Welcome to another episode of WorkTape, where we continue our journey through the music landscape of 2014. This time, we take a close look at standout releases from Foo Fighters’ ambitious Sonic Highways, to the introspective sounds of Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour. We also explore J. Cole’s monumental 2014 Forest Hills Drive and Run the Jewels’ hard-hitting second album. Join us as we discuss the musical diversity of 2014 and how these albums shaped the sounds of rock, hip-hop, and soul in the mid-2010s.

Episode Highlights:

• How did Sonic Highways reflect Foo Fighters’ journey and evolution in sound?
• What was the cultural importance of The War on Drugs' "Lost in the Dream"?
• Was Sam Smith’s In the Lonely Hour truly deserving of its Grammy success?
• What makes 2014 Forest Hills Drive stand out as J. Cole’s most cohesive work?
• Did Run the Jewels’ collaborative style on Run the Jewels 2 bring back the spirit of classic hip-hop duos?
• Was Beck’s Morning Phase an unreasonably safe Grammy pick?