A Playlist for a New Page: 7 Songs for Reflection & New Beginnings

The Soundtrack for a New Chapter

There's a certain feeling that sets in as the year begins to wane. The days get shorter, and we find ourselves looking back at the months that have passed, thinking about where we've been and where we're going. It's a time of reflection, of closing one chapter and wondering about the next.

As a songwriter, I've always been drawn to this bittersweet, hopeful feeling. Music has a unique power to help us process these transitions. Here is a short playlist I've curated with songs that, for me, capture that perfect mood of reflection and hope for a new beginning.

1. "Changes" - David Bowie (1971)

A perfect song to start. Bowie’s anthem isn't just about change; it's about the strange, awkward, and necessary process of becoming someone new. The line, "Turn and face the strange," is a powerful call to action for anyone on the verge of a new chapter.

2. "Same Old Lang Syne" - Dan Fogelberg (1980)

This is the ultimate song of reflection. It's a five-minute movie about unexpectedly meeting an old flame and measuring the lives you've lived against the lives you thought you would. It perfectly captures that bittersweet, nostalgic feeling of looking back at the past.

3. "Can't Get Back The Time" - Kevin I. (2025)

This theme of reflection is at the very heart of my new EP, My Continuum. This song, in particular, is my personal take on this feeling. It's about looking back at our lives, our regrets, and our promises, and realizing how precious time is. It’s a reminder to use whatever time we have left with no regrets.

4. "New Year's Day" - Taylor Swift (2017)

This song is brilliant because it's not about the big, loud party at midnight. It's about the quiet, intimate moment after—the cleanup, the reflection, and the promise to stay. It's a beautiful, modern song about starting a new year not with a bang, but with a quiet, steady commitment.

5. "Here Comes The Sun" - The Beatles (1969)

After all the deep reflection, you need a song of pure, simple hope. This is perhaps the most perfect "new beginning" song ever written. It’s the musical equivalent of a long, hard winter finally breaking and feeling the first warm day of spring.

6. "Christmas In Our Hearts" - Kevin I. (feat. Lance Jyo & Rachel Gonzales) (2025)

For me, this new song is the ultimate expression of hope for a new season. We recorded it to be a message of unity and compassion in a world that feels divided. It’s a reminder that every holiday—and every new day—is a chance to bring a little more love and light into the world.

7. "Don't Stop Believin'" - Journey (1981)

You can't have a playlist about new beginnings without the ultimate anthem of hopeful optimism. This song is pure energy, a reminder to keep pushing forward toward your goals. It’s the perfect, powerful note to end on.

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What's on Your Playlist?

Music is the soundtrack to our lives, and these songs are just a few that I find meaningful. For more curated lists, you can always visit my Playlists page.

What's a song that's on your personal playlist for reflection or a new beginning? I'd love to hear about it in the comments.

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