The new year calls for new music; if you find yourself going back to the same old songs, let me guide you through a perfectly curated playlist for the new year.
- “Messy” by Lola Young
You’ve probably heard this song if you’re on “TikTok.” This song is for the people who have struggled with being accepted by society. The song talks about constantly feeling judged by others and features the perfect amount of societal rebellion while staying true to yourself.
“Cause I’m too messy, and then I’m too f—ing clean / You told me to get a job then you ask where the hell I’ve been.”
The song strives to embrace self acceptance and authenticity, while dealing with the struggle of being a people pleaser.
“And I’m too perfect, ‘till I open my big mouth / I want to be me, is that not allowed?”
This angsty, upbeat song is perfect for anyone who has questioned their identity due to the judgement of the world.
- “Letter To My 13 Year Old Self” by Laufey
This next song is perfect if you need to connect to your childhood self. It allows you to receive some reassurance and closure to battles you once faced. The nostalgic and comforting tone Laufey uses creates the perfect setting to provide your younger self with hope.
“Keep on going with your silly dream, life is prettier than it may seem / The days of tears and failure fears and no one cares will all make sense.”
One thing I especially love about this song is that it addresses insecurities that many face growing up. Laufey reassured her younger self that her life will get better.
“Don’t you worry ‘bout your curly hair / Clothes that don’t quite fit you anywhere / Voices echo in the gym / Another girl’s had her first kiss / Please don’t think too much of it, darling.”
- “Maybe” by Gabriela Bee
This song deals with navigating emotions and uncertainty regarding relationships. Bee does a fantastic job expressing her hopes for the future, carefully placing the word “maybe” to capture her inner dialogue.
“Maybe I’ll see you at Christmas / Maybe I’ll see you at New Years / Maybe we’ll laugh like you never left / When I see you again in two years.”
I think the most powerful thing about this song is that it feels like a diary entry. It feels personal, using detailed descriptions for imagery like a diary would.
“Maybe it all will be different, maybe your hair will be shorter, or maybe we won’t even talk when we’re older… Maybe our kids will be best friends, we’ll live down the street from each other. And maybe I’ll smile ‘cause your daughter laughs like her mother.”
- “Free Now” by Gracie Abrams
Last but certainly not least is “Free Now” by none other than Gracie Abrams. This song highlights the personal growth one goes through after leaving an unfulfilling relationship. The lyrics feature moments of realization that a relationship no longer is satisfying. The song includes the bittersweet side of letting go, along with the emotional weight that is lifted.
“I hate to pull the plug, but I think I get your deal / I finally know better than to wait for you back here / took you two months, only two to raise the bar.”
Abrams is reclaiming her self worth, finally understanding that change is not going to happen. I interpret the next line as Abrams letting go of what once was and more importantly, what wasn’t.
“You’re the saddest, but a good kid / Almost loved you, but I didn’t / I could laugh now, how we tried to play those parts.”
The most captivating moment of the song happens at the end. Abrams strategically closes the song with: “Never been less empty, all I feel is free now.”
No matter your music taste, this list has a variety of genres that all can enjoy. Hopefully I convinced you to add these four songs to your playlist.