The Ultimate New Year's Eve Playlist

New Year's Eve is a time for renewal. A time where we shake off the mistakes of the previous year and embrace the best of ourselves for the year ahead. It's also one of the biggest party nights of the year, and nothing makes a party rock like great music. Here's my top ten picks for your New Year's Eve playlist:

Auld Lang Syne - Barenaked Ladies

This tune is a no-brainer, sung at midnight by revelers around the world. The Barenaked Ladies's rendition is beautiful is it's modern-folk feel and complex harmonies, as well as several joke verses that change in every recording. A studio version is available on the album Barenaked for the Holidays, but get the live version for maximum comedic value.

1999 - Prince

Who doesn't want to party like it's 1999? The millennial New Year's Eve may have already past, but for anybody who lived through it this 80's hit will put them immediately in mind of Y2K. This hit tune from the album 1999 was released as a single twice and eventually placed 12^th on Billboard's Hot 100.

Counting Crows - A Long December

This ode to winter on the west coast is perfect for getting the whole room singing the familiar melancholy tune.

Change The World - Eric Clapton

This seldom-played single from the Phenomenon soundtrack can give hope to even the most hopeless romantic. For your guests who don't have anybody to kiss at midnight this longing love-letter will empower them to match up with another single person before the ball drops.

New York, New York - Frank Sinatra

While watching the Times Square celebration no song would be more fitting. Make your party feel like they are in the drunken throng from the safety of your studio apartment.

Will 2K - Will Smith

Featuring the line 'Dick Clark holdin' it down' this song is perfect to watch as Dick Clark introduces musical acts he's never heard of!

Carol of the Bells - Various

Christmas Carols are bound to still be stuck in the heads of your party goers, so you might as well play one with no lyrics to cement them there. One of the few carols that are appropriate to bust out in the summer, it shouldn't offend many at your New Year's Eve gathering.

What's So Funny 'Bout Peace, Love, & Understanding - Elvis Costello

As the old year turns into the new it's important to remember to reach out to our fellow man. This rocking anthem to pacifistic leanings will get your party pumped up while making them think. For added fun look for the version from the Stephan Colbert Christmas Special which features Willy Nelson and John Legend.

Let's Get Physical - Olivia Newton John

Perfect to play at 12:15, after text messages have been sent and families called. When the one you kissed hangs out after the ball, this song will either get them excited or at least make them laugh, thereby increasing your chances for your first hook-up of the year.

Closing Time - Semisonic

When your date is ready for a private moment, or you are too drunk to stand, this track will politely let your guests know it's time to call a cab. As the song says 'You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here."

Happy New Year!