By Isabella Trew Pichardo. Cover image by Antonella Ramos Panace.

There’s nothing quite like music – it has the mysterious power to evoke emotions and provide us with the right motivation we need to take action. As we begin a new year, we feel the urge to rebel against everything we wish to forget about 2023. Whether you’re staying in Florence or leaving, we’ve put together a selection of songs that will help you to break free from the norm. Each of these tracks will ignite the rebel within you. Choose your favourites top songs playlist and turn up the volume!

TOP SONG PLAYLIST STARTS WITH MOUNT EVEREST, LABRINTH

If we want to renew ourselves for the upcoming year, we should take Labrinth’s advice. We should feel empowered and in control of our destiny. This year, let’s focus on the positive and exciting things ahead. It’s time to challenge ourselves and learn from the new experiences. If you want a pep talk before taking on 2024, this song is for you.

COME ON NOW, THE KINKS 

Jingle your bones and dance like nobody’s watching to “The Kinks”. Come On Now is the soundtrack to give you a confidence boost and start your year with a bang. I can assure you that the band’s British intuition will be contagious, as well as their notorious reputation.

COUNTRY LIFE, MASTER PEACE

As many of us prepare to head home for the holidays, we can all relate to Master Peace when he sings “it’s just a boring kinda life, country life”. Nothing will resemble the vibrant streets of Florence at night and its lively people. However, Christmas will always be about family time and tons of Christmas dinners. Remember Master Peace’s lyric “made me wanna throw up my last meal”, and indulge in traditional Christmas delights.

OUR TOP SONGS PLAYLIST CONTINUES WITH TOAST, KOFFEE

Blessed for everything that happened this year. Koffee is a talented song-writer who wrote a song that feels like a “Christmas sermon”. Her voice is the one that speaks when we gather at the Christmas table. However, when we recount the memories from the past year, that’s when we should listen to this song and dance to its Caribbean rhythm.

WAY TO GO, EMPIRE OF THE SUN

Make sure you add Empire of the Sun to your playlist. However, while Koffee’s music earlier in the list provided a Caribbean vibe, this duo will transport you to a different remote location. While you surf in the snow and glide through the white powder, just click play. You will hear nothing but reassurance, and you will be ready to take on a white revolution.  

TOP SONGS PLAYLIST CLOSES THE CIRCLE WITH EQUILIBRIUM, DARIUS, WAYNE SNOW

We must always keep in mind that people come and go; some people may have left our lives in the past year, and new people will come in the next year. When you meet new people, make sure you dance to the sound of EQUILIBRIUM. Falling in love is not just about romantic love but also about loving our