I often feel there is nothing better than the classics, but every year when New Year’s Eve becomes New Year’s Day, we advise ourselves of the days of “old long since”, the English translation of the old Gaelic phrase “Auld Lang Syne.”

This is a nice, sweet tune, but the new year needs to be approached with a sense of determination as much as sentimentality. As we get ready for 2023, I am sharing with you my personal favorite alternatives to play when midnight approaches on December 31.

“Tank” by The Seatbelts

If there is one song that everyone should be partying to simultaneously, it should be Yoko Kanno an her ensemble’s epic theme to the anime Cowboy Bebop. Try not to think of that horrible live action version of the show, but memorize the opening riff to chant just before midnight.

“I think it’s time to blow this scene! Get everybody and their stuff together.

Ok? 3, 2, 1. LET’S JAM!”

“The Never Ending Story” by Lihmahl

You want a song that reminds both reminds us time marches on non stop, yet forces us to sing along? No matter how much we love or hate Limahl’s hit theme from the movie of the same name, somehow we all automatically know the lyrics when it comes on the radio. This decade may seem like one long never ending journey of peril, but at least we’re in it together. I just wish we had Falcor leading us on.

“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC

Start his one about a minute before midnight and let that awesome guitar riff and chanting of “THUNDER” begin building up. Brian Johnson will start his epic metal falsetto about the time the clock strikes, and everyone can be properly keyed up by the first strike of 12. Bang your head as you see fit.

So this year, definitely follow the lyrics of “Auld Lang Syne” and “take a cup of kindness”, but first raise your glass high and charge into that new year with a resounding bang.

Trust me, the future is never a place for the timid.