When the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the right music can make all the difference.

A great new year song sets the mood for celebration, brings people together, and helps you welcome January 1st with joy.

From classic tunes that everyone knows to modern hits that get people dancing, New Year’s songs create memories that last long after the confetti settles.

If you’re hosting a big party or having a quiet celebration at home, music is the heart of every Happy New Year celebration.

Let’s look at the best songs to add to your playlist this year.

Classic New Year Song Favorites Everyone Loves

These songs have been played at midnight for decades. People love them because they remind us of past celebrations and connect us with friends and family.

1. Mariah Carey, Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem)

Mariah Carey took the old Scottish folk song and gave it a modern twist. Her version has a dance beat that makes you want to move.

It starts slow but builds into something fun and exciting. This is perfect when everyone gathers together at midnight to welcome the new year.

2. The Orioles, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?

This sweet song from the late 1940s asks a simple question: Will you spend New Year’s Eve with me? The Orioles created a romantic melody that still sounds fresh today.

Many famous singers have covered this song, but the original remains special. It’s perfect for quiet moments during your celebration.

3. ABBA, Happy New Year

ABBA wrote this song in 1980 as they said goodbye to the 1970s. The Swedish band created something special with big, beautiful music and hopeful words.

Even though they sang about a specific time, the feelings in this song work for any year. The song reminds us that better days are coming.

4. Nat King Cole, Happy New Year

Nat King Cole’s smooth voice makes this early 1960s song feel warm and welcoming. With string instruments and background singers, this version sounds classy and cheerful.

Cole’s style brings comfort and happiness, making it perfect for family gatherings when you want everyone to feel good about the year ahead.

5. Frank Sinatra, Theme from New York, New York

Frank Sinatra sings about starting fresh and chasing dreams with his signature smooth style. This iconic 1980 song captures the spirit of making it anywhere you go.

The powerful brass section lifts your spirits and makes you feel unstoppable. When you need a dose of confidence and hope for the year ahead, this delivers.

6. The McGuire Sisters, Happy New Year

Travel back to the 1950s with this vintage gem from Phyllis, Christine, and Dorothy McGuire. Their tight harmonies and cheerful arrangement feel classic and cozy.

The sisters’ warm sound brings nostalgia and comfort. Perfect for multigenerational celebrations where everyone can enjoy together.

7. Freddie Mitchell Orchestra, Auld Lang Syne Boogie

Take the most traditional New Year’s song and add big band swing to create something special. This 1940s version gets grandparents and grandchildren dancing together.

The horns and rhythm section transform the Scottish folk song into a pure jazz celebration. It bridges generations beautifully.

8. Prince, 1999

“Tonight I’m gonna party like it’s 1999!” This 1982 funk-rock classic became the ultimate millennial New Year’s anthem, but it works for any year.

Prince’s falsetto and the Minneapolis Sound create an irresistible groove. The song’s about enjoying life while you can, perfect for any celebration.

9. Earth, Wind & Fire, September

While technically not a New Year’s song, this 1978 disco-funk masterpiece gets played at every major celebration for good reason. The joy is infectious.

“Ba-de-ya, say do you remember” becomes a sing-along moment every time. The horns and rhythm section define what party music should sound like.

Best New Year Song Picks to Get Your Party Dancing

Get ready to fill your dance floor. These high-energy tracks will have everyone jumping, singing, and celebrating from the first beat to the last.

10. Europe, The Final Countdown

The moment this 1986 song starts, you’ll recognize it. The keyboard intro is famous around the world.

This rock song builds excitement perfectly for counting down to midnight. Everyone gets pumped up when they hear it.

11. Kool & the Gang, Celebration

“Celebrate good times, come on!” This 1980 classic never gets old. The funky beat and happy message work for any age group.

When this plays, grandparents and kids all dance together. It’s pure joy in music form.

12.  Whitney Houston, I Wanna Dance with Somebody

Whitney Houston’s powerful voice makes this 1987 hit unforgettable. The song captures the feeling of wanting to connect with someone special.

