Songs for the New Year Party: New Year Eve is about more than one fine moment on the calendar — it is a time to celebrate all endings, including those we are eager to see off. And of course, no party is complete without the perfect soundtrack to help set the mood. Whether you’re throwing a hype party with friends or gathering for an intimate family bash, start the year off on a high note by playing traditional songs that will keep the energy up, the dance floor full and booze flowing.
Timeless Songs for the New Year Party
Here are 55+ favorites to get any party going, from classics to current hits. We’ve broken them down by category to make it easy for you to select the tracks that best match your party’s energy.
Classic Party Anthems
There are certain songs that never grow old. These classics are timeless and will make you want to dance.
🍰 Personalized Party Ideas for Every Occasion
Celebration – Kool & The Gang
The ultimate feel-good anthem. Great for ringing in the new and making everyone smile.
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey
A sing-along classic that promotes hope and positivity. - “Dancing Queen” – ABBA
Timeless, irresistible, a sure way to make the people get on their feet. - “I Gotta Feeling” – Black Eyed Peas
An energy boost when the party starts to get hot. - “YMCA” – Village People
It’s fun and hands-on and always a hit with the crowd. - “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
Contemporary but vintage in spirit, great for those high-energy dance workouts. - “Superstition” – Stevie Wonder
Funky vibes and insistent rhythms that keep the party moving. - “Sweet Caroline” – Neil Diamond
Everyone loves a good singalong in the chorus — classic bonding song. - “Billie Jean” – Michael Jackson
Impress your guests as you jam to MJ’s killer beat. - “September” — Earth, Wind & Fire
Good vibes that keep your party in high gear.
Dancefloor Essentials
These funky, good time tracks will keep the party rocking and get your guests up and moving.
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa
An expressive dance song that is both modern and retro. - “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake
Bliss in song form — ideal for a spontaneous dance explosion.
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
Sing about releasing worries and dancing without care.
- “Get Lucky” – Daft Punk Featuring Pharrell Williams
Chill, swaying grooves that smoothly fill the dance floor. - “Happy” – Pharrell Williams
Literally impossible not to smile and groove along. - “Toxic” – Britney Spears
A pop hit throwback that brings fun and edginess. - “Rock Your Body” – Justin Timberlake
Silky pop grooves to keep guests dancing. - “Call Me Maybe” – Carly Rae Jepsen
Lighthearted fun for all ages. - “Party in the USA” – Miley Cyrus
Patriotic and irreverent, a great choice for sing-alongs. - “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” – Beyoncé
Empowering and danceable — a modern classic.
Chill and Cozy Tracks
High energy isn’t always necessary—your party also needs some cozy vibes to balance things out.
“New Year’s Day” – Taylor Swift
Gentle, reflective music perfect for the more peaceful moments.
- “Auld Lang Syne” – Traditional
A classic that still works at midnight. - “Perfect” – Ed Sheeran
Romantic and lulling, perfect for a slow dance. - “Thinking Out Loud” – Ed Sheeran
Another love ballad that’ll warm the cockles of your party. - “All of Me” – John Legend
Heartfelt, intimate, perfect for loved-up couples celebrating together. - “Clocks” – Coldplay
Dreamy instrumentals to end your night. - “Let’s Stay Together” – Al Green
Classic soul that offers a warm, comforting feeling. - “Somewhere Only We Know” – Keane
Melodious and nostalgic, ideal for reflective moments. - “Bubbly” – Colbie Caillat
Light and airy, keeping the mood casual. - “Yellow” – Coldplay
Melodic, timeless, perfect for kicking back.
Modern Pop Hits
Keep things fresh with songs everyone knows today.
- “Blinding Lights” – The Weeknd
Retro vibes with modern pop feel, perfect for the dance floor.
“As It Was” – Harry Styles
A great balance of nostalgia and contemporary pop.
- “About Damn Time” – Lizzo
Bouncy, funky, and empowering — a dance floor favorite. - “Good 4 U” – Olivia Rodrigo
High-energy pop-punk vibes for younger guests. - “Levitating” – Dua Lipa
Upbeat, disco-inflected beats to keep the energy alive. - “Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
Catchy, modern, perfect for group sing-alongs. - “Don’t Go Yet” – Camila Cabello
Latin-inspired beats that keep the vibes flowing. - “About You” – Mike Shinoda
Melodic pop-rap hybrid suitable for mixed playlists. - “Dance Monkey” – Tones and I
Quirky, catchy, and irresistible. - “Shivers” – Ed Sheeran
High-energy and infectious, perfect for ringing in the new year.
Rock Classics
If you appreciate gritty, guitar-driven vibes, these rock anthems never fail.
- “Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
Sing-along powerhouse that gets everyone rocking. - “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses
Iconic riffs and unforgettable vocals. - “Don’t Stop Me Now” – Queen
Exuberant and lively, perfect for celebration. - “We Will Rock You” – Queen
Stomp, clap, and engage your audience instantly. - “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor
A classic to get the crowd hyped. - “Start Me Up” – The Rolling Stones
Rock ‘n’ roll power that energizes the party. - “Jump” – Van Halen
An upbeat rock track to get everyone moving. - “You Shook Me All Night Long” – AC/DC
Rock energy to spice up your celebration. - “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake
Classic rock sing-along for nostalgic fun. - “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Empowering and timeless, a party essential.
Bonus Timeless Hits
To make your New Year’s Eve truly unforgettable, include these extra gems.
- “Imagine” – John Lennon
Reflective and peaceful, perfect for a moment of pause. - “Happy New Year” – ABBA
Themed for the occasion, classic and celebratory. - “The Time of My Life” – Bill Medley & Jennifer Warnes
Iconic and cinematic, perfect for countdown moments. - “Freedom! ’90” – George Michael
Empowering vibes as the year winds down. - “Ring of Fire” – Johnny Cash
Fun, country-style classic for variety. - “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina & The Waves
Bright, energetic, instantly uplifting. - “Footloose” – Kenny Loggins
A throwback dance favorite. - “Shake Your Groove Thing” – Peaches & Herb
Retro, fun, guaranteed to get everyone moving. - “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston
No New Year’s party is complete without Whitney. - “Good Times” – Chic
Close the party with disco sparkle and happy vibes.
How to Make Your New Year Playlist
- Blend Eras: Mix oldies with contemporary tracks to satisfy all age groups.
- Energy Balance: Alternate between upbeat dance songs and slower, reflective tunes.
- Add the Sing-Alongs: Crowd-participation songs make your party memorable.
- Thematic Songs: Include New Year-themed songs for the midnight countdown.
- Test Your Flow: Play the playlist once before the party to ensure smooth transitions.
With these 55+ nostalgia-packed hits, your New Year’s bash is sure to be a rockin’, sockin’ good time. From energetic dance tracks to mellow, introspective songs, your guests will enjoy the best music to say hello to the new year with cheer, laughter, and timeless memories.
