72 Best New Year’s Eve Songs for Your Ultimate NYE Playlist 2025

What better way is there to say good-bye to 2024 and ring in 2025 than with the perfect playlist? Music sets the tone for any celebration, and New Year’s Eve deserves a soundtrack that captures both the nostalgia of the year gone by and the excitement for what lies ahead. We’ve compiled 72 of the best New Year’s Eve songs to help you celebrate in all the best ways.

From the traditional midnight classic “Auld Lang Syne” to upbeat party anthems that will keep your guests dancing until the ball drops, this collection has everything you need for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration. So as you sip on those festive cocktails and enjoy delicious appetizers, let these inspirational and energetic songs create the perfect atmosphere for welcoming 2025 with your loved ones.

Classic New Year’s Eve Songs

No New Year’s Eve playlist would be complete without these timeless classics that have become synonymous with the holiday celebration. These songs have stood the test of time and continue to evoke the perfect blend of nostalgia and hope that defines the transition to a new year.

“Auld Lang Syne” – Traditional

The undisputed anthem of New Year’s Eve, “Auld Lang Syne” originated as an 18th-century Scottish poem that was later set to music. The title roughly translates to “for old times’ sake,” and the song invites us to remember old friendships and look back on the past year with fondness. While Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians popularized the song in America through their annual New Year’s Eve broadcasts from 1929 through the mid-1970s, numerous artists have recorded their own versions, including Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, and James Taylor.

“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” by The Orioles

This romantic ballad from 1949 has become a holiday standard, with its wistful lyrics about hoping to spend the special evening with someone special. While many artists have covered this doo-wop classic over the years, the original version by The Orioles remains particularly charming with its authentic vintage sound and heartfelt delivery.

“This Will Be Our Year” by The Zombies

Released in 1968, this optimistic track from The Zombies perfectly captures the hopeful spirit of New Year’s Eve with its uplifting message that the coming year will be better than the last. The song’s bright melody and positive lyrics make it an ideal addition to any New Year’s playlist, especially for those looking to start the year with a sense of possibility and renewal.

Upbeat Party Songs to Keep the Energy High

Every great New Year’s Eve celebration needs high-energy tracks that will get your guests on their feet and dancing as they count down to midnight. These upbeat songs are guaranteed to maintain the festive atmosphere and keep the party going strong all night long.

“Bringing In a Brand New Year” by Charles Brown

This classic tune opens with the familiar melody of “Auld Lang Syne” before transitioning into a lively celebration of the coming year. Charles Brown’s smooth vocals and the song’s upbeat tempo make it perfect for setting a festive mood as the clock approaches midnight. The track has become a December staple for many who appreciate its blend of tradition and celebration.

“Raising Hell” by Kesha featuring Big Freedia

For a more contemporary addition to your playlist, Kesha’s collaboration with Big Freedia offers a dynamic party anthem that combines soaring vocals with a hopeful message. The track’s energetic beat and empowering lyrics make it ideal for dancing your way into the new year with positivity and enthusiasm.

“Auld Lang Syne Boogie” by Freddie Mitchell Orchestra

This instrumental swing version of the traditional New Year’s song gives the classic a fresh, danceable energy. Freddie Mitchell Orchestra’s interpretation is perfect for swing dance enthusiasts looking to celebrate the new year with some vintage flair. The upbeat tempo and lively instrumentation transform the usually sentimental tune into a joyful celebration.

Reflective Songs for New Beginnings

New Year’s Eve is not just about celebration—it’s also a time for reflection and looking forward with hope. These songs capture the more thoughtful aspects of the holiday, offering messages of growth, change, and anticipation for what the future might bring.

“Better Days” by Goo Goo Dolls

This heartfelt rock ballad encourages listeners to leave the past behind and look forward to better days ahead, making it perfectly suited for the transitional nature of New Year’s Eve. The Goo Goo Dolls bring a spiritual element to the song, emphasizing the opportunity that a new year presents for personal growth and positive change.

“It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve” by Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow offers a comforting perspective with this song, reminding us that while we place great significance on the changing of the year, it’s also just another day—and everything will eventually be fine. This reassuring message can be particularly meaningful during times of uncertainty or difficulty, making the song a thoughtful addition to a well-rounded New Year’s playlist.

