From pop classics to hidden gems, the theme of new beginnings has inspired countless songs. A new ranking selects 20 of the best, highlighting tracks that capture the joy, fear, and determination of starting afresh.
Among the entries are Right Back Where We Started From, a euphoric rush of new love performed by former members of ELO and the Animals, and CMAT's made-up tale of emigrating to Tennessee. The Carpenters' We've Only Just Begun began as a bank jingle before Karen Carpenter's vocal transformed it into a hymn to new love.
Other standout picks include Astrud Gilberto's lush cover of Beginnings, the house anthem Promised Land, and Florence + the Machine's Dog Days Are Over. Pulp's Something Changed marvels at life-altering coincidence, while The The's This Is the Day blends fragile introspection with hopeful elation.
The list also features Otis Clay's original version of The Only Way Is Up, Gloria Gaynor's enduring I Will Survive, and Diana Ross's I'm Coming Out, written with her gay following in mind. McAlmont and Butler's Yes adds a triumphant upturn after Bernard Butler's split from Suede.
