10. Banks – You Should Know Where I’m Coming From

Without question, this is one of Banks’ most powerful vocals (and songwriting) to date.

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9. Nicky Da B – Thrifty Tale

The final release from Nicky Da B is a lyrical wordplay assault for any of his naysayers.

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8. Katy B (feat. Sampha) – Play

Katy B’s duet with EDM producer Sampha is a smooth number that eschews notions of earlier SBTRKT and Little Dragon.

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7. Willow Smith (feat. Jaden) – 5

Released at the beginning of 2014, Willow’s one-off song with her brother Jaden is a promising start at a debut album.

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6. Ed Sheeran – Bloodstream

Ed’s album cut is one of the best male vocals of 2014.

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5. Jennifer Hudson – Dangerous

The latest Jennifer Hudson album may not have made much sense, but the one song she didn’t have a songwriting credit for is a true standout.

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4. Toni Braxton and Babyface – I’d Rather Be Broke

A solo song on Toni and Babyface’s ‘Love, Marriage & Divorce’ album turned out becoming the best R&B vocal of the year.

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3. Lily Allen – Bass Like Home

As an unofficial theme to the 2014 London Olympics, Lily’s “Bass” is filled with some of the best Great Britain cultural references you’ll ever hear.

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2. Ferras (feat. Katy Perry) – Legends Never Die

The beautifully written duet with Ferras and Katy is just too epic to not receive recognition.

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1. Azealia Banks – Soda

Azealia’s creativity reaches new heights on this wonderfully arranged track about self-medicating.