It’s impossible to sit still when this comes on. Perfect for getting shy guests onto the dance floor.

13. Journey, Don’t Stop Believin’

When midnight hits, play this song and watch everyone sing along at the top of their lungs. This 1981 anthem is about holding onto hope.

The way it builds up matches the excitement of counting down to a new year. You’ll hear people singing the chorus long after the song ends.

14. Dua Lipa, Dance The Night

This recent hit brings modern pop energy to your celebration. Dua Lipa’s catchy tune reminds us to have fun and enjoy the moment.

It’s fresh and upbeat, perfect for younger party guests who want current music mixed with the classics.

15. Pitbull ft. Ke$ha, Timber

“It’s going down!” This 2013 party starter mixes country and electronic music in a fun way. The energy is wild and gets everyone moving.

Play this when you want maximum excitement on the dance floor. No one stands still during this song.

16. Daft Punk, One More Time

The French duo created this dance track in 2000, and it still sounds fresh today. The electronic beat gets people moving before any words are even sung.

It’s all about celebrating and having a good time. Put this on repeat if you want the party to keep going strong.

17. Black Eyed Peas, I Gotta Feeling

This 2009 hit captures the excitement before a great night begins. The group sings about expecting something special to happen.

That feeling matches New Year’s Eve perfectly. Everyone hopes the coming year will be better than the last.

18. The Weeknd, Blinding Lights

This catchy hit brings serious 80s vibes with synth-pop beats that make you want to move. The song topped charts in over 40 countries and became one of the most-streamed songs ever.

That retro sound mixed with modern production makes it perfect for when your party hits its peak. The energy never drops during this four-minute celebration.

19. Ke$ha, Tik Tok

“The party don’t stop” is exactly the message you need when counting down to midnight. This 2009 anthem defined a generation of party songs with its carefree attitude.

Kesha’s breakthrough hit still gets everyone singing along. When this plays, you know the celebration is about to get louder and more fun.

20. Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Murder On The Dancefloor

This early 2000s bop reached its highest daily Spotify streams around December 31, 2023. The disco-influenced track tells everyone to get up and dance right now.

The catchy chorus gets stuck in your head for days. It’s become a New Year’s Eve staple because nobody can resist its groove.

21. Portugal. The Man, Feel It Still

“Let me kick it like it’s 1986 now” brings retro funk back with modern flair. This 2017 alternative hit makes you bob your head from the first note.

The song celebrates being yourself and having fun without caring what others think. That rebellious spirit fits the fresh-start energy of New Year’s Eve perfectly.

22. David Guetta & Bebe Rexha, I’m Good (Blue)

“I’m feeling alright, baby, I’ma have the best freakin’ night of my life.” This 2022 EDM banger samples Eiffel 65’s “Blue” with modern production.

The high-energy electronic beats keep the party going strong. When energy starts dipping, drop this track and watch everyone come back to life.

23. Troye Sivan, Rush

This 2023 club-techno hit brings pure dance floor intensity. Troye’s vocals glide over pulsing beats that were made for late-night celebrations.

The song captures that rush of excitement as midnight approaches. Let it carry you through the countdown with maximum energy.

Hopeful New Year Song Collection for Fresh Starts

The new year brings countless possibilities and second chances. These uplifting songs remind us that every January 1st is an opportunity to start fresh, chase dreams, and make positive changes in our lives.

24. The Zombies, This Will Be Our Year

This 1968 song claims the new year with confidence and determination. The British band created a bright, cheerful sound that says “we’ve got this!”

The psychedelic pop arrangement still feels fresh today. It makes you feel like good things are coming your way, no matter what happened last year.

25. Tim McMorris, New Year’s Song

This cheerful tune focuses on hope and new possibilities that await in the coming months. McMorris keeps things positive and uplifting with sunny instrumentation that banishes winter blues.

It’s great for New Year’s Day morning when you’re thinking about your goals and plans, ready to tackle them with renewed energy.

