The Soundtrack to Your Resolutions: 20 Songs for Fresh Starts, New Beginnings and Not Screwing Up This Time

New Year’s Day… time to revel in the clarity of that hangover, take stock of the year that’s just passed and hit the reset button for 2010. Here’s a mix to help you do it.

1. Bob Dylan – New Morning
Nothing like new love to make the world seem lush again.

2. The Whigs – Right Hand on My Heart
Swear you won’t put off those resolutions ’til next week or next year.

3. The Zombies – This Will Be Our Year
Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.

4. Bright Eyes – First Day of My Life
What better time for an epiphany than New Year’s Day?

5. Al Green – Take Me to the River
You can always wash that soul clean with some Al Green.

6. John Lennon – Just Like Starting Over
This could be your year to stoke the flames of fading love.

7. The Byrds – Turn! Turn! Turn!!
There is indeed a time for everything, especially getting your shit together for the coming year.

8. The Black Lips – Starting Over
Sometimes that new leaf you’re trying to turn over gets drowned by beer.

9. M. Ward – For Beginners
There’s an unmistakable beauty and wonder in newness.

10. The Sadies – Never Again
When you’ve had enough, you’ve had enough.

11. Todd Snider – Long Year
It’s never too late to get back on the wagon.

12. Vampire Weekend – Blake’s Got a New Face
Sometimes, all you need is a makeover.

13. The Walkmen – In the New Year
Even though you’ll probably blow it, never be afraid to take a chance.

14. Wilco – What’s the World Got in Store
Try to take comfort in the unwritten future.

15. My Brightest Diamond – Feeling Good
When starting fresh, it helps to notice the parallels in nature.

16. Allen Toussaint – New Year’s Resolution
When making resolutions, it’s good to be realistic.

17. Van Morrison – Brand New Day
In the darkest hour, keep your eyes peeled for that first ray of inevitable sunshine.

18. Springsteen – Thunder Road
When the going gets stagnant, the stagnant get gone.

19. Johnny Cash – A Boy Named Sue
It’s never too late to make amends with an estranged parent.

20. R.E.M. – Begin the Begin
You can always start anew, even when you have no idea what you’re singing about.