55 Best Songs For New Year; Countdown Time!

“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

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

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

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

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.