26. A Great Big World, This Is the New Year

The piano-led music builds from quiet to powerful, just like making a resolution and committing to it. This song was even featured on the TV show Glee during season four.

It captures the emotional shift from looking back at the past to moving forward with purpose and excitement.

27. The Goo Goo Dolls, Better Days

If you’re hoping the new year brings improvement and positive change, this mid‑2000s rock ballad speaks directly to you. The band sings about surviving difficult times and maintaining hope when life feels hard.

The message is simple but powerful: hang in there, keep believing, and things will get better soon.

28. Flo Rida, Good Feeling

This 2011 hit samples an old Etta James song and turns it into pure positive energy that’s impossible to resist.

Flo Rida pumps you up about what’s ahead with infectious beats and encouraging lyrics. When you need motivation for the year to come, this song delivers the push you need.

29. Djo, End of Beginning

This viral TikTok hit from the mid‑2020s captures the bittersweet feeling of closing one chapter to start another. The indie-pop sound feels both nostalgic and fresh.

The song works perfectly for those reflective moments before midnight strikes. When you’re thinking about the past while looking toward the future, this track understands.

30. Pentatonix, New Year’s Day

The a cappella group’s original New Year’s song, released in the mid‑2010s, brings vocal harmony to your celebration without any instruments needed. Their talent shines through every note.

The uplifting arrangement builds from quiet to powerful, just like making and keeping resolutions. This inspires you to start strong.

31. Sting, Brand New Day

Sting’s 1999 anthem featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica celebrates new beginnings and fresh starts. The upbeat, hymn-like song challenges fears and offers hope for the future.

Released just before the millennium, this song became synonymous with wiping the slate clean and starting again. The feeling of positivity radiates through every note.

32. The Mountain Goats, This Year

This 2005 indie-folk anthem delivers raw determination with its powerful chorus, “I am going to make it through this year if it kills me.”

John Darnielle wrote this about surviving difficult times at seventeen. The driving guitar and fierce vocals remind you that simply making it through is enough of a victory.

Powerful New Year Song Anthems to Start Strong

This year is all about becoming your own hero. These powerful anthems celebrate independence, self-love, and the strength that comes from believing in yourself when the calendar turns.

33. Miley Cyrus, Flowers

This 2023 hit became huge because of its powerful message: you don’t need anyone else to be happy or complete. Miley Cyrus sings about loving yourself first with catchy disco-pop production that gets stuck in your head.

It’s perfect if you’re starting the year focused on personal growth, independence, and putting yourself first.

34. Lizzo, Good As Hell

Lizzo tells you to fix your crown and remember how great you are in this feel-good anthem. This 2016 song became a movement about self-confidence and self-worth that spread across social media.

If you’re leaving bad situations or toxic relationships behind, this is your anthem for a fresh start and reclaiming your power.

35. Diana Ross, I’m Coming Out

Diana Ross’s 1980 disco hit celebrates being yourself without apologies or fear. If you’re planning to show the world who you really are this year, play this song loud and proud.

The beat is infectious, the groove is irresistible, and the message about authenticity is powerful and lasting for any generation.

36. Miley Cyrus, Midnight Sky

This 2020 track is about freedom and independence after leaving toxic situations behind. Miley sings with fierce confidence about moving on and thriving alone with 80s rock influences.

When midnight arrives and the new year begins, this song says you’re ready to face the future on your own terms with strength.

37. Lizzo, About Damn Time

“It’s about damn time” for the new year to arrive! This 2022 disco-funk track pumps pure positive energy through your speakers.

Lizzo’s message about feeling good and moving on fits perfectly with New Year’s resolutions. The beat makes sitting still impossible.

38. Robyn, Dancing On My Own

No midnight kiss planned? This 2010 anthem celebrates independence and dancing solo with pride and power.

Robyn’s emotional delivery turns potential loneliness into strength. You don’t need anyone else to have the time of your life tonight.