“New Year” by Kate York

This hopeful track brings a sense of joy and optimism to the new year celebrations. Kate York’s melodic composition perfectly captures the anticipation and possibility that comes with January 1st, making it an excellent choice for setting a positive tone as one year transitions to the next.

Country Favorites for New Year’s Eve

Country music offers some perfect selections for New Year’s celebrations, with its storytelling traditions and often optimistic outlook. These country tracks bring their own special flavor to a New Year’s Eve playlist.

“Welcome to the Future” by Brad Paisley

In this thoughtful country hit, Brad Paisley reflects on technological advancements while also considering historical progress, creating a perfect New Year’s Eve song that balances looking back with looking forward. The track’s optimistic tone celebrates how far we’ve come while anticipating exciting developments in the future, making it ideal for the forward-looking spirit of New Year’s Eve.

“Maybe It Was Memphis” by Pam Tillis

While not explicitly about New Year’s Eve, this classic country song’s nostalgic quality makes it a fitting addition to a playlist that celebrates both memories and new beginnings. Pam Tillis’s powerful vocals and the song’s emotional resonance create space for reflection amid the celebration.

Pop and Rock Hits for a Midnight Dance Party

As midnight approaches, you’ll want songs that build energy and excitement. These contemporary pop and rock selections will keep the party atmosphere going strong as you count down to the new year.

“11:59 (It’s January)” by Scrawl

This mellow pop-rock song offers a more subdued option for those feeling a bit melancholy on New Year’s Eve. Its reflective quality acknowledges that the holiday isn’t always about celebration for everyone, particularly those dealing with heartbreak or loss as the year changes.

“What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” by Rod Stewart and Ella Fitzgerald

This beautiful duet version of the classic New Year’s question showcases the contrasting yet complementary vocal styles of Ella Fitzgerald and Rod Stewart. Their interpretation brings new depth to the romantic inquiry, with Fitzgerald’s smooth, elegant delivery pairing surprisingly well with Stewart’s distinctive raspy voice.

Tips for Creating the Perfect New Year’s Eve Playlist

Creating a memorable playlist requires more than just collecting great songs. Here are some suggestions for crafting the perfect musical backdrop for your New Year’s Eve celebration:

• Build momentum gradually – Start with more mellow tracks early in the evening and increase the energy as midnight approaches
• Include crowd-pleasers – Mix in universally loved songs that will get everyone singing along
• Prepare a midnight sequence – Create a special segment of songs for the countdown and immediately after midnight
• Balance old and new – Include both classic traditions like “Auld Lang Syne” and contemporary hits
• Consider your audience – Tailor your selections to the musical preferences of your guests

Frequently Asked Questions About New Year’s Eve Music

Q: What is traditionally the first song played after midnight on New Year’s Eve?

A: “Auld Lang Syne” is traditionally the first song played after the clock strikes midnight. The song, based on a Scottish poem, is about remembering old friendships and times past as we move into a new year.

Q: When did “Auld Lang Syne” become associated with New Year’s Eve?

A: The association of “Auld Lang Syne” with New Year’s Eve in America was largely popularized by Guy Lombardo and his Royal Canadians, who performed it at midnight during their annual New Year’s Eve broadcasts from 1929 through the mid-1970s.

Q: What are some upbeat songs to play at midnight besides “Auld Lang Syne”?

A: Great upbeat alternatives include “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, “Good As Hell” by Lizzo, “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake, and “I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas.

Q: How can I incorporate music into my New Year’s Eve countdown?

A: Create a special countdown playlist that begins about 15 minutes before midnight. Start with high-energy songs, then switch to something with a clear countdown or beat for the final minute. Have “Auld Lang Syne” queued up to play immediately at midnight, followed by upbeat celebration songs.

As you prepare to welcome 2025, remember that the perfect New Year’s Eve playlist should reflect both the nostalgic feeling of looking back and the hopeful anticipation of looking forward. Whether you prefer classic ballads, country crooners, or contemporary dance hits, these 72 songs offer something for every taste and mood. So raise your glass, count down the seconds, and let the music help you ring in the new year surrounded by the people you love. Here’s to a happy, healthy, and harmonious 2025!

Author

Srija Burman

 

Srija holds an MA in English Literature from the University of Calcutta and a PG diploma in Editing and Publishing from Jadavpur University. Her interest in writing and editing ranges across niches, including academics, sports, and human psychology.

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