There’s a running joke that Paul and I don’t know how to talk about music. And though we’ve been assured by reputable sources that we don’t too bad a job of it, well…I tried writing little blurbs for the albums on my list and felt like a jackass. So we’ll again be presenting our lists (my top 10 and Paul’s top 5) without comments, as Paul’s already done with this year’s movies and comics lists.

In lieu of our dumb words, enjoy some songs from our favorite albums of 2014.

~ AJ

AJ: 10. POM POM by Ariel Pink

AJ: 9. MORNING PHASE by Beck

AJ: 8. BLACK MESSIAH by D’Angelo and The Vanguard

AJ: 7. ST. VINCENT by St. Vincent

AJ: 6. DUDE INCREDIBLE by Shellac

PAUL: 5. STRANGE DESIRE by Bleachers

AJ: 5. PRIMITIVE AND DEADLY by Earth

PAUL: 4. SUN STRUCTURES by Temples

AJ: 4. YOU’RE DEAD! by Flying Lotus

PAUL: 3. 1989 by Taylor Swift

AJ: 3. TO BE KIND by Swans

PAUL: 2. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 by John Powell

AJ: 2. BURN YOUR FIRE FOR NO WITNESS by Angel Olsen

PAUL: 1. HOZIER by Hozier

AJ: 1. LAZARETTO by Jack White

In addition, AJ would also like to request rounds of applause for High Life by Eno • Hyde, Rips by Ex Hex, Do Not Engage by The Pack A.D., Sunbathing Animal by Parquet Courts, Say Yes to Love by Perfect Pussy, Under Color of Official Right by Protomartyr, Heal by Strand of Oaks, Sea When Absent by A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Sun Structures by Temples, and Deep Fantasy by White Lung.