Alright, so it’s a few weeks into 2026. How are your New Year’s resolutions going? I bet it was easy at first–you were excited and motivated to start working towards those goals–whether they be saving money, exercising more, eating healthy or going to sleep earlier. But it can be hard to be consistent and continue to show up every day after the initial spark of energy fades. To help out, Night is Alive has got you covered with a lively playlist that’ll put an extra pep in your step and give you the motivation you need to stick to those resolutions!

Lonnie Plaxico, Camille Thurman – All This Love

To stick to a goal it’s important to remember why exactly you set the goal in the first place. Whether it is running a marathon or keeping a gratitude journal, think about the reasons you set the goal in the first place. Do you want to be healthier and more physically fit? Do you want to be more gracious and present in the moment? Your goals should come from a place of love. Listen to this song, from the hot new album Radiance, to help you feel all the love that went into the goals you set for yourself!

Harry Allen Trio – Runnin’ Wild

Now that you’re feeling the love and motivation behind your New Year’s resolutions, it’s time to run a bit wild! Go for it! Let this tune, from NiA’s album It Takes 3, give you the extra burst of energy you need to push yourself to that next step, that next level. Let Harry Allen’s groovy, fast-paced saxophone spur you on as you go that extra mile for yourself. 

Lorca Hart Trio – Like This

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions is a matter of showing up for yourself; of being there when you said you would be. It’s about follow-through and commitment, diligence and perseverance. But it’s also about Inspiration & Gratitude, which lucky for you is the name of one of NiA’s albums! Listen to this upbeat song, from the Lorca Hart Trio, to fill yourself with a deep sense of positivity that’ll guide you along your journey.

WJ3 All-Stars – I Should Care

If anyone tries to belittle or delegitimize your New Year’s resolutions, you tell them off! It’s so easy to put someone down, but staying steadfast in your goals is much harder. Like this song, from our album My Ship, captures, you should care about your goals for self-improvement and self-betterment, because if you don’t care then no one else is going to care.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen and others – Imagination

Imagine yourself at the end of 2026, smiling and triumphant in your resolutions. You ran that marathon! You became a vegan! You finally paid off your car! It is very motivating to use your imagination to visualize your success because by visualizing your achievements you can manifest them in real life. So, while you listen to this smooth song, from our album Call Me Irresponsible, let yourself drift off into dreamland.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by carolyn christine on Unsplash

The gym can be pretty crowded at this time of year, but don’t let that dissuade you from pursuing and achieving your 2026 fitness goals! Instead of getting irritated by the crowds at the gym, try to harness that extra energy and buzz into your workout. When your spring beach vacation rolls around, you’ll sure be glad you put in the sweat this January. To help you stay motivated and pumped up, Night is Alive has put together a slamming playlist!

John Di Martino, Joe Magnarelli, Wayne Escoffery and others – 2 Degrees East 3 Degrees West

Before you get into your workout, remember it’s important to stretch first. Stretching increases flexibility and mobility, which is important in preventing injuries. Although it can take some patience to stretch when all you really want is to get into the heat, trust us, it will be well worth the wait. Melt into this smooth tune, from Night is Alive’s album Old New Borrowed and Blue, as you sink into each stretch. Can you push yourself just a few degrees deeper?

Lonnie Plaxico, Lafayette Harris Jr. – The In Crowd

Let’s kick things off with this smashing tune from the hot new album Radiance. Let the fast tempo guide your movements–you might even want to aim for one rep every beat of the song. Can you get that speed? You’ve got it! Keep going. Hitting your goals will make you feel like part of “the in crowd”!

Lorca Hart Trio – MoJoe

Once you push past that initial wall of your workout, you start to get into the flow of things and feel pretty good. Let those endorphins course through your body while you listen to this vibrant song from Night is Alive’s beloved album Colors of Jazz. Can you feel the gradient of colors, shades and hues that your body is experiencing as you move? Can you feel the ups and downs, energy highs and lows of your workout? Embrace all the feelings and colors.

Willie Jones III, Jeremy Pelt, Wayne Escoffery and others – Star Eyes

There are mirrors all over the walls at the gyms for a reason–to inspire and motivate you! Don’t be afraid to watch yourself as your body becomes stronger–who knows, you might just feel like you have star eyes. Who knew your body was capable of such hard work? You’re getting so strong! Don’t quit now! Let this groovy tune, from Night is Alive’s album MMy Ship, motivate you as the sweat starts to drip down your back.

Harry Allen Trio – Seems To Me I’ve Heard That Song Before

You did it! You completed your workout and are one step closer to fulfilling your New Year’s resolutions. You should be very proud of yourself. Be sure to drink some water, stretch and cool down a bit before you return to the rush of daily life. Maybe you can take a nice stroll around the track while you catch your breath and listen to this snazzy song from Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3.

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by Victor Freitas on Unsplash

The new year is a wonderful time to slow down, reflect and renew after the business of the holiday season. Compared to December, January is subdued and quiet, like the calm after the storm of the social season. Lean into that calm with this playlist of slow jazz. Maybe you can listen to it while you journal and reflect on 2025. Or maybe you can play it in the background while you do some nice restorative and restful stretches. Either way, these curated songs are meant to help you relax and ease into the new year.

Harry Allen Trio – Each and Every Yesterday

Let the slow buttery saxophone of Harry Allen help your body and muscles unwind. From Night is Alive’s album It Takes 3, this easeful song can provide an excellent backdrop for reflection. Think about each and every yesterday . . . what have you accomplished in 2025 that makes you proud? Which areas could still use some growth?

Bill Cunliffe, Tim Horner and Martin Wind – Looking Back

Brew yourself a nice warm mug of tea or coffee and watch the steam curl up from the glass while you listen to this lovely song. From Night is Alive’s album Border Widow’s Lament, this piece gives you an opportunity to look back. Looking back is an important part of life because without it we wouldn’t gain any insight into our patterns and behaviors.

John Di Martino, Harry Allen & others – Shake Down the Stars

When setting goals and manifesting for the future it’s okay to shoot for the stars. The famous saying goes, “shoot for the moon because even if you miss you’ll land among the stars.” So why not aim high for 2026? Be bold in your resolutions! Listen to this playful tune, from Night is Alive’s album Call Me Irresponsible while you craft a dream board for 2026.

WJ3 All-Stars – Taking A Chance On Love

Maybe this will be the year that you wear your heart on your sleeve and let yourself take a chance on love. Maybe you’ll let yourself be more open to romantic possibilities. Or if you’re already in a relationship, maybe you and your partner can work on being more spontaneous and whimsical! Either way, let this song, from Night is Alive’s album My Ship, inspire your love life in 2026.

Lorca Hart Trio – Let Me in Your Life

This beautiful ballad, from Night is Alive’s album Inspiration and Gratitude, really captures the raw emotion of loving someone and the strong desire to be a part of that person’s life. Who do you want to be closer with in 2026? Which relationships do you want to cultivate? What kind of friendships are most valuable to you?

Check out this music and more on Night is Alive’s albums page!

written by Jacqueline Knirnschild

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash