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35 Best New Year's Eve Songs to Listen to While the Ball Drops
Everything you need for a great New Year's playlist.
It's time to close out 2022 on a high note and ring in 2013 with proper celebration! And what's a celebration without a soundtrack? That's why we're giving you 35 of the best New Year's songs to inspire your playlist to enjoy while sipping on New Year's Eve cocktails, tasting some of our favorite New Year's Eve appetizers, and taking in the merriment with loved ones. Be sure to queue up the very best track for the ball drops as the clock strikes midnight and be sure to get a kiss in too, perhaps followed by a dance party or a round of celebratory karaoke?
Our list has everything from classics like "Auld Lang Syne" to recent dance-style hits, with the likes of Bing Crosby and Ariana Grande, The Eagles and Taylor Swift, Sting and Rod Stewart alike. Arguably they're the best songs of all time for a night that only comes around once a year. Whatever your favorite New Year's Eve tradition might be or what New Year's songs you play, be sure to make it festive. Cheers to 2023 and all the songs of new and old!
"Auld Lang Syne - The New Year's Anthem" by Mariah Carey
"Auld Lang Syne - The New Year's Anthem" by Mariah Carey
The vocal powerhouse croons the traditional New Year's anthem like no one else—and it turns into a fun dance number by the end.
"Let's Start The New Year Right" by Bing Crosby
"Let's Start The New Year Right" by Bing Crosby
Every holiday gets a song in the movie Holiday Inn—and that includes New Year's.
"Merry Christmas Darling" by Carpenters
We think this melancholic song works for both holidays, because it wishes a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year too.
The '60s tune hits the same sweet notes in 2022 as it did back then.
The Eagles reserved a track on their 1978 Christmas album for a rockin' song about the celebratory holiday that follows.
Isn't toasting the old and new year what it's all about?! Plus, this celebratory anthem is guaranteed to get everyone on the dance floor.
Let the kiddos have a little fun too! This catchy tune from the Disney movie Zombies will be stuck in everyone's head on New Year's Day and beyond. Wish yourself well in the new year with its positive sentiment: "Been waiting for this moment, Yeah I'm gonna own it. You can watch me shine, This is gonna be my year!"
The soulful country singer tells the bittersweet tale of letting go, moving on, and looking forward to better days ahead.
"The New Year" by Death Cab for Cutie
Many fans say it's a tradition to listen to this moody and nostalgic song every New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
Revelers young and old will appreciate this beautiful ballad.
Play Taylor Swift's simple, soothing melody as you rest up on New Year's Day.
When this song comes on, prepare for the favorite boy band debate to ensue!
"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Rod Stewart feat. Ella Fitzgerald & Chris Botti
"What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?" by Rod Stewart feat. Ella Fitzgerald & Chris Botti
This old school song will have every couple (new and old!) making their way to the dance floor.
The singer said this about this song: “This is about a new beginning, a new start. It coincides with this millennium thing, but you know, we have to turn the clocks to zero, so that’s a great metaphor for saying let’s wipe the slate clean and we’ll begin again.”
New Year's Eve is the perfect time to party like it's 1999.
"New Year's Day" by Bon Jovi
Bon Jovi has said that this song was about the rebirth of the band following Richie Sambora's split from the group and the end of their relationship with Mercury Records.
"Nothin' New for New Year" by Harry Connick Jr.
Harry Connick Jr. recorded this track with country singer George Jones on his second holiday album.
ABBA released this track on their 1980 album Super Trooper, and 40 years later, we're still hitting play!
In the mood for something a bit slower? Get everyone grooving with the help of Van Morrison's romantic take on the new year.
"Maybe Baby (New Year's Day)" by Sugarland
"Maybe Baby (New Year's Day)" by Sugarland
The country duo delights with a driving beat and optimistic lyrics in a track from their Gold And Green Christmas album.
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