New Years is best brought in with style. And a big part of that style is music!
Whether you’ll be dancing and celebrating with a partner, with friends, or any other great situation you may find yourself in, here are the best songs about New Years ever.
“New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
Song Year: 2017
Taylor Swift has written songs about almost every topic, and the New Year is no exception.
In her song “New Year’s Day,” Swift employs her usual songwriting prowess to create a powerful message about the fleeting nature of the New Year.
“This Is the New Year” by A Great Big World
Song Year: 2014
A Great Big World contrasts against Scrawl’s sad lament with this more upbeat tune that’s all about the second chances and fresh starts that come with each January 1st.
The New Year holiday is an opportunity to start over, set new goals, and be there for the people you love.
“Dancing On The Ceiling” by Lionel Richie
Song Year: 1986
A night of partying might make you feel like you’ve been dancing in strange places, and that’s what Lionel Richie sings about in this funky tune. That’s what makes it the perfect song for New Year’s.
“Auld Lang Syne” by Rod Stewart
Song Year: 2012
“Auld Lang Syne” is a traditional classic for the New Year. There’s nothing better than watching the ball drop surrounded by your favorite people, singing together as the new year starts.
“It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” by Barry Manilow
Song Year: 1977
Barry Manilow was a master of soft rock. His song “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” is a great reminder to listeners that they don’t need to be afraid of the coming year. We’ve all been through it before. We’ll make it.
“New Year’s Day” by U2
Song Year: 1983
U2 has its fair share of hits and chart-topping ballads, but “New Year’s Day” is a musical masterpiece.
With hints of new wave and alternative indie sound, “New Year’s Day” is a modern retelling of an age-old tale: no one wants to be alone on New Year’s Day.
“My Dear Acquaintance (A Happy New Year)” by Regina Spektor
Song Year: 2007
Regina Spektor released this beautiful rendition of a song written and originally performed by Peggy Lee.
Although Spektor puts her own spin on the song, she stays true to the sweet, piano-driven melody that makes this one of the best songs for the New Year.
“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve” by Ella Fitzgerald
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UFdfzNMV52Q
Song Year: 1960
If you’re looking for more classics to add to your New Year’s playlist, you must include this epic song from Fitzgerald. Rod Stewart’s recording with samples of Fitzgerald’s original track is also a great version.
It’s a song all about finding that special someone to share the New Year with, not just New Year’s Eve.
“Maybe Baby (New Year’s Day)” by Sugarland
Song Year: 2009
Sugarland’s holiday album from 2009 featured a great selection of original songs centered around Christmas and New Year’s, primarily focusing on fighting loneliness.
In this tune, the singer hopes his special person can join him for the New Year, if not by Christmas.
“11:59 It’s January” by Scrawl
Song Year: 1998
In this melancholy song, the band Scrawl laments that every year brings about the same dissatisfaction as the year before.
The singer doesn’t stay too long at parties, especially on New Year’s Eve, because of the sorrow it brings when they inevitably have to leave alone.
“New Year’s Eve” by Tom Waits
Song Year: 2011
The aching croak of Tom Waits makes this song about a New Year’s Eve gone wrong particularly mournful and heartwrenching.
While he and his friends gather together, drugs and other harmful substances make it difficult for anyone to have a good time.
“New Year’s Eve 1999” by Alabama
Song Year: 1996
Released in 1996, “New Year’s Eve 1999” is a sweet country song about a man who wants to start his life with a special lady.
He wants to put a date on their calendar for New Year’s Eve in 1999, hoping they’ll be happily married with a charming house and a few kids to tuck in by then.
“New Year’s Day” by Bon Jovi
Song Year: 2016
“New Year’s Day” is another hopeful tune you can add to your countdown playlist. Make sure you know the words so you can sing along when it comes on!
Bon Jovi excitedly hopes for a better tomorrow with the start of the new year, singing with an almost praise-like quality about the anticipation of a fresh start.
“Happy New Year” by Abba
Song Year: 1980
Abba doesn’t always get introspective, but they can occasionally surprise fans with a song like this. It’s all about the importance of loving one another.
When the party is over, and all the friends have gone their way, it’s easy to feel sad that it ended so soon.
“New Year’s Prayer” by Jeff Buckley
Song Year: 1998
As each new year dawns, people everywhere strive to make resolutions and put aside things of the previous year that they regret or want to do differently.
Jeff Buckley outlines this sentiment beautifully in his “New Year’s Prayer.” January 1st is a chance to fight for a better future for yourself and your friends.
“1999” by Prince
Song Year: 1982
If you were born after 1995, you probably don’t remember how people thought the world would end when 2000 dawned. It was true panic for a while.
Prince decided to capitalize on that fear as early as 1982 with his song about partying like the end of the world was coming.
“January (New Year Song)” by Tyler Read
Song Year: 2004
If you’re looking for some punk rock to mix into your New Year’s playlist, then consider adding this song about New Year from Tyler Read.
With a driving beat and an early-2000s feel, “January (New Year Song)” is one that you’ll recognize the moment it starts playing through your speakers.
“Better Days” by Goo Goo Dolls
Song Year: 2006
The secret of a great holiday playlist is mixing in party songs that aren’t explicitly about the holiday you’re celebrating. People will love the additions if they’re fun and relevant.
That’s why “Better Days” is an excellent New Year’s playlist song. It’s not about the holiday but about starting fresh and finding hope for the future.
“New Year” by Kate York
Song Year: 2010
Kate York works overtime to catch the beauty of what New Year’s Day means in this lovely song about starting afresh.
As dawn breaks over the snowy streets, she looks outside to see a world filled with new life and possibilities. Isn’t that an encouraging way to kick off a brand new year?
“Our New Year” by Tori Amos
Song Year: 2009
“Our New Year” by Tori Amos is for anyone suffering from heartbreak or disappointment as the old year ends and the new begins.
Even though she sees the excitement of fresh starts, she’s haunted by the love that she lost and the dark cloud that it’s left over her.
“Champagne & Wine” by Etta James
Song Year: 2011
Etta James knows how to make her listeners feel things. Her songs elicit a wide range of emotions and thoughts as she takes you on a musical storytelling journey.
“Champagne & Wine” might not be about New Year’s Day, but it has a great message about taking chances and putting yourself out there for someone you love.
“Countdown” by Beyoncé
Song Year: 2011
Hopefully, “Countdown” isn’t too on the nose for your New Year’s countdown playlist because it’s a great song to get your party going.
If you need a song to get your guests on their feet, dancing without a care as the New Year dawns, then you can count on Beyoncé to make that happen.
“New Year’s Song” by Tim McMorris
Song Year: 2014
Are you looking to fill your playlist with upbeat songs bursting with positive energy, happy tones, and good vibes?
If that describes your goal, you need to check out Tim McMorris and his uplifting song about all the new things that come at the turn of the clock.
“Happy New Year” by Judy Garland
Song Year: 1957
Judy Garland is probably most famous for her role as Dorothy, the American farm girl swept away into a dream world on an outstanding adventure.
She also had a remarkable singing career. Despite her feel-good roles in the movies, her songs were often like this one: heartbreaking.
“Kiss Me at Midnight” by NSYNC
Song Year: 1998
One of the best New Year’s Eve traditions is having someone special by your side to kiss you when the clock strikes midnight and brings in the new year.
NSYNC celebrates that tradition, and the whole concept of a New Year’s party, with this great song that needs to be on your party playlist.
“Brand New Day” by David Nail
Song Year: 2014
Country music isn’t always the most positive. Occasionally, however, you’ll find a song that has an uplifting message about the possibilities that come with every new day.
That makes this David Nail song a great addition to your New Year’s party mix. It’s all about new beginnings.
“New Year’s Day” by Pentatonix
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZsJt7j96n0s
Song Year: 2015
A holiday playlist would be incomplete without at least one song from Pentatonix.
With their perfect harmonies and their upbeat personality, the Pentatonix deliver a great song about the hopefulness that comes with New Year’s Day. It’s a great way to celebrate the start of something new.
“What A Wonderful World” by Louis Armstrong
Song Year: 1967
“What A Wonderful World” is the sort of song you could put on almost any playlist for any occasion, and you would find that it blends perfectly with its surroundings.
Louis Armstrong celebrates the beauty that exists in the world around him, marveling at the unique quality contained in everything from plants to the human soul.
“This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies
Song Year: 1968
Sometimes New Year’s Day takes all the hopes and dreams we’ve been clinging to for so long and finally brings them to fruition.
The Zombies know what that’s about in this song about finding true love and working hard to ensure it survives the twists and turns of a new year.
“Champagne Kisses” by Jessie Ware
Song Year: 2014
Jessica Ware is an English pop and R&B singer who also writes a lot of her music. She’s a gifted musician, exceptionally skilled at sweet songs like “Champagne Kisses.”
It’s not precisely about New Year’s Day, but it’s a great tribute to finally finding that special someone and holding on to them.
“Memories” by Maroon 5
Song Year: 2021
For many people, New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect on the past year, remember all the good times, mourn the bad, and resolve to do things differently when midnight comes around. For Maroon 5, the melancholy of remembrance is brought about by too much alcohol.
“When You Wish Upon a Star” by Billy Joel
Song Year: 2005
Billy Joel didn’t write this song, but he delivers an exquisite version of the classic that’s bound to make your party playlist perfect.
“When You Wish Upon a Star” is a touching song about chasing your dreams. It’s significant for the younger folks in your group who might still believe in a bit of magic.
“Until” by Sting
Song Year: 2001
“Until” is not a song about New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day, but it’s still a great song for your countdown. It’s a sweet and romantic song about the thrill of new things, such as new love found in unexpected places.
It’s also a great dancing song, so make sure you’re beside someone special when it starts playing.
“The New Year” by Death Cab for Cutie
Song Year: 2003
For much of the early 2000s, Death Cab for Cutie was well-known in Indie, folk, and alternative music.
Their song “The New Year” encapsulates what made them so popular. They lament that New Year’s Eve brings so many promises, but nothing feels different when New Year’s Day rolls around.
“Welcome to the Future” by Brad Paisley
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y0Yg9wjctRw
Song Year: 2009
“Welcome to the Future” is a great song to help you celebrate the inevitable changes and innovations of the coming year. It’s an upbeat party song that will get your guests dancing and singing enthusiastically about the ever-changing world we all live in.
“Will 2K” by Will Smith
Song Year: 1999
You can always count on Will Smith to deliver if you’re stuck looking for good dance music. “Will 2K” alludes to the potential calamity that 2000 was supposed to bring, but with a party-focused twist.
Check out these other classic Will Smith songs!
“New Year’s Eve” by Five Iron Frenzy
Song Year: 2003
Five Iron Frenzy had a small but cult-like following throughout their short tenure as a punk-rock Christian ska band. But in that short time, they delivered memorable hits like this one.
Add this to your party playlist for something fun and a little different!
“Get Me Through December” by Natalie MacMaster featuring Alison Krauss
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2bkkL3q3Jw
Song Year: 1999
Sometimes the only way through a tough time is to put your head down and take life one day at a time. That’s what this song is all about: if you can just get through the last month, the New Year will start and bring with it all kinds of new opportunities.
“(Theme From) New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra
Song Year: 1980
Adding Frank Sinatra to a party playlist is never a bad idea. It could be just the thing to elevate your get-together to the next level.
Even though the song is not about New Year’s, it is about New York. Somehow, that makes it fit perfectly with all the other holiday songs you’ve already picked.
“In the New Year” by The Walkmen
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A59oNmjWDO4
Song Year: 2008
“In the New Year” is not the most uplifting song. However, it does communicate some relatable truths about how hard life can sometimes be.
The Walkmen’s song reminds us that we don’t always get what we want. That doesn’t mean we should stop hoping or trying. But we have to be able to take disappointment.
“Gonna Make It Through This Year” by Great Lake Swimmers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v8EsuZA0FDk
Song Year: 2006
The Great Lake Swimmers help listeners remember that sometimes the secret to getting through a tough year is believing the best and going about your business.
