Mariah Carey officially welcomed Christmas on November 1st — and if the queen of the holiday season says so, we embrace it until the last minute of 2024.
Just as the diva gave us one of the best Christmas songs, we bring you some nice tunes to say goodbye to the year with positive vibes.
Because, although the Christmas decorations are about to disappear from the streets, the energy of the holidays remains beyond the final hours of the year, and the perfect response is to strengthen our spirit to give the nicest welcome to what awaits us in 2025.
A great old song
“Here Comes the Sun” — The Beatles
While walking to the subway the other day, a street musician sang “Here Comes the Sun” and immediately my mood changed and I started bobbing my head and singing along.
The song, written by George Harrison and released in 1969 as part of the album “Abbey Road,” one of The Beatles’ most iconic albums, brings out a smile anytime.
The timeless song is an anthem of optimism that I particularly used as an alarm clock a few years ago. There’s no better way to start the day, or in this case a new year, than with Harrison’s hopeful message: after a long winter, here comes the sun.
The indie offering
“Best Day of My Life” — American Authors
If you like pop rock and indie rock beats, maybe you have American Authors on your playlist – and if not, you should add them, especially the song “Best Day of My Life,” which was released in 2013 as part of their debut album “Oh, What a Life.”
This is one of those songs that puts you in a cheerful mood very quickly, particularly because of its upbeat rhythm and optimistic lyrics that celebrate life and happy moments.
It is a good tune to celebrate the year that is over, be thankful for what you have experienced and appreciate the present.
The vibrant 80s
“Walking on Sunshine” — Katrina and the Waves
If you want to dance and let go of any negative energy, there is no better song than “Walking on Sunshine”. It’s an energetic, happy song that invites you to jump through life with contagious energy. No wonder it became a pop music anthem after its release in 1985 on the band’s eponymous album.
Therefore, if you want to feel euphoric and enjoy life to the fullest, this is a great tune. Not only has it stood the test of time, the optimistic tune has become an ode to happiness.
A great inspirational message
“Brave” — Sara Bareilles
This song wasn’t on my radar for a long time, until it made it to my playlist and stayed there. “Brave” is a song performed by American singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles and it conveys that kind of message that we all need to hear from time to time to lift our heads, face our fears and take charge of our lives.
Many have found strength in her powerful message. It has resonated among the LGBTQ+ community, among those seeking self-expression and those who want strength to face challenges. On a curious note, actress Rashida Jones (Parks and Recreation) directed the video, which has garnered millions of YouTube views and motivational messages from people facing cancer, gender-based violence or those asking for a helping hand to tell them that they can be brave.
The warm and nostalgic
“Auld Lang Syne” — Traditional Scottish song
The song’s lyrics, written by Scottish poet Robert Burns in 1788, reflect on friendship, love and memories of the past. Burns captured the essence of Scottish culture in his work with “Auld Lang Syne” becoming one of his most popular compositions.
The melody is based on a traditional Scottish song and today there are many versions by different artists around the world. It is popularly performed in many English-speaking countries to say goodbye to the year and start a new chapter with hope.
Latin rhythms
Guaco in concert
It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand Spanish, the catchy rhythm and good vibes will get your feet moving from the first second. For me, there is no Christmas or end of the year without Guaco – a band with a fusion of Latin rhythms that, although they play all year round, they play even louder at this time of year.
If you don’t believe me, believe the Japanese, some of the band’s biggest fans who don’t hesitate to fill stadiums when Guaco visits Japan. It’s impossible to choose just one song to raise your spirits, that’s why I leave you a concert in two parts, you can choose your favorite song or like me just dance them all, the energy you get along the way is like no other.
Song of the year
“Beautiful Things” — Benson Boone
A lot of good tracks were released in 2024, but one song hitting all the charts and social media is “Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone. A perfect tune if you want to scream out loud and bring out everything inside you, just like this little girl:
@im.vocals Beautiful Things 🤍 — Credits: @lalabubaby (IG) #lyrics #subtitles #cover #bensonboone #beautifulthings ♬ Originalton – im.vocals
The song is also trending because of the versions released by the public. We’ve chosen a selection of videos for you to end the year with a good vibe, but also with a smile.
@walkofftheearth Should we release a version of @Benson’s smash “Beautiful Things”⁉️If we get 5000 presaves we will finish it! Shout outs to @Luminati Suns for the collab. For all our music nerds….can you guess how many tones the modulation is? First one with the correct answer gets guestlist to any show they want. #walkofftheearth #luminatisuns #newmusic #newsong #behindthesong #musictok #cover #mystupidheartkid #fyp ♬ Beautiful Things Walk off the Earth – Walk off the Earth
@bensonboone @Dabestdest ♬ Beautiful Things – Benson Boone
@luminatisunsMe when my favorite song comes on and I forget I’m in public 🎤♬ original sound – Luminati Suns
@anthony_gargiula when the harmonies started i was so happy 😭 i love singing with my guys @Jamie Miller @jonathantilkin ❤️ #sing #beautifulthings #bensonboone ♬ original sound – Anthony Gargiula
We’ve also made you a Spotify playlist so you can enjoy our selection whenever you need a mood boost.