 |  | | From Chad Bowar, your About Music Editor | | | The year is just over half over, with a lot of albums and songs still to be released. But, let's take a moment and look back at the first half of 2014, which saw some outstanding releases. Our music experts take a look at some of the best albums and songs of the year so far. | | With the first half of 2014 coming to a close, it's a great time to look back and take stock of where we've been so far. These are the 15 best pop songs of the year ranging from a massive piano ballad to the latest sounds in electronic dance music. READ NOW | | | | You into west coast rap or nah? The west coast has turned into something of a hip-hop hit factory -- the region represents most of 2014's best rap albums (so far). From YG's skeletal approach on My Krazy Life to Open Mike Eagle's everyman charm on Dark Comedy, here are the 7 best hip-hop albums of 2014 (so far). READ NOW | | | | From Tune-Yards to Angel Olsen to Sun Kil Moon, here are the best alternative music LPs of 2014 so far. READ NOW | | | | Here's what July sounds like -- new releases (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Eric Clapton, CSNY, Yes, Judas Priest, Ted Nugent), anniversary editions (Pink Floyd, Jackson Browne, Bonnie Raitt), reissues (Jethro Tull, Bad Company, Syd Barrett) and live performance video and audio (Allman Brothers, Elton John, ZZ Top, John Mellencamp, Levon Helm Band, Grateful Dead). READ NOW | | | | | | Trending Now on About.com: | | |
