Welcome 2024 with the ultimate New Year’s Day playlist.

With this year coming to a close and 2024 right on our heels, New Year’s Day is fast approaching. Whew!

A great way to set the tone for the year ahead is to create a playlist that attempts to describe those New Year’s Day feelings: an excited spirit full of new beginnings, with opportunities for renewal and reflection. This list is meant to act as a guide, taking you through your New Year’s Day with suggestions of songs as you do, well, whatever it is you do on your first day of 2024. The world is your oyster!

Whether you are looking to relax during a night in or to kickstart your year out on the town, these songs will help you move throughout your day and keep you in the celebratory spirit. Here is a list of my must-listen-to songs on New Year’s Day.

The early bird gets the worm

The morning of New Year’s Day frequently brings a sense of contemplation and reflection, whether you are sitting down journaling, or having a debrief with friends over the night before. Start your playlist with a song that sets an idyllic mood, allowing you to start the day with a peaceful mindset.

Consider these tracks:

“Silver Lining” by Mt. Joy

“Maybe” by Half Alive

“The Idea of You” by Grady, lovelytheband

An honorable mention is always “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift, of course.

Mid-day dance sesh

As the morning light turns to the blazing sun, it’s the perfect time to inject some enthusiasm into the day, possibly even with a spontaneous dance party. Gather your friends and family, or enjoy it solo – either way, it's a wonderful way to infuse even more positivity into the day!

Dancing on New Year's Day can serve as a sweet reminder that life is about finding balance. We can celebrate and dance in the moment while also taking time to reflect and grow. Enjoy your midday dance session with these songs and remember that there isn’t anything that can’t be fixed with a dance party!

“Come On Eileen” by Dexy’s Midnight Runners

“Reflections” by MisterWives

“Leave The Door Open” by Bruno Mars & Silk Sonic

Golden hour tunes

As the day progresses into night, consider adding groove-worthy tracks to keep the adventure going. With night just around the corner, embrace every second you have left of the first day of 2024! Romanticize the year ahead, as the sun’s remaining light fills the last day of the year, and a fresh chapter lies ahead, ready to be filled with your dreams, aspirations, and experiences.

“Orange Girl” by Dreamer Boy

“Music Sounds Better with You” by Neil Frances

“Supply & Demand” by Wilder Woods

Unwind and unplug

Winding down the first day of 2024 is cause for joy and meditation! As the day comes to an end, it is essential to add songs that mellow out the mood. To signal the day’s end, as well as the playlist’s, try songs such as

“Rush” by Brook and The Bluff

“Wildflower” by Tom Petty

“Wasteland, Baby!” by Hozier

Personal favorites

Don't forget to include songs that hold personal significance for you. These tracks can incite fond memories and add a personal touch to your playlist, making your New Year's Day celebrations truly special. And, if you are enjoying my own personal suggestions, consider listening to “Grooving with Grace” on our “Well, Yeah!” podcast. ;)

Whether you’re reflecting, celebrating, dancing, or relaxing, the right choice of sound can truly better your New Year’s Day experience. Take the time to focus on what you put in your heart and head, as it truly does become the soundtrack to your life!

Thank you for entrusting me with your New Year’s Day soundtrack!

Be Well, Auburn