If the new year is the next chapter in your life story, then it definitely deserves a brand new soundtrack. We couldn’t have ushered in 2011 without Usher’s “Yeah 3x,” and 2016 deserves the same kind of entrance. To help get the year started right, Pipe Dream has compiled a playlist for everything you might be feeling as move on to this next calendar year.
“The Start Of Something New”
High School Musical Cast
This song is a quintessential New Year’s jam. It was written as a backdrop for the everlasting romance of Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, so why shouldn’t it start your new year as well? Listen to it and reminisce in some good old 2006 nostalgia. This is especially relevant for the High School Musical’s tenth anniversary. Feel old yet? Yeah, so do we.
“Something Big”
Shawn Mendes
As the newest rising teen pop star said, “something big is happening,” and that something is 2016. Get your hopes up high for the upcoming year with this upbeat song from someone younger and more successful than you. Mendes’ lyrics are vague enough where they can really apply to any New Year’s resolution you might have, so whether it’s health and fitness or better grades, Mendes will be cheering you on from the sidelines.
“Trap Queen”
Fetty Wap
Say “hey, what’s up, hello” to 2016 with one of the year’s biggest hits from the year’s fastest rising artist. Fetty Wap reigned supreme in 2015, and no New Year’s playlist would be complete without the chance to scream “1738” one last time. Grab a glass of champagne — or the nearest 40 — and ring in the new year with your favorite trap queen.
“Last Dance”
Donna Summer
No good party is complete without a final dance to this late ’70s crowd-pleaser, so why not end your year the same way? Before you count down with Carson Daly or Ryan Seacrest, grab a friend and say goodbye to 2015 with some killer dance moves. If your already feeling nostalgic for the year behind you, make your last dance a combination of all of this year’s dance crazes — and then leave them where they should stay — in the past.
“Never Forget You”
Zara Larsson and MNEK
Whether this year was one of your best or filled with regret, it’s probably one that you’ll never forget. Ring in 2016 with this dubstep anthem from 18-year-old Swedish pop star Zara Larsson. With it’s killer beat, Larsson’s incredible vocals and lyrics that simultaneously make you feel like you want to move on and never let go, this song will perfectly capture your booze-induced feelings as the ball drops.
“Forever alone”
Kakkmaddafakka
Yeah, we all want someone to kiss on New Year’s Eve, but unless you’re involved in the rituals of cuffing season, a midnight smooch might not be an option. Blast this by yourself while everyone else is starting the year off lip-locked, and maybe the singing in your ears will fill the empty space in your heart.
“Peanut Butter Jelly”
Galantis
Once the clock strikes midnight, the only thing left to do in the night is party until it’s time to go to bed. Still, staying up late isn’t for everyone, and if you start feeling sleepy once the ball drops, there is no better song to wake you up then this fun dance theme. It’ll help you go from 0 to 60 without Redbull, or worse, a Four Loko.
“First Day of My Life”
Bright Eyes
After a long night of eating, drinking and desperately looking for someone to kiss at midnight, start the new year off with a mellow hopeful tune from indie heartthrob Conor Oberst. A new year means a fresh start, so while you’re nursing your hangover, remember that 2016 is the first day of the rest of your life, even if it feels like you’ll never leave your bed again.