Here we are, welcoming the first day of the year with hopes high. Except a few of these songs might kill that buzz a bit. But hey, there’s a range of emotions on New Year’s Day. Let’s get this thing going.
| 1. | U2 – “New Year’s Day” |
Duh. Sure, it’s about the Polish Solidarity movement, but we can all feel like “nothing changes on New Year’s Day.”
| 2. | Otis Redding & Carla Thomas – “New Year’s Resolution” |
Smooth smooth smooth.
| 3. | Foo Fighters – “Next Year” |
You may recall this as the theme song to the long-departed NBC series “Ed.” But it’s one of Dave Grohl’s best tracks and it has a killer bass line to boot. That’s something to celebrate.
| 4. | Death Cab for Cutie – “The New Year” |
Feel like getting a bit emo this year? Ben Gibbard was taking a page from Bono’s book when he wrote the opening line, “So this is the new year and I don’t feel any different.”
| 5. | The Mountain Goats – “This Year” |
The song’s about making it through a particularly tough adolescence, but who can deny the chorus of “I am gonna make it through this year if it kills me”? Hell yes, we’re gonna make it through this year.
| 6. | Jeff Buckley – “New Year’s Prayer” |
The departed singer with the voice of an angel never mentions New Year’s but instead encourages you to “feel no shame for what you are” and implores you to “leave your office.” A positive place to start.
| 7. | Great Lake Swimmers – “Gonna Make it Through This Year” |
“Got a lot to be thankful for this year, but I guess you could say I’m down on my luck.” Not quite as positive, but hey, we can relate.