The Soundtrack of Your New Year
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20. “All the Stars” by Kendrick Lamar (with SZA)
The energy is high, and a New Year’s Eve Special is playing on the television somewhere in the vicinity. People are clutching champagne glasses tightly in their hands, plastic top hats are the look of the evening, and everyone has grapes (no need to elaborate on this).
19. “Stargirl Interlude” by The Weekend (feat. Lana Del Rey)
As the clock ticks down in restless anticipation,
2023 comes to a blissful, yet melancholy close.
The adrenaline is flowing through you, there’s nowhere to go but up.
18. “Mind Over Matter” by Young the Giant
What will you make of your new year? How will you change? Will you drag yourself out of bed every day at 7 a.m. to go to the gym? Will you let the runner’s high fill your veins, full speed ahead into your new life?
17. “Surefire” by Wilderado
Will you finally leave the relationship that you feel is no longer serving you, composed and determined, without the need for closure or reconsideration?
16. “Masterpiece” by Sam Short
Will you swear to show up for yourself every single day, refusing to let the noise of everyday life weigh down on you?
15. “Hard Times” by Paramore
The countdown grows louder. Suddenly you realize how long (and a bit awkward) counting down from 20 in a group setting is. Your mind begins to wander as you find yourself in a steady chant, second after second being announced. The first doubts about the self-improvement we all swear by at the start of a new year creep in; What if I wake up tomorrow morning, or any other morning, with a pounding hangover? What if I’m unable to get out of bed and waste the day away?
14. “Drew Barrymore” by SZA
What if I dive into my love life with both feet, ready for the terrifying intimacy of a real relationship? Only to then find myself in the middle of February, watching a rom-com on the couch, in a pair of ripped pajama pants, while the city screams outside my balcony window.
13. “Real Love Baby” by Father John Misty
Maybe you have a glimmer of hope, that this is the year you will finally be truly happy. Even if you aren’t quite sure what that happiness needs to look like, recognize that it may include some moments where you need to wallow in a gut-wrenching sadness.
12. “Chaotic” by Tate McRae
I hope you take time this year to listen to your mind and body and let them tell you what they need. Holding ourselves to unrealistic expectations as January reaches its peak is a surefire way to burn yourself out.
11. “Vienna” by Billy Joel
The most profound thing you can do in the upcoming year is be gracious with yourself.
10. “Jersey Giant” by Elle King
Amidst all the desires for improvement, I hope you take time to look around you and appreciate the wonderful things that you already have in your life.
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9. “Smoke” by Luke Levenson
The people you love. The passions you pursue. Your health. Your heart. Your spirit. Your curiosity.
8. “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5
Your morning cup of coffee. The sound of the rain on your windshield. Having your mother’s number on speed dial.
7. “Japanese Denim” by Daniel Caesar
While the new year can be a wonderful time to reflect on all the ways we want to improve and how to live our lives to their fullest potential, it should also be a time to remember how far we’ve come and to intentionally count our blessings.
6. “Long as I Can See the Light” by Creedence Clearwater Revival
The countdown descends. The year is rapidly coming to a close.
5. “Foreign Girls” by Bleachers
Time is getting shorter and people are scrambling to find the nearest friend or stranger to kiss.
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4. “This Bar” by Morgan Wallen
Bartenders scurry to pour everyone their final glass of champagne.
3. “Static” by Steve Lacy
Wherever you may find yourself at the deafening crack of midnight, may the next 366 (yes 366, it’s a leap year) take you exactly where you need to be.
2. “There It Goes” by Maisie Peters
And while you clean confetti off the floor, give yourself a quiet toast:
1. “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
May you always be you.
Happy New Year.
Strike Out,
Writer: Sarah Bourloukas
Editor: Lindsey Limbach
Tallahassee