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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!