If you’re looking for an example of an underdog story look no further than Goldlink, a DMV resident who, up until about 3 months ago, couldn’t be pointed out in a crowd by a blogger. Although he still can’t be pointed out, due to the way he obscures his face with masks, the music of The God Complex continues to flood the interwebs. Louie Lastic, The God Complex's primary producer, worked with Goldlink to curate a fusion of Electronic, Funk and Hip-Hop to create what the duo call, “Future Bounce.” [HIGHLIGHTS: "Planet Paradise," "Bedtime Story"]

Although Foxing may have released this in late 2013, the remaster and re-release have created a new album that hits harder than any of the original mixes. The Albatross is emo-revival done right, but that term short sells it because these songs are passionate, gut-wrenchingly honest, alternately abrasive and beautiful: ultimately, an incredibly human collection of songs. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Bit by Dead Bee pt 1,” “The Medic”]

Isaiah Rashad was destined for fame just by being part of TDE, but he set himself apart with Cilvia Demo, a debut so confident and poised that it transcends any regionality or affiliations the 23-year-old MC has. Rashad is just as thoughtful and conscious as Kendrick Lamar, but he brings a fresh perspective and a unique soundscape thanks to producers like The Antydote and Chris Calor. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Heavenly Father,” “Shot You Down (Remix)”]

Mission of Burma, Gang of Four, Talking Heads, Clinic, Television. You can hear Ought’s influences all over their debut album, but through pure conviction and energy they’ve molded these sounds into something unique. Equal parts politically charged, introspective, and uplifting this is Post-punk for 2014. [HIGHLIGHTS: “The Weather Song,” “Clarity!”]

It’s easy to listen to an album like “Benji,” with its incredibly conversational lyrics, and wonder why songwriters constantly struggle to convey emotions honestly. It’s a testament to band leader Mark Kozelek’s ability to make the challenging seem effortless. Across the album, he tackles subjects like the death of his cousin and the Newton school shooting with searing openness, making 2014’s most painfully honest album in the process. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Carissa,” “Richard Ramirez Died Today Of Natural Causes,” “Ben’s My Friend”]

“DSU” finds 21-year-old Alex G expanding his bedroom pop to an ever-widening audience, thanks to his presence on Orchid Tapes, the up-and-coming Brooklyn label. Still working in the Pavement and Guided By Voices lo-fi mode on most tracks, he nevertheless shakes up his sound across the record, tossing in some funky slap bass on “Promise.” The clearest example of progress is album closer “Boy,” where, over a gently-tapped piano line and steady acoustic guitar, he notes his rising success, with good reason: “Feel like a million eyes on me.” [HIGHLIGHTS: “Harvey,” “Sorry,” “Boy”]

Pluto might’ve established Future’s warbling, auto-tuned formula, but Honest expands and elevates it in every way possible. “Move that Dope” and “I Won” are star makers and “Benz Frenz (Watchutola)” and “Blood, Sweat, Tears” might just be some of the best songs of the year. Future’s always had the potential and he’s proven himself with Honest. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Blood, Sweat, Tears,” “Move that Dope”]

One of my favorite producers of all time teams up with a rapper with a classic thug mentality. Over the course of this excellently produced album, Freddie Gibbs lays down stories of his gangbanging past over rich Madlib production. The California native doesn’t miss a beat when it comes to adding wonky samples and expertly fuses two aspects of rap listeners didn’t know could be intertwined so well.

If you wanted to know what The Strokes would sound like if they were from Los Angeles, just listen to Naive Thieves’ Vamanos. The California band blends indie, blues and surf rock effortlessly into an unbelievably fun and cohesive record that has as much replay value as any album put out this year. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Dead Bones,” “Wake Up Now”]

SPEAK apparently spent two years crafting their sophomore album Pedals, and the time taken is evident on every track. It’s a beautifully concocted synthpop album that manages to resonate without going into Killers-level histrionics. Each song has enough little flourishes for you to find something new and intriguing on every listen. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Be Reasonable, Diane,” “The Meantime”]

Hear me out. RiFF RaFF is worthy of this position because, whether intentionally or not, he calls attention to the stereotypes of rap and exploits them to the fullest. His use of irony proves to be original and highly effective. There’s a self awareness to the absurdity, hinted at in the lyrics, and the man is perfectly fine with being pointed out and laughed at. Each track paints the picture of an extravagant menace to society decked out in Gucci slippers.

“Salad Days” should be the definitive summer album of 2014, if this summer is all about sun-drenched, heat-warped guitars and contemplative lyrics about growing up. Expanding upon the themes of love and aging examined in his first full-length, 2012’s “2,” tracks like “Let Her Go” and “Goodbye Weekend” demonstrate impressive wisdom from the 24-year-old. On the title track, when he sings, “Always feeling tired, smiling when required/Write another year off, and kindly resign,” Mac speaks to the frustration of every young person who’s tired of hearing those older than him tell him to stop slacking off. [HIGHLIGHTS: “Salad Days,” “Passing Out Pieces,” “Let Her Go”]