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Music Mood Board: Songs to Play For the 2021 New Year

Music Mood Board: Songs to Kick Off the New Year With Hope, Gratitude, and Confidence

It feels like I've been wearily dragging myself to 2020's finish line all December long, and I'm sure you can relate. I don't even need to tell you how trying this year has been, but one of my strongest — and, admittedly, sometimes most frustrating — qualities is my ability to remain hopeful, no matter what. So that's how I'm choosing to arrive in 2021: full of expectancy and anticipation. That isn't to say I'm turning a blind eye to the very real issues our world is still facing and will continue to endure. I'm just dedicating more of my energy to protecting the peace that I continuously fought to regain and maintain throughout the year. So, with that in mind, I now present the songs that I'll be blasting into the new year.

Image Source: Getty / Taylor Hill / Kevin Winter / Dave Rushen

1. "F2020 (Remix)" by Avenue Beat feat. Jessie Reyez

Before I get into the more cheerful songs, I just want to give a shout-out to this track that encapsulates my feelings about 2020 rather well. While I believe this year was necessary in shedding a light on so many issues, it was quite the tribulation. For that reason, I'm joining Avenue Beat and Reyez in giving 2020 the middle finger.

2. "Yo Perreo Sola" by Bad Bunny

For those who are welcoming 2021 with a solo celebration or with only a few people, "Yo Perreo Sola," which means "I twerk alone," is the perfect New Year's Eve anthem for this year.

3. "Levitating" by Dua Lipa

Lipa made 2020 a lot more bearable with her LP Future Nostalgia, and this standout jam is going to be my end-of-year dose of disco bliss.

4. "Keep Your Head Up" by Djo

From the title to the production to the vocals, this tune by Djo is an upbeat paragon of funk and psychedelia. Not to mention, jamming along to its message of self-love is a great way to usher in 2021.

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5. "Facts Only" by Alex Mali

You know those songs that make you feel like you can conquer the world? That's what "Facts Only" does for me. As I kickoff 2021, this track will serve as a reminder of my capabilities and potential.

6. "Times Won't Change Me" by Circa Waves

This upbeat piano-led melody always puts me in a good mood and makes me feel prepared to take on anything, including whatever awaits me in 2021.

7. "Cheers" by Blackbear feat. Wiz Khalifa

Sometimes we need to raise a glass to the good and bad times in hopes that we grow from both. "Cheers" makes a potent note of that as Blackbear and Wiz Khalifa acknowledge life's pains while basically saying, "F*ck it, let's have a toast anyway." I can relate.

8. "Brujas" by Princess Nokia

Princess Nokia saying, "Don't you f*ck with my energy," eight times in a row gives me an instant serotonin boost. So, this has to be on my New Year's Eve playlist.

9. "Kites" by N.E.R.D, Kendrick Lamar, and M.I.A.

This song is all about taking flight like a kite to overcome barriers, hardships, and bullsh*t. "Kites on my radar, life in my palms / We unite through the chaos," Lamar says. I don't know about you, but I'm ready to soar in 2021!

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