Songs to kickstart the new year! [January 2026]

Back pats all around, you did it! You made it through a weird year and are hurtling onward into the next.

To get you back in the swing of things (and to inaugurate Mixed Tapes), here's a collection of some of my favorite 2025 releases, the ones that stuck with me, inspired me and kept me going this past trip around the sun.

This is not your prototypical critic's "Best Of" list. If it was, Geese would be on it. Spoiler, they are not.

Editing this down was tough. A number of worthy albums and artists fell off in the process of making this playlist. I think the end result is a great musical ride that will get you over that back to mines inertia.

So give it a spin, and happy new year!

PLAYLIST: Spotify Apple Music

The Mixed Tapes format:

Each month we'll share a playlist of new releases to make new music discovery fun and easy.

For our paid subscribers, there will be additional weekly playlists focusing on moods, life moments, genre and geographical deep dives, as well as artist spotlights.

BUT, for the first few months of the year, we'll share all posts on main. For free. To get you addicted.

You know the deal.

NEXT WEEK: Songs to combat the short, depressing days of winter.

Until then...