39. Taylor Swift, Shake It Off (Taylor’s Version)

Shake off the old year while shaking it on the dance floor. This 2014 (re-recorded 2023) mega-hit gets everyone singing together.

The message about ignoring negativity and just having fun resonates with people of all ages. When midnight approaches, shake off any regrets.

40. Olivia Rodrigo, good 4 u

Need to release some anger before starting fresh? This pop-punk anthem lets you scream-sing away last year’s frustrations with style and attitude.

The 2021 hit permits you to feel whatever you’re feeling. Sometimes you need to get it all out before moving forward.

Romantic New Year Song Playlist for Midnight Kisses

New Year’s Eve is the most romantic night of the year, made for sharing kisses at midnight. These heartfelt songs set the mood for couples celebrating together or singles dreaming of the love they’ll find in the months ahead.

41. Etta James, Champagne & Wine

Etta James delivers emotion in every note of this romantic song. The song was originally written and recorded by Otis Redding (with co‑writers Roy Lee Johnson and Alan Walden), and later covered by Etta James.

Her soulful version fits perfectly for intimate celebrations with that special someone. The GRAMMY winner’s signature vocal depth makes this track ideal for sharing while toasting at midnight, creating a moment you’ll both remember for years to come.

42. ABBA, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)

This 1979 disco track is about wanting to find someone special after midnight strikes. ABBA’s dramatic production style makes it fun, energetic, and impossible not to dance along with.

If you’re single and hopeful about meeting someone in the new year, this song captures that longing feeling perfectly while keeping the party atmosphere alive.

43. Sugarland, Maybe Baby (New Year’s Day)

This country song gets emotional about missing someone special during the holidays. Sugarland reminds us that even if you’re apart from loved ones now, there’s always hope you’ll reconnect someday.

The melody is bittersweet but beautiful, making it perfect for those tender moments when you’re thinking about people who should be there but aren’t.

44. Tori Amos, Our New Year

When you’re thinking about someone who isn’t there to celebrate with you, Tori Amos’s piano ballad provides comfort and understanding. Her quiet, thoughtful song gives space for reflection and memories.

Sometimes we need slower, more contemplative songs during celebrations to pause and remember what truly matters in life beyond the party noise.

45. Calvin Harris & Dua Lipa, One Kiss

“One kiss is all it takes” when midnight strikes. This 2018 tropical house track brings summer vibes to winter celebrations.

The infectious rhythm and Dua Lipa’s vocals create pure dance floor magic. Those endless possibilities start with one moment.

46. The Weeknd & Ariana Grande, Save Your Tears (Remix)

While New Year’s Eve is celebrated, this song acknowledges that endings can bring sadness, too. The 2021 remix adds Ariana’s voice to The Weeknd’s emotional melody.

Sometimes you need a song that understands both joy and melancholy. Save those tears for later and focus on the good memories tonight.

Rock and Alternative New Year Song Selections

Turn up the guitars and crank the volume for something different. These rock-driven tracks bring New Year’s energy with attitude, perfect for celebration with a rebellious edge and powerful sound.

47. Eagles, Funky New Year

The Eagles added funk to their classic rock sound in late 1978 with this B-side track. “Party hardy” was their simple but effective message for ringing in the year.

The bass line grooves with serious energy, and the band playfully asks a funny question that everyone asks eventually: “What year is this, anyway?”

48. Otis Redding and Carla Thomas, New Year’s Resolution

This 1968 soul song features two singers performing as a couple, making promises to each other for the coming year. The horns sound full and rich throughout the track.

They trade verses about wanting to do better and fix their relationship, which is exactly what New Year’s resolutions are all about at their core.

49. Camera Obscura, New Year’s Resolution

The Scottish indie pop band offers something different from the typical upbeat party songs on most playlists. Their 2013 track has a melancholy but catchy sound that’s both sad and beautiful.

It’s perfect for people who want something more understated and thoughtful at their celebration instead of constant high energy throughout the night.

