2024 has arrived! Many of us have used the new year as the time to write out resolutions, clean out closets and get ready to start fresh. However, it can be hard to start new habits and pick up new hobbies, so this week’s 13 Beats are sure to keep you feeling motivated, productive and awake as you kick into high gear.
1. “Bluebird Singing” — John Vincent III (2023)
The bright guitar and chirping of birds in the production of this track have made it one of my favorites to feel awake in 2024. Lyrics like “Just lean into that sunshine” inspire the listener to embrace the beauty of each day.
2. “Life in Color” — OneRepublic (2014)
“Life in Color” encourages listeners to look for the “color” and beautiful things in their lives. “I do my best to find some kind of glow,” croons Ryan Tedder about the effort he is putting into having a positive outlook on his life.
3. “Hooked on a Feeling” — Blue Swede, Björn Skifs (1973)
If you’ve ever heard this song, you know that the chanting at the very beginning of the song is sure to act as an alarm clock and get you out of bed. The laid-back melody and vocals are helpful to listen to when feeling stressed.
4. “Someone New” — Hozier (2014)
“I fall in love just a little, oh, a little bit every day with someone new” sings Hozier about embracing love every chance he gets. The track also motivates the listener to fall in love with new parts of themselves and their life.
5. “Little Lies” — Fleetwood Mac (1987)
Christine McVie’s dreamy vocals, combined with the dystopian production, create a melody to inspire the listener to look at their day positively. McVie asks her lover to tell her “sweet little lies” so she doesn’t have to face any hard truths about their relationship.
6. “Love Like This” — Kodaline (2013)
“Love Like This” has a catchy chorus and colorful harmonica sounds that frame the track’s message. Lyrics like “I know that a love like this won’t last forever” highlight the importance of seizing each day and being grateful for what you have, knowing that it might be gone someday.
7. “There She Goes” — The La’s (1990)
“I just can’t contain this feeling that remains” croons Lee Mayers about the overwhelming feelings he has for his lover. The way Mayers expresses his love inspires listeners to find someone or something that enamors them.
8. “Radio” — Lana Del Rey (2012)
Lana Del Rey sings about getting through a tough period in her life and finding the fame and success she’s worked for. Lyrics like “Now my life is sweet like cinnamon […]. Baby, love me ’cause I’m playing on the radio” detail how blissful her life is and how proud she is that those who doubted her now hear her songs all over the radio.
9. “New Perspective” — Noah Kahan (2022)
“New Perspective” describes someone looking at the quirks of their small town in a different way, trying to put a positive spin on them. Listeners are inspired to take a new perspective on things they may not like in their own lives to make them seem new and enjoyable.
10. “Good Day Sunshine” — The Beatles (1966)
“I’m in love and it’s a sunny day,” sings Paul McCartney about the lovely day he is having. The lyrics of this track are perfect for a positive pick-me-up.
11. “Heaven Falls/Fall on Me” — Surfaces (2018)
Beachy and catchy, “Heaven Falls/Fall on Me” paints the picture of a “heavenly” day. Lyrics like “Got good times on the horizon, I can see them on the way” preach focusing on happy memories when things feel tough or dull.
12. “Best Day of My Life” — American Authors (2013)
The message of this track is in its title! The whistles in the production of the chorus make it catchy and upbeat and always remind me of summer and manifesting every day to be a good one.
13. “Shotgun” — George Ezra (2018)
“I’ll be riding shotgun underneath the hot sun feeling like a someone,” croons George Ezra about the excitement that traveling brings him. The track inspires listeners to chase after what they want and what makes them happy.