Things don’t always work out the way you want them to, but that doesn’t mean you have to let them bring you down.
“New Year’s Resolution” by Otis Redding and Carla Thomas
Song Year: 1967
Nothing brings some holiday spirit into the room like Otis Redding singing about the changing times and the resolutions people make.
Redding and Carla Thomas sing in this sweet song about making amends, starting fresh with each other, striving to do better, and treating each other well.
“Nothin’ New for New Year” by Harry Connick Jr. with George Jones
Song Year: 2003
Are you looking for humor to spice up your holiday party? Well, you’re in luck! This is probably one of the funniest songs about New Year’s that you’ll find.
Harry Conick Jr. and George Jones join forces to sing about everything in their life that will never change, regardless of the day or year it is. The thing that makes this song work is George Jones’ whiny voice.
“Shut Up And Dance” by WALK THE MOON
Song Year: 2014
It’s about time to add another dancing song! Consider this epic dance anthem from 2014. It was a hit when it came out, and your guests will probably know all the words as they dance their hearts out to this rocking tune.
“Peace” by Norah Jones
Song Year: 2002
When you need something to calm everyone down and bring a little bit of quiet into the atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Norah Jones.
Her song “Peace” is a beautiful jazz tune with sweet instrumentation about how anyone can find peace if they want to look for it.
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Song Year: 1981
Journey is sure to be a success no matter what the occasion. If you need extra songs to spice up your playlist, “Don’t Stop Believin’” is a must-have.
The song is about people finding their place in a big, impersonal world. It has a great driving beat, quintessential for any 80s dance anthem.
“Bringing in a Brand New Year” by B.B. King
Song Year: 2001
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as ringing in a new year with the impressive blues rhythms of B.B. King.
“Bringing in a Brand New Year” is a laid-back, relaxed song that anyone can enjoy.
“Brand New Day” by Sting
Song Year: 1999
Sting has the sort of voice that melds perfectly with almost any occasion. That’s why this song, “Brand New Day,” works for your New Year’s party.
It has many consistent themes accompanying the idea of new things and fresh starts.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Song Year: 1987
Whitney Houston knows how to get people on their feet.
“I Wanna Dance With Somebody” is a fun, upbeat song that you can guarantee your guests will love.
“I Got You (I Feel Good)” by James Brown & The Famous Flames
Song Year: 1966
When you have the person you love by your side, it’s easy to have a positive feeling and good vibes as you walk through life.
Not to mention, James Brown makes some great dancing music.
“Let’s Start the New Year Right” by Bing Crosby
Song Year: 1942
Ringing the New Year in the right way means smooching your love at the stroke of midnight and never looking back.
Bing Crosby does a great job with this sweet song about true love and fresh beginnings.
“Funky New Year” by Eagles
Song Year: 2000
You’re probably going to have a weird start to New Year’s Day if you spend New Year’s Eve drinking too much.
The Eagles did that in this song, and they all ended up in the hospital.
“Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg
Song Year: 1980
Some things never change, even when a brand new year rolls around, and everyone talks about their resolutions and big plans.
Dan Fogelberg reminds us that there are some consistencies in the world that, good or bad, you can at least count on them to be the same.
“Celtic New Year” by Van Morrison
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oq7rvFFIpxk
Song Year: 2005
The Celtic New Year is more about celebrating harvest than ringing in the New Year. That’s one of the things that makes this song so unique.
Van Morrison has a classic folksy sound, making this song a great addition to any blues or country-focused playlist.
“(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays” by Perry Como
Song Year: 1959
This epic Perry Como song is not just a Christmas song. It’s the perfect song for celebrating the holiday season and bringing nostalgia into the mix.
As Perry Como reminds us, “(There’s No Place Like) Home for the Holidays,” and that’s not such a bad thing.
Top New Year Countdown Song, Final Thoughts
The best songs for New Year aren’t necessarily songs that are explicitly about New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day. However, they are songs that speak a meaningful message.
New Year’s songs are also great dance songs that will take your countdown party to the next level.
What are your favorite New Year’s songs? Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments below!