50. Bon Jovi, New Year’s Day

Rock out with Jon Bon Jovi’s powerful voice and electric guitars leading the way. “Let’s toast to new beginnings,” he sings with conviction and passion.

This 2016 song combines the band’s signature rock sound with genuinely hopeful lyrics about starting fresh, proving that rock music can be both loud and optimistic at the same time.

51. The Walkmen, In the New Year

This 2008 indie rock track looks forward with hope while acknowledging past struggles. “It’s gonna be a good year,” they insist with conviction.

The band’s raw energy and honest words make you believe better days are ahead. When doubt creeps in, this song fights it back.

52. U2, New Year’s Day

This 1983 Irish rock anthem, driven by Adam Clayton’s bass line and The Edge’s piano, became U2’s first UK hit single. Written about the Polish Solidarity movement, the song carries themes of hope and change.

The powerful sound and meaningful message made this a concert staple. When you need something that feels both classic and socially conscious, this delivers.

53. MØ, New Year’s Eve

The Danish singer-songwriter reminds you to forget problems and live in the moment for one night. This mid‑2010s electropop track brings a carefree attitude.

With pulsing beats and MØ’s distinctive voice, the song encourages letting go of worries. Tonight is for celebration, not stress.

54. The Planet Smashers, Happy New Year’s

This ska-punk band from Montreal reminds you it’s okay to mess up your resolutions immediately. Their mid‑2000s track bounces with horns and energy.

The upbeat ska rhythm makes you smile even while singing about failures. Starting over doesn’t have to be perfect.

Reflective New Year Songs for Quiet Moments

Sometimes you need songs that match the contemplative mood that comes with endings and beginnings. These tracks give space for thinking about where you’ve been and where you’re going.

55. Harry Styles, As It Was

This reflective 2022 ballad reminds us that nothing stays the same, which is exactly what New Year’s Eve represents. Harry’s smooth vocals carry the bittersweet message beautifully.

The song hit number one worldwide because everyone relates to watching life change. When midnight passes, this captures that feeling of transformation perfectly.

56. Beach House, New Year

If you’re feeling contemplative about time passing, this 2012 dream-pop song captures that wistful mood with haunting beauty.

The band’s signature atmospheric sound creates space for reflection. “All you ever wanted, is it getting away?” asks the question many feel this time of year.

57. Let’s Eat Grandma, Happy New Year

This quirky 2021 indie-electronic track celebrates friendship above all else. The British duo adds firework sound effects for extra festive atmosphere.

New Year’s isn’t just about romance or parties; it’s also about the people who matter most. This song honors those bonds.

How to Choose the Right New Year Song

Picking the perfect New Year’s song can make or break your celebration. Below are the key tips to create a playlist that keeps everyone happy and dancing all night long.

• Know Your Crowd: Mix old favorites with newer hits so grandparents and teenagers both find songs they love and want to sing along with.
• Match the Mood: Start with background music during dinner, increase energy as midnight approaches, then slow down after the countdown for reflection.
• Create Flow: Group similar songs together so energy builds naturally instead of jumping randomly between slow ballads and high-energy dance tracks.
• Test the Volume: Keep music at a conversation level during dinner, then turn it up for dancing so everyone can still hear each other talk.
• Include Participation Songs: Choose tracks where everyone knows the words, like “Don’t Stop Believin'”, so guests sing together and create shared memories.
• Have a Backup Plan: Download your playlist instead of streaming it so technology problems won’t ruin your midnight countdown moment when it matters most.

And A Happy New Year: Celebrate With These Songs

The right new year song turns an ordinary party into an unforgettable celebration that everyone remembers.

From traditional classics to modern dance hits, music brings people together as nothing else can.

Mix different styles and eras to keep things interesting for all your guests. Choose songs that make you smile and reflect your personality.

When midnight arrives with the perfect song playing, you’ll create magical memories that last forever.

Start building your playlist today, share it with friends and family, and get ready for a happy new year filled with great music, laughter, dancing, and pure joy!