20 Songs to Usher in the New Year
Full playlist on Spotify!
2025 was an interesting year for the vast majority of us. For some, it was an improvement from previous years. For others, it was a hellish experience filled with trials and tribulations. With so many things happening worldwide, both good and bad, music has served as an anchor and a source of salvation for many communities during tough times. I think a good playlist not only makes you feel good but sets the tone for what’s next. Here’s a playlist of 20 songs to help you start 2026 off right, with feel-good vibes and positive energy.
1. “the fear is not real” - WILLOW
This song feels representative of something that affects us in our everyday lives: fear. New beginnings, such as the start of a new year, can bring about change that breeds uncertainty. However, this song discusses ignoring the fear implanted by your brain, freeing your mind from your thoughts, and embracing whatever the future may hold.
2. “Colors of the Wind” - Judy Kuhn
Straight out of the Pocahontas soundtrack, this song is not only an anti-colonial anthem, but a reminder that we are all interconnected. It teaches us to lean on community and our environment and that we are all stronger together.
3. “Sunday Best” - Surfaces
While definitely a 2020-TikTok-era throwback, this tune oozes positivity and optimism over jazzy-like piano chords with some modern drum programming. Even though I used to find this song slightly cringeworthy, it never fails to bring a smile to my face and lift me when I’m down.
4. “Love’s in Need of Love Today” - Stevie Wonder
It’s always wise to have Stevie in whatever playlist you have. This song talks to us about the state of the world and how love can be the only thing that heals us. Over Stevie’s genius production and unmistakable vocals, he reminds us that when we don’t know what to do, all we can do is love and be loved. A good reminder to let go of pain and open our hearts to love.
5. “Do It” - Choe x Halle
This one’s for the girls and the guys who love to have fun and go out! A light-hearted R&B tune with trap influence, complemented by Halle’s ethereal vocals and Chloe’s smooth runs, this song is perfect for a chill New Year’s evening or a little party with some close friends. Guaranteed to put you in the best of moods, this record by the sister duo never fails to bring good vibes and celebrates pure enjoyment.
6. “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” – Roy Ayers Ubiquity
A classic 70s record sampled countless times, this song is an homage to love, joy, and general unity. I’ve always thought this song gives off such an air of relaxed optimism and peace, which is a perfect mood to start the new year with.
7. “Memories” - David Guetta and Kid Cudi
A party favourite since its release in 2010 (I can’t believe it’s been almost 16 years!), this song is about letting go and being free, even for just a night, perfect for a club night or any New Year’s party. Sometimes the best memories aren’t curated, but are made in our most imperfect, crazy, wild moments. I can’t think of a more fitting song on the list to start 2026 off with a bang.
8. “Dreams” - Solange
An avant-garde artist in all regards, Solange’s “Dreams” is a slow-tempo, lo-fi song about nostalgia, dreams, and childhood, and how far her dreams have followed her, from girlhood to womanhood, shaping the artist she is today. This song is a true testament to the power of self-belief and fulfillment of desires, no matter how far-fetched they may seem.
9. “In Your Eyes” - Snoh Aalegra
Produced by legendary The Neptunes, this upbeat song discusses how sometimes, relationships and love don’t always work out. While 2026 is definitely a fresh start, difficult times may arise. However, hope exists within.
10. “Love” - Mos Def
Not only was this song a great way to usher in the new millennium upon its release in 1999, but it remains all the more relevant 26 years on. Its title speaks to the subject of the song itself, and how love powers creation, dreams, innovation, community, and helps us power the future we dream of. I think it’s a brilliant reminder to leave negativity in 2025 and enter 2026 with a heart and mind full of love.
11. “FIND YOUR WAY BACK” - Beyoncé
On this afrobeats-inspired song for her project, Black is King, Beyoncé sings about finding her way back to her essence, back to her childhood self, in moments of chaos and doubt. It’s a beautiful homage to the innocence of self that never really leaves us, something that we can always rely on when things get tough.
12. “Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)” - Marvin Gaye
In this mellow, classic Motown tune, the iconic Marvin Gaye is appalled by the world around him and wonders where mankind went wrong. While it is a beautiful tune, he still laments the destruction of our earth, the exploitation of humans, and the injustice among us. 55 years later, this song is all the more relevant as we ream the effects of the climate crisis, war, injustice, and financial crises. His urgent plea for us to wake up and help to rebuild the planet we call home remains incredibly topical today.
13. “One Last Time” - Original Broadway Cast of Hamilton
For all my Hamilton fans out there, this historical and political megahit of a musical remains ever so relevant in pop culture ten years later. I picked this song because it’s a beautiful piece sung by the talented Christopher Jackson about letting go and moving on, even when it’s hard to say goodbye. Despite its historical context, this song serves as a bittersweet lesson to us all that sometimes, we need to say goodbye to certain things to move on and let our lives flourish.
14. “Time’s a Wastin” - Erykah Badu
An often-overlooked gem on Erykah’s iconic sophomore release, Mama’s Gun, this is more of an introspective track talking about the inevitable passage of time. As daunting as it may sound, it’s a reminder to appreciate the moments we have while they’re here and keep smiling throughout it all.
15. “Nature” - India.Arie
A calming, guitar-led neo-soul ballad by India.Arie, this song is about submission to the cycles of life. Sometimes we feel helpless when things happen that are out of our control, and life can be unpredictable. Even so, there’s still beauty and love within the chaos. Whether you’re a spiritual person or not, this song is a beautiful mantra honouring every season of life.
16. “Suddenly I See” - KT Tunstall
A fan favourite of the Devil Wears Prada soundtrack, this song reminds me of a crisp Monday morning: a reset, a new chapter, a twist of fate. An upbeat pop-rock tune, this song perfectly sets the scene for 2026: seeing the world in a new light, starting afresh, and becoming something new.
17. “Now or Never” - Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige
Released on his critically acclaimed debut album, Kendrick depicts his dream of being a successful artist and his self-confidence in his vision. This hits differently knowing he’s now one of the music industry's biggest stars. Whether you dream of being an artist or simply of passing an exam, this song has kept me going in the darkest of times, reminding me that any dream I have is closer than I think. Accompanied by Mary J. Blige’s warm vocals, it’s hard not to feel inspired when listening to this track.
18. “So Easy (to Fall in Love)” - Olivia Dean
For all the hopeless romantics out there, Olivia Dean’s song off her recently released and highly acclaimed album, The Art of Loving, is a perfect description of the thrill of falling in love (or like!).
19. “Dance Dance Dance Dance” - Kaytranada
With the only lyric on this track being “dance,” this upbeat song by renowned Canadian house producer Kaytranada is the perfect way to usher in the New Year with a carefree, sunny attitude. The major piano chords and the '90s-reminiscent house vocals pay homage to the past, as well as carving a path for an exciting, limitless future. However you may feel about the new year, this song only has one instruction: to dance like no one’s watching.
20. “Stay Ready (What a Life)” - Jhene Aiko and Kendrick Lamar
One of my own favourite songs, Jhene’s dreamy vocals paint a picture of an idyllic moment between two lovers. This one is a more dreamy, idealised vision of the future, without forgetting to remember the beauty of the present. As the last moments of 2025 slip away, this song allows us to enjoy the now while keeping our dreams of the future alive.