There's no shortage of songs about Christmas itself. But there's another fairly major holiday that comes just a week after. New Year's Day often feels like Christmas's late-to-the-party second cousin, left with whatever jovial leftovers from the week prior remain. But with the turn of the calendar comes an opportunity to start fresh. While we don't need to wait for New Year's Day to make a change, there's nothing like a new year to push you to make a fresh start. Still, songs about New Year's Day are relatively rare. Here's a list of some of my favorites from Christian artists. (And no, I'm not including any version of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve.")
Switchfoot - "New Year's Day"
From Switchfoot's 2022 Christmas record, this is our christmas album, this song proclaims a need for growth in the face of disappointment and struggle. The lyrics of the chorus resonate strongly as a new year begins: "Euphoria's gone, it's time to move on/I have to believe we can change/When the notes come out wrong/Stop singing along/We can't be the same old thing/It's New Year's Day." Sonically, the song captures the signature upbeat pop/rock sound that has become a Switchfoot signature. Jon Foreman's voice comes across as a reassuring source of wisdom. This is definitely a great one to kick off the year with.
Everfound - "Resolution"
The title track of Everfound's 2014 holiday project, this song struck more as a New Year's song than its Christmas siblings on the EP. Everfound had a pop/rock sound that felt so fresh and engaging, and it's a shame they didn't stick around the industry longer. (Or at least not in their Everfound moniker and sound.) This song's upbeat and engaging declaration of overcoming fear is another great New Year's anthem for you to jam as the clock counts down.
Kutless - "Vow"
An unexpected entry on this list. The song is tucked away as a deeper cut on Kutless's 2002 self-titled debut album. It's a lamentation on a life wasted thus far, with a vow to give one's life over to Christ completely as a new year begins. The song offers fans both a rocking tune and a powerful and earnest message to turn around a broken life to the only one who can mend it.
Ben Rector - "The Best Is Yet To Come (A Song For The New Year)"
In this reflective number, Ben Rector reflects, "It's been the kind of year I'd be fine if I forgot/But I'll never forget it as long as I live and that's saying a lot/The wildest menagerie of unfortunate crazy things and now it's all over." Yet he remains hopeful as a new year begins, "And leave in the past all the things that are ending/Cause tomorrow will bring us a new morning sun." The song offers hope to those who've had a difficult year that brighter days are truly ahead.
Carolyn Arends - "New Year's Day"
Carolyn Arends was one of many notable female vocalists of the 1990s Christian music era. Known for her hit, "Seize the Day," this New Year's anthem stands as one of the best for the holiday. The song declares "every day is New Year's Day," challenging listeners to let every day be a chance to continue on their resolutions on self-improvement. So many make resolutions and abandon them quickly, but each day can be a chance for a new beginning.
JJ Heller - "This Year (Happy New Year)"
In this song, JJ Heller calls on listeners to leave regrets behind. She sings how she's not going to look back at all of the failures of the past year, but rather look ahead to the good things that await in the coming year. To "train our eyes to find the light and make this year the best one yet." JJ Heller has a breezy vocal delivery that makes all of her songs feel so earnest. Add this one to your New Year's playlist.
Chris Eaton - "6 Days After Christrmas"
I've done a whole article on Chris Eaton's Christmas contributions. Well, it turns out he's also contributed a New Year's song to the canon of Christmas music. Unsurprisingly recorded first by Cliff Richard, a frequent collaborator of Eaton's, this Chris Eaton song is brimming with character. It's got a warm fireside vibe to it that still carries the flicker of the ongoing Christmas season. The song sings to the love we have and lost, and choosing to embrace the good in our lives. It's a worthwhile song to conclude a New Year's playlist and start you off in the right mindset for a brand new year.
J.J. Francesco is a longtime contributor to the NRT Staff. He's published the novel 'Because of Austin' and regularly seeks new ways to engage faith, life, and community. His new novel, 'When Miracles Can Dream,' is out NOW!
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