Thank goodness 2016 is finally ending! This has been a dismal year in terms of world events, and I know many of us are glad to see it go. Still, it is New Year’s Eve, the world’s biggest night of partying.  You can’t have a party without music!  

Finding music for a Christmas party is easy, but there aren’t a ton of dedicated songs for New Year’s Eve/Day.  It’s basically “Auld Lang Syne.” So, if you need some suggestions for your 2017 countdown playlist, here are my top ten songs for saying goodbye to 2016!

The Top Ten Goodbye 2016 Songs

David Bowie – “This is Not America”

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With the news from the CIA stating that Russia interfered in the U.S. election process and Donald Trump’s relationship to Vladimir Putin this song couldn’t be more perfect. Melancholy, yes, but still.  For one, many Americans feel like the 2016 election is the beginning of the new…U.S.S.R.. The song was written for the movie, The Falcon and the Snowman, which was about two Americans selling secrets to the Russians.  Secondly, it’s a reminder and tribute to the 2016 death of rocker David Bowie

Drowning Pool – “Bodies”  

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY&w=640&h=360]

This year was the ugliest U.S. election cycle in recent memory.  It has had more in common to the elections of the 1850’s than modern America.   As it stands more than half the country is unhappy and the winning minority is out for blood. Regardless of who you voted for, this song is perfect to express frustration, rage, or gleeful defiance!

The White Stripes – “Seven Nation Army”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY&w=640&h=360]

After listening to “Bodies” it’s time to bring things down a notch.  Tensions are still high, but “Seven Nation Army”  is about being ready for anything if  things get rough.  It’s about feeling bad*ss, not actually being it. (Hence it’s 

Queen – “Another One Bites the Dust”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY0WxgSXdEE&w=640&h=360]
In this last week alone the world has lost three major entertainment icons: George Michael, Carrie Fisher, and Debbie Reynolds.  2016 started out with the death of David Bowie, and shocked us again with Prince dying a few months later.  For those of just happy to see 2016 end, this song fits the bill!

Tupac Shakur – “Keep Your Head Up”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rnfhj0NrpAw]

It’s time to get a little mellow. 20 years after his murder Tupac Shakur is being inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.. 2016 has been tough for women, African-Americans, and immigrants. The American voting system has elected a President that wants to “build a wall” to keep out Mexicans, start a national registry for muslims, bragged about kissing women and grab their private parts without consent and was endorsed by the American Nazi party and the KKK.  Hillary Clinton, as flawed as she was, still was by far the most technically qualified candidate for the job of President, but couldn’t break that glass ceiling. Tupac’s love letter to African-American women and that community, keeps it real, but hopeful.  

Beyoncé – “ Run The World (Girls)”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VBmMU_iwe6U&w=640&h=360]

Let the partying begin! The music is fierce and the message is clear. No matter the disappointment for millions of women who wanted to see female U.S. president, Beyoncé will remind everyone of just how much women do!  

Prince – “Let’s Go Crazy”

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdOKfyjONkY]

There isn’t a VEVO original video of this, but this short concert clip is great! I thought about including “1999” – but the fact is that it’s going to be 2017.  Remember when the world’s biggest concern was Y2K? (You may not. If so, Google it.)  However, “Let’s Go Crazy” has an eternal theme.  “Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here together today to get through this thing called ‘life’”  Darling Prince, the divine Purple one – we will forever miss you!

Lady Gaga – “Born This Way”

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Lady Gaga’s party anthem to freedom for all is great New Year’s Eve song. I gave you the live version because it’s awesome – and shorter. The original video opening is intense,cool, campy, or creepy depending on your taste. (I find it all of the above myself.)  I’d forgotten the whole “Manifesto of Mother Monster” sci-fi opening where she’s giving birth to, “a race that bears No prejudice, no judgement, but boundless freedom.”

Eminem – “Lose Yourself”

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In the final countdown to 2017 this is the only song that want to hear! If it’s at a club the D.J. will make it even more fierce! “Lose Yourself” is covers everything. It’s can be about being in the moment of celebrating the end of 2016 & not blowing things for yourself in 2017. Life is short. Whether it’s personal or political, “Lose Yourself” in this hip-hop anthem of doing what you need to do

Goodbye 2016!

Alicia Keys – “Holy War”

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Yes, I’m kicking  “Auld Lang Syne” to the curb.  When 2017 comes in this is what I’ll be listening to.  The lyrics from Alicia’s newest song address the pain of  2016 while suggesting ways we all can try to make 2017 a little better.

“What if love was holy, and hate obscene? We should give life to this beautiful dream. Cuz, peace and love ain’t so far, if we nurse our wounds before they scar.”