalgic Vibe: Its blend of synth-pop and dance elements evokes a specific time and feeling, making it a potent reminder of a classic summer for many.
8. Timber - Global Warming: Meltdown (Deluxe Version)
Catchy Hook: Kesha and Pitbull's "Timber" boasts an instantly memorable chorus, perfectly suited for summer singalongs and beach parties.
Infectious Beat: The song's driving rhythm and irresistible beat are undeniably energetic, making it ideal for those hot summer days and nights.
Nostalgic Vibe: Released in 2013, "Timber" evokes a specific feeling of carefree summer fun from that era, making it a perfect blast from the past for those reliving their best summer memories of 2014.
9. Problem (Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea)
Catchy Hook: "Problem" boasts an instantly memorable hook, perfectly suited for carefree summer days and endless singalongs.
Dynamic Duo: The collaboration between Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea created a unique blend of pop and hip-hop that defined the summer sound of 2014.
Summer Vibe: Its breezy rhythm and upbeat tempo made it an ideal soundtrack for pool parties, road trips, and all the fun summer activities.
10. Happy (Pharrell Williams - 2025)
Upbeat Tempo: "Happy" boasts an irresistible, relentlessly positive tempo that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of summer 2014.
Infectious Melody: Pharrell's instantly recognizable vocal hook is as catchy as it is uplifting, making it a song you'll find yourself humming all season long.
Summer Anthem Status: Its widespread popularity and cheerful vibe cemented "Happy" as a defining track of the summer, becoming a soundtrack for countless barbecues, beach trips, and celebrations.
11Stay With Me
Sam Smith
2014
In The Lonely Hour
12Turn Down for What
Lil Jon,DJ Snake
2013
The Art of Translation
13Break Free
Ariana Grande
2014
14Fancy
Charli xcx,Iggy Azalea
2014
The New Classic (Deluxe Version)
15A Sky Full of Stars
Coldplay
2014
Ghost Stories
16Rather Be
Clean Bandit
2014
17Pompeii
Bastille
2013
Bad Blood
18Am I Wrong
Nico, Vinz
2013
19Waves
Mr. Probz,Robin Schulz
2014
The Aviary
20Talk Dirty
2 Chainz,Jason Derulo
2014
Talk Dirty
21Latch
Disclosure,Sam Smith
2012
Settle (Deluxe)
22Boom Clap
Charli xcx
2014
23Let It Go
Idina Menzel
2013
24Only Love Can Hurt Like This
Paloma Faith
2014
A Perfect Contradiction (Outsiders' Expanded Edition)
25Love Runs Out
OneRepublic
2014
26I Will Never Let You Down
Rita Ora
2014
Big Bad World
27Ghost
Ella Henderson
2014
28Shake It Off
Taylor Swift
2014
1989