The year of Tumblr aesthetics, blanket scarves, and songs that followed you everywhere.

2014 sits in a strange little pocket of internet history.

Spotify existed, but we still hoarded playlists like they were private diaries. Back when they were called things like “Running 2014”, not “Pretending You Are Eating Broccoli While Melancholy”. Tumblr aesthetics were leaking into mainstream culture. Everyone owned at least one oversized scarf (preferably checked) and had strong opinions about which Arctic Monkeys era was the best.

For me, 2014 was my fourth year of uni. I was enjoying my unit on Richard the Lionheart, Saladin and the Third Crusade. The people on my course were lovely. In my personal life I had great friends, a kinda rubbish relationship and, a lot to work on before I became the stellar cultural essayist you know now. Call it a year of flux.

Looking back at the music of 2014, it feels like that sense of flux was wider than my own little bubble. Moody indie, innocent pop, and fempowerment all lived on the same charts.

These are five that take me straight back to 2014.

1. Take Me to Church — Hozier

Ok ok, technically it’s the tail end of 2013, but in 2014 “Take Me to Church” was unavoidable. It felt different from everything else on the charts. Dark, soulful and slightly theatrical, it spread quickly through radio, YouTube and Tumblr playlists. Hozier’s voice had this weight to it that made the song feel older than it was, like something rediscovered rather than newly released. I liked it in my headphones while walking in the city. Big main character energy.

2. Rather Be — Clean Bandit

“Rather Be” was also impossible to avoid in 2014. The violin hook kicked in and suddenly the whole song felt bright, upbeat and slightly euphoric. It sat in that sweet spot between classical influence and house music that Clean Bandit made their signature. As a result of sounding slightly pseudo-intellectual, the BBC absolutely loved them. Even now, the opening bars instantly sound like summer… or maybe that’s just the Jess Glynne / Jet2 effect.

3. Fancy — Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX

If there was a soundtrack to summer 2014, “Fancy” was definitely part of it. If this came on while you were out it was an instant dance. Butts were wiggled. The real selling point was the music video which leaned heavily into Clueless nostalgia, which somehow made it feel both very 1990s and very mid-2010s at the same time.

4. Budapest — George Ezra

“Budapest” arrived with one of those voices that made people do a double take. George Ezra’s deep, warm tone felt almost out of time with the rest of the charts. He sounded a lot older than he looked. The song itself was simple and melodic, the kind of track that seemed to play constantly in cafés, shops and radio stations. I rank it firmly in the category of very inoffensive beige pop.

5. Shake It Off — Taylor Swift

“Shake It Off” marked a very clear moment in Taylor Swift’s career. It was the sound of her stepping fully into pop with the 1989 era. The song was loud, playful and everywhere. Whether you loved it or rolled your eyes at it, by the end of 2014 everyone knew the chorus and attempted the dance.

So, Emma, why 2014 today?

It was “Fancy”. I’d heard it a lot recently and couldn’t quite work out why. I looked it up and realised it was 2014. Before you knew it, I was down the rabbit hole.

For me, music works like a time machine in a way almost nothing else does. A single chorus can drag me back to a version of myself long gone. One with working knees who wasn’t afraid to drop it low. The shame!

For me, 2014 doesn’t seem that long ago, but realistically, in my day job, the 2014 babies are now at high school. A crazy thought!

Remember you can find me on instagram! @emmaseconddraftblog