The summer of 2014 can be described through various monikers. People may call it “the hottest summer” as it was the warmest and most stagnant year to date based on global temperatures. Some may describe summer with mournfulness, as some of the most beloved comedians of all time, such as Joan Rivers and Robin Williams, passed away.  Others may recount the many blockbusters that appeared in theaters.  Whatever you may call it, it was comprised of a multitude of fresh tunes, new albums, remakes, reboots, and sequels, as most summers are. Here are the top 5 best things in entertainment by which to remember the summer of 2014:

5. “Ultraviolence” (Lana Del Rey)- In mid-June, songstress Lana Del Rey released her second studio album, entitled “Ultraviolence,” to much critical praise, with many calling it a step above her debut “Born To Die.” The pouty and elusive crooner worked with The Black Keys’ lead guitarist, Dan Auerbach, who also produced the album, and altered the trip-hop, alternative pop soundings of her previous songs into a more relaxed, bluesy, dream rock extravaganza. The album’s mix of subtle electric guitar strums, such as songs like “Pretty When You Cry,” to a festival of explosive rock and roll, like the track “Cruel World,” was one of the many highlights, especially as it always managed to maintain a cohesive sound. Perhaps the only flaws were the lyrics, which were less clever and witty than they were in her previous set of songs. Instead, they were slightly contrived and not too inventive, and at times excruciatingly repetitive. It also felt at times as though the band drowned her voice out. However, when she scored, she soared.

4. “Orange is the New Black”-The hit Netflix show returned for a second season, bringing with it darker, wittier humor and incredible performances by the main and supporting cast. Many characters who appeared last season not only returned, but stole the spotlight. Poussey’s heartbreaking episode, for example, made the emotions on the show run high. New characters brought extra drama and action, such as Vee, portrayed brilliantly by Lorraine Toussaint, who became the villainous rival to  tough-as-nails kitchen queen, Red. While the first season definitely laid down the bricks for an exciting new path, the second not only built upon it, but also cemented its place in TV history.

3. On The Run Tour (Jay-Z and Beyoncé)- This summer, the most powerful musical couple in the world embarked on a world tour, despite rumors of divorce and separation, and put on an incredible show, combining their talents and utilizing their chemistry for a very impressive concert. The superstars performed together and separately throughout the show, shining bright in their own rights, creating a visual and auditory spectacular. Though Beyoncé may have overshadowed her skillful husband, the duo showed the world why they are the most powerful couple.

2. “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes”- The reboot of the classic series followed up decades after the previous installment left off with James Franco and Freida Pinto, with a disease ravaging the planet and the apes developing their own miniature civilization. Though slightly lacking the human drama compared to the last film, it still made for an enthralling, scary and intense sci-fi thriller that received critical acclaim and was a financial hit.

1. “Guardians of the Galaxy”- The hit Marvel movie of the summer, based on the graphic novel chronicling the saga of a group of space outcasts, mixed elements of space operas such as “Star Wars” with the classic humor of Marvel movies. It was a huge success, both critically and commercially, grossing over $600 million. Every member of the cast was praiseworthy, especially Chris Pratt, who made the most of his comedic skills from “Parks and Recreations,” thrillingly leaping from spacecraft to spacecraft while managing to fit in witty punch lines. Despite the fact that the villains were quite underdeveloped, the main ensemble was able to redeem the script with their zany and exciting expedition.

How do you remember this summer? Comment below!