Happy New Year! Now that the champagne is done, the party is over, and the new year begins, it's time to reflect on the new year that lies ahead. 365 days -- what are you going to do with them? Here are 10 things to keep in mind while setting your goals, ambitions, and dreams for the year, provided by the Billboard Top 10 Hot 100 Songs of 2014.
#1. Pharrell Williams, Happy
We all define happiness in different ways. But if there is thing we can all agree on is that happiness is important, and that's what Pharrell reminded us of with the lead single off his 2013 album, GIRL. "Happy" is the toe tapping, sing along tune that got us all saying "because I'm happy." No matter where you are or where you're going, optimism is something that will lead to some sort of sanity. You can't explain why things happen and can't really predict when they will happen. All you can do is learn from the bad, and grow from the good. There's always a silver lining somewhere.
#2. Katy Perry ft. Juicy J, Dark Horse
They might have confused many when they "pulled a Britney" at the 2014 MTV VMA'S dawning matching jean costumes similar to those worn by Britney and Justin Timberlake at the 2001 American Music Awards. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't take this song seriously. "Dark Horse" is an anthem for all those are who are single and ready to settle down in a serious relationship. Katy lets you know it's ok to ask for "something more" in a futuristic electric sort of love trance that carries the song's spell like beat where a lover is warned that if there ready to love this person, they need to love this person completely. "It's in the palm of your hand now baby. It's a yes or no, no maybe," she sings. "Dark Horse" serves as your reminder to remember your worth in this upcoming new year. Finds those who will appreciate you for everything you are and appreciate yourself for who you are also.
#3. John Legend, All Of Me
"All Of Me" is the more mature, composed version of One Direction's first hit, "What Makes You Beautiful." inspired by John Legend's wife Christy Teigen, "All Of Me' is a man's proclamation of his love despite everything that they are and everything they are not. "Love your curves and all your edges. All your perfect imperfections," he sings. And just how One Direction sang in their 2011 love anthem, "You don't know you're beautiful, that's what makes you beautiful," "All Of Me" reminds us of the same thing. We all have are "curves and edges." And that's the beauty of it. No one in this world is the same. It's the good and bad in us that makes us who we are.
#4. Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX, Fancy
It's ok to be confident. If you think otherwise, listen to Iggy Azalea's "Fancy" featuring Charli XCX. Even those who don't listen to rap music can find some good in this song, where Charli XCX provides the lesson behind it all. Know who you are and don't be afraid to show it world. "I'm so fancy can't you taste this gold. Remember my name, 'bout to blow," she sings. This is the pick me up anthem you will need in the new year where the message is just for you. It's ok to give yourself a pat in the back sometimes. Don't forget to sing along to this song while you're doing so.
#5. One Republic, Counting Stars
Life sometimes gets overpowered by money. We forget what we're living for and begin to cherish dollars more than people, dreams, or even our own happiness. And that's not ok. In One Republic's "Counting Stars" we are thought that exact same thing. "I feel something so right by doing the wrong thing and I feel something so wrong by doing the right thing. I couldn't lie, couldn't lie, couldn't lie, everything that kills me makes me feel so alive." This song taught us something that can be summarized by Robert Frost's 1920 poem "The Road Not Taken." "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference."
#6. Jason Derulo ft. 2 Chainz, Talk Dirty
"Talk Dirty" is your club anthem with a sweet message underneath. Don't overlook the song just because of it's title or repetitive lyric, "talk dirty to me." This Jason Derulo pop hit reminds us that there is a connection that people can make beyond just words. It reminds us that there is a certain bond we develop with our body, our expressions, and ultimately our soul. It reminds us that this new year we need to strive to make connections beyond just facebook friendships or co-workers.
#7. MAGIC!, Rude
Sometimes you will have to go against others wishes. Whether it's about a move to a new city, starting a new job, or marrying someone against their parents wishes, "Rude" is your reminder that it's ok. Sure, the song is pure fiction. But the message behind it is true. "Why you gotta be so rude? Don't you know I'm human too," Nasri sings. Keep that in mind this new year no matter what side you're on.
#8. Meghan Trainor, All About That Bass
"All About That Bass" remind us that "every inch of us is perfect from the bottom to the top." Whether you're a size 4 or size 10, it's important to remember that your body is only one of the many things that makes you who you are. Fitness is important. But letting your personal fitness dictate your lifestyle isn't as important. Strive to be fit. Strive to be at a healthy weight. But don't strive to be at a point where your personal fitness effects your health and your future.
#9. Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea, Problem
"Problem" reminds us that it's ok to have doubts about something. The Ariana and Iggy track talks about all the wrongs in a relationship. But its just like Ariana sings, "...even though I hate ya, I wanna love ya." Doubts are ok. And singing about them is even better. In this new year go ahead and express your concerns whether that be in your job, school, relationships, etc. Don't be left with regrets in the future.
#10. Sam Smith, Stay With Me
This is the most vulnerable song in this list. But the message is simple. Sometimes something isn't love. But having someone by you is more than enough. It's an age old message. Kindness goes a long way. You don't have to be a lover, or anything more than friend to someone. Just be in the moment. "Oh, won't you stay with me?" he sings. "'Cause you're all I need."