A pop-fuelled beginning

Five anthemic tracks to ring in the new year with

KARACHI:

New Year's Eve can feel like a reset button on life, but don't let the glitter and resolutions fool you. The real power lies in how we choose to approach the year ahead. If you're looking for more than just a predictable mix of party anthems and clichés, these five tracks will give you something to chew on. They're the kind of songs that'll fuel your optimism while keeping it all grounded, no sugar-coating here.

1. Lizzo, 'Good as Hell'

Lizzo's Good as Hell is a fun, feel-good track. From the opening notes, the song sets the tone for a fresh start, layering a catchy groove with a message that transcends simple self-love. Lizzo delivers more than just a chorus here; she crafts a full-fledged pep talk that says, You're already enough. The track is an anthem for those who've survived it all and come out stronger. There's no room for doubt when Lizzo's telling you you're "good as hell." It's unapologetic, bold, and fierce - perfect for anyone determined to step into 2024 with that same confidence. The real beauty of this song is that it invites you to embrace your flaws, your quirks, and your strength. Forget perfection; just be your most authentic self. That's how you start the year right.

2. Dua Lipa, 'Levitating'

Any pop lover who wants a contemporary hit on their new year playlist needs to add Dua Lipa's bouncy song. With its retro-futuristic vibe and infectious rhythm, it's easy to see why this track became an instant classic. At its core, Levitating is all about ambition and the joy that comes from living life unencumbered by doubt. "You want me, I want you, baby," Lipa sings, and the catchiness of the hook tells us that life is a two-way street - and it's about time you start taking the ride to greater heights.

The year ahead doesn't have to feel like a chore, and this song encourages us to take flight, to leave behind the weight of uncertainty, and to chase the big dreams. The metaphor of levitating isn't just physical elevation; it's the mental and emotional rise that comes from shedding the weight of past failures and embracing what's next. Levitating is an invitation to let the future take you to new places, even if it means letting go of the past.

3. Katy Perry, 'Firework'

Firework is your old-school jam if you want a pure celebration wrapped in a call to action. As the song's synths explode into a chorus that demands attention, it's clear that this isn't just another motivational anthem. It's a reminder that everyone carries within them the potential for greatness - even if it takes time to realise. Firework is about owning your light in a world that can sometimes feel dim.

As Perry reminds us, "You just gotta ignite the light and let it shine." It's the kind of song that makes you believe that no matter where you've been or how you've stumbled, the future is bright if you let yourself explode into it. Fireworks are meant to be loud, bright, and fleeting - a perfect symbol for a moment of personal reckoning and release as we leave the past year behind.

4. Olivia Rodrigo, 'Good 4 U'

If 2025 is going to be your year, then you need a track that slaps with the same intensity you're bringing to the table. Enter Olivia Rodrigo's Good 4 U, a fiery anthem that channels every bit of frustration and fury you might feel about the past year. The song opens with a blistering guitar riff and quickly morphs into a cathartic scream of independence. "Good for you, I guess you moved on really easily," she sings, oozing a mix of sarcasm and bitterness that cuts straight through.

It's the perfect track for anyone who's tired of playing nice, tired of being walked all over, and ready to let the world know they're done with the old drama. What sets this track apart is its blend of pop-punk angst with Rodrigo's vulnerable yet unapologetic lyrics. She's not just taking the high road - she's burning that road down and driving a faster, bolder one for herself. It's a cathartic release, a reminder that sometimes growth comes from a place of defiance and not always from neat resolutions.

5. The Weeknd, 'Blinding Lights'

Blinding Lights is one of those songs that hits you first with its neon-glow beat and leaves you with something far deeper. The Weeknd's vocals float through a pulsing, synth-heavy landscape that takes you somewhere between longing and liberation. There's a sense of loneliness here, but also the kind of hope that only comes when you're so close to something great you can almost feel it - even when it seems just out of reach. The lyrical themes of yearning and uncertainty resonate with anyone who's ever felt lost or out of place, but as the track progresses, it becomes clear: there's no going back.

The blinding lights are both a metaphor for distractions and a beacon guiding you forward. The Weeknd captures that tension perfectly - balancing the excitement of moving forward with the hesitations that come with change. This song captures the feeling of starting over and the thrilling uncertainty that accompanies it. Play it loud when the year starts to remember that the best parts of your life are still waiting for you - you just have to chase the light.

Bonus: Taylor Swift, 'New Year's Day'

While the other tracks on this list are all about pushing boundaries, Taylor Swift's New Year's Day takes a different approach. It's quieter, more introspective - but that's exactly why it works. New Year's Day is a song about the things that matter when everything else falls away: the small moments, the quiet joy of being with someone who understands the vulnerability of starting fresh. Unlike the big, explosive themes of the other tracks, Swift's song reminds us that new beginnings don't always have to be loud or dramatic. Sometimes, it's the stillness that defines us.

The song's soft piano and reflective lyrics offer a reminder that while the year ahead may hold challenges, the most meaningful victories will come from the intimate moments of connection and growth. "I want your midnights, but I'll be cleaning up bottles with you on New Year's Day," she sings, a simple yet profound acknowledgment that the everyday acts of love and care are the ones that carry us through.