Top Ten New Year's Eve Songs - Traditional and Current Favorites Mix

When it comes to New Year's Eve songs, for many people the one that springs to mind is the classic "Auld Lang Syne." Traditional and well-known, this song also has an interesting history and translation. The lyrics typically sung are a combination of a Scottish folksong and lyrics created by Robert Burns. NewYearsFavors.com shows the lyrics alongside the translation of what the song means, line by line.

Here are some others:

1999 by Prince

A fun dance-and-party song from the artist then and once again known as Prince, this song celebrates the spirit of revelry and total enjoyment of a party. The song was released in 1982 on the album titled with the same name.

Celebration by Kool & the Gang

Another well-known party song, this hit from Kool & the Gang hit number one on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart about four months after its release. This song has a role in American History as it was played when the American Hostages came home after the 444-day Iran Hostage Crisis.

Happy by Leona Lewis

Not a traditional New Year's Eve song, this tune speaks of taking chances in order to find happiness -- achieving goals. