ESSENCE.com’s New Year’s Playlist
New Year’s Day Playlist
The beginning of a new year is always exciting and inspiring. It is a time to erase yesterday’s dramas and start fresh! Here are few songs to help you feel encouraged and empowered on the first day of what promises to be a more prosperous, happy and amazing year!
“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child gave us the strength to carry on with this song.Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/ie/album/survivor/id217363241?i=217363250&ign-mpt=uo%3D4]
“Work to Do” by Vanessa Williams
Take a peek at Vanessa William’s power song “Work to Do.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/work-to-do/id247884?i=247860&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Still Standing” by Monica featuring Ludacris
Monica proves she’s a strong woman on this track from her 2010 album “Still Standing.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/still-standing-feat-ludacris/id358633001?i=358633019&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Superwoman” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys knows how to lift every woman. Check out “Superwoman” on her “As I Am” album. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/superwoman/id267757640?i=267757713&ign-mpt=uo%3D4]
“Rock Steady” by Aretha Franlkin
The queen of soul was a trailblazer in uplifting music. Check out “Rock Steady.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/rock-steady/id284618098?i=284618196&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“New Attitude” by Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle shows us how to get a new attitude in the new year. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-attitude/id281636159?i=281636429&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Alright” by Janet Jackson
“Alright” by Janet Jackson off her “Rhythm Nation” is just what you need in the new year. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/alright/id251720490?i=251720583&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Second Chance” by El Debarge
El Debarge shows us all why second chances are so important. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/second-chance/id407149875?i=407150112&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Get Up” by Mary Mary
Have a listen to Gospel duo Mary Mary’s “Get Up” — it’ll get you moving for sure! Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/get-up/id293238866?i=293238897&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“No More Drama” by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige takes a stand and ends the drama. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-more-drama/id328629?i=33871815&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Stronger” by Kanye West
Kanye West gets the blood pumping with “Stronger” off “Graduation.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/stronger/id401264138?i=401264198&ign-mpt=uo%3D4]
“I’m Doin’ Me” by Fantasia
Fantasia lifts the soul with “I’m Doin’ Me” off “Back to Me.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/im-doin-me/id382631365?i=382631372&ign-mpt=uo%3D4]
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
What song could bring a broader smile to your face in the new year? Check out Bill Wither’s “Lovely Day.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/lovely-day/id193950112?i=193950222&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Feeling Good” by Nina Simone
Check out this old school song, “Feeling Good” by Nina Simone. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/feeling-good/id346106?i=346076&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“His Eye is on the Sparrow” by Marvin Gaye
R&B legend Marvin Gaye shares his gift and encourages everyone on his version of “His Eye is on the Sparrow.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/his-eye-is-on-the-sparrow/id41562284?i=41562405&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Fly Like a Bird” by Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey gives a little encouragement and inspiration on this song off “The Emancipation of Mimi.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/fly-like-a-bird/id61479838?i=61479951&ign-mpt=uo%3D4]
“Just Fine” by Mary J. Blige
Mary always knows how to best get you motivated. Check out “Just Fine” off her “Growing Pains” album. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/just-fine-remix-feat-lil-mama/id270524804?i=270524823&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Free” by Destiny’s Child
Destiny’s Child sings the importance of being “Free” and clearing your mind to make way for a better day. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/free/id207341054?i=207341274&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Golden” by Jill Scott
As bright as the sun, Jill Scott sings about why she’s living her life like it’s golden. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/golden/id21331385?i=21331357&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“The Storm is Over Now” by Kirk Franklin
Gospel music leader Kirk Franklin and God’s Property give some musical inspiration on “The Storm is Over.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-storm-is-over-now/id286929352?i=286929370&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“What a Difference a Day Makes” by Dinah Washington
Listen to Dinah Washington’s rendition of “What a Difference a Day Makes.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/what-difference-day-makes/id265021?i=265003&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“I’m Every Woman” by Whitney Houston
Here’s to another woman empowerment song, this time by the one and only Whitney Houston. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/im-every-woman/id269450706?i=269450819&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley
The legendary Bob Marley delivers a great message on “Three Little Birds” off his popular album, “Exodus.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/three-little-birds/id406819?i=406781&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“I Can See Clearly Now” by Jimmy Cliff
Have a listen to Jimmy Cliff’s inspirational song, “I Can See Clearly Now” which appeared on the “Cool Runnings” soundtrack. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-can-see-clearly-now/id185589679?i=185590294&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield
Check out Curtis Mayfield’s “Move on Up.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/move-on-up/id251499206?i=251499302&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“New Religion” by Alice Smith
Have a listen to Alice Smith’s great song, “New Religion.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/new-religion/id219047559?i=219047746&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“I Feel Good” by James Brown
There’s no excuse not to feel good in 2011 — especially with tunes like James Brown’s “I feel Good.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-got-you-i-feel-good/id117181?i=117116&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Live Your Life” by T.I. featuing Rihanna
T.I. and Rihanna show you how to live your best life. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/live-your-life-feat-rihanna/id291412464?i=291413312&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“Love Like This” by Faith Evans
Listen to Faith Evans’ “Love Like This.” Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-like-this/id80979591?i=80979120&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].
“No One” by Alicia Keys
Alicia Keys creates feel good music, check out her number on hit “No One” to jump start your year. Listen [http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/no-one/id267757640?i=267757828&ign-mpt=uo%3D4].