Top 10 Songs of July
Just a Guy’s monthly music article includes the top songs of July 2014. The restrictions are simple, the album or the song must have been released during the month in review. So as to encourage musical diversification, we only select one song per album per artist. With all the stipulations out of the way, let’s take a look at the best songs from July.
Rise Against – I Don’t Wanna Be Here Anymore
Rise Against continues to pump out catchy very nearly ballad-esque songs that turn out to be big hits. This includes their latest single “I Don’t Wanna Be Here Anymore” from their seventh studio album, The Black Market. It’s just another tasty jam with the memorable chorus echoing the songs depressing title but an upbeatness that makes it almost seems cheery.
The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus – JIMRS (Jesus Is My Rock Star)
From Red Jumpsuit’s simply titled fourth studio album, 4, comes “JIMRS (Jesus Is My Rock Star)”. This song’s lyrics contain deeply Christian overtones as evidenced by the title, which is a rare occurrence sadly. “JIMRS” is the final track of what is a very solid 11 track album and at just under 40 minutes is an easy listen.
Anberlin – Harbinger
Lowborn is apparently the last album Anberlin will put out as a collective as they’ve stated this will be there last year playing. The album isn’t the finale that some expected, but it’s solid all around and fits the band well. “Harbinger” is one those that fits the band’s mold of emotional alternative rock style.
PartyNextDoor – Recognize
PartyNextDoor is an up and coming artist by the name of Jahron Brathwaite. His signature style is a type of electronic R&B that Drake fans will literally recognize. The album PartyNextDoor Two features Drake on the track “Recognize”, which is the second time the OVO guys have paired up on a Party album (“Over Here” being the other). Comparatively, PartyNextDoor sounds is more in line with Drake’s lighter songs.
Adelita’s Way – Dog on a Leash
Adelita’s Way is hard rock band who’s coming out party was in 2011 with the release of their second album and hit single “Sick”. Their back with their third studio album, Stuck which features the single “Dog on a Leash”. The song is about the feeling of being bound to another person’s will like that of a, you guessed it, dog.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – American Dream Plan B
Gritty, fuzzy and full of attitude, “American Dream Plan B” is a perfect reintroduction to Tom Petty. Petty’s album is less about his classic rock hits and more about pushing forward as an artist. Lyrically, he’s addressing society as a whole right now. Not full on political, but political enough. Fans old and new will feel right at home with the new song.
Every Time I Die – Moor
As a band, Buffalo’s Every Time I Die is constantly evolving their sound. “Moor” is the perfect example. For a heavy band, fans may be surprised to hear a piano on the track, but it’s such an ominous sound that it fits perfectly. When the guitars do hit, it’s a wall of sound that pushes the track to its full realization. Somewhat ambiguous lyrically, the song wraps up with the same piano part. Every Time I Die continues to be one of the best bands out there today.
Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties – Our Apartment
Aaron West is the alterego of The Wonder Years lead singer Dan Campbell. “Our Apartment” is the lead song of Campbell’s solo debut. A concept album about Aaron West and his like, “Our Apartment” introduces the character and shows us how his life is beginning to fall apart through divorce. A gut wrenching album, it’s different than The Wonder Years, but fans should gravitate towards it fairly easily.
Bleachers – Wild Heart
“I Wanna Get Better” may be the song of the summer, but “Wild Heart” is just as infectious. The lead song off Strange Desire, “Wild Heart” features pounding drums and soaring lyrics. Less theatrical than Fun. Jack Antonoff has struck gold with Bleachers and their throw back 80’s sound.
United Nations – Serious Business
United Nations is a heavy band, and “Serious Business” reflects that and then some. Fast and furious instrumentals with screaming vocals immediately set the band apart. United Nations still push the political buttons, but Geoff Rickly (a veteran of Thursday) knows what he’s doing and the result is a worthy follow up to the band’s debut album.
Did your favorite artist, album, or song not make the cut? Let us know in the comments below. Got a song that you think deserves to make in next month’s list? Hit us up on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+ and let us know.
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