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Our Favorite Vocalists of 2014

Tyler Vesely | Feburary 12, 2015

Before the end of the year, I was asked to compile a list of my ten favorite vocalists of 2014. These ten were chosen based on two criteria: which vocalist displayed their talent best on music they released this year, and which vocalist composed the best lyrics. So, in no particular order and without further ado:

 

 

Caleb Shomo

Caleb Shomo of Beartooth has really pushed his way to the top this year. After his work in Attack Attack!, he sought the teachings from a grandmaster of screaming and clean vocals, Melissa Cross. Cross has taught many of the vocalists we know and love today. Once his talent was crafted, Beartooth started breaking down walls. They partnered with Red Bull Records to release the Sick EP, which was followed by the album Disgusting.

 

 

Trent Woodley

Trent Woodley is the magnificent voice of the band from down under, Hands Like Houses. The band blew people away with their first album, Ground Dweller, keeping the rampage up with their follow-up, Unimagined. Their most recent effort was Reimagined, which is an acoustic collection of five songs from Unimagined. The reworked versions of the songs made them seem brand new. Woodley is normally one to show off the power of his voice, but he tones it down in this EP, which I think turned out really well.

 

 

Jordan Dreyer

Jordan Dreyer from La Dispute is quite possibly one of the best lyricists I have ever come across. La Dispute have released a plethora of EPs as well as three full-length albums. Their first album, Somewhere at the Bottom of the River Between Vega and Altiar was released in 2008. They followed it with Wildlife, and soon after they came out with Rooms of the House. I had the pleasure of going to that album’s tour last March, and it was, without a doubt, the best show I’ve ever been to.

 

 

Garret Rapp

Garret Rapp of The Color Morale is definitely worth placing on this list. The Color Morale have already released four albums, each of which is better than the last. This band uses music to prove a point and mentally paint the color of morale, hence their name. Hold on Pain Ends is their most recent album, and it’s definitely worth a listen.

 

 

Joel Quartuccio

I stumbled across a band called Being As An Ocean, and it was love at first listen. Quartuccio is tied with Dreyer in the lyrics department, but Quartuccio has a different delivery style, which distinguishes him from other vocalists. The band’s most recent effort How We Both Wonderously Perish might just become your next favorite album.

 

 

Tyler Cater

After singing for Woe Is Me and pursuing a solo career, Tyler Carter joined Issues. The band has come a long way since their first EP, Black Diamonds. Early last year, the band started getting their much-deserved praise for their self-titled album, which earned them a slot on tour with Bring Me The Horizon and Of Mice and Men. They’ll also be gracing the stage at Warped Tour this year.

 

 

Lynn Gunn

Less than a year ago, PVRIS was a virtual unknonw.  But in a relatively short amount of time the band has seen huge success; signing to Rise Records and releasing their first LP, White Noise, which recieved major acclaim.  Much of their succes can be attributed to the beautiful and talented front-woman, Lynn Gunn, who displays a wide vocal range that spans from angelically harmonic to harsh.  If you need further proof of her musical prowess, check out The Empty Room Sessions, which is made of haunting accoustic renditions of songs from White Noise.

 

 

Kevin Jordan

Last year, I reviewed the band This Wild Life and in that review I mentioned their album Clouded made it to my top ten list for 2014. Unsurprisingly, the album wasn’t the only thing to make my top ten list. Kevin Jordan has sung his way straight into my heart with his intimate style and wonderful voice. If you’re interested in knowing more about this duo, check out my review on them.

 

 

Matty Mullins

Matty Mullins is definitely one of the best vocalists I’ve ever seen live. Although the majority of his talent is exhibited as the lead for Memphis May Fire, who just last year came out with their third LP, Unconditional, Mullins recently came out with a solo, self-titled album. Mullins has proved himself time and time again, and I don’t think he has any intentions of stopping. At least, I hope not.

 

 

Jonny Craig

Jonny Craig is a vocalist who has never seemed to amaze me, and at this point in time, he’s a veteran of music. Craig has performed with Dance Gavin Dance, Emarosa, and has even done solo stuff. Though he has had good and bad experiences, he has stuck it out until the end. He now plays in a band called Slaves and they recently released their debut, Through Art We Are All Equals. I was fortunate enough to catch them on tour with Hands Like Houses and Miss Fortune. The show was overall wonderful, but hearing Craig sing in person was an experience in itself.

 

Ladies and gentlemen, that completes my list of top vocalists of 2014. If you haven’t heard any of the artists before, check them out immediately. I can almost guarantee you won’t be disappointed, unless you’re a super hipster who hates what’s popular for the sake of being different. If you check out any of these artists and like them, you’re welcome.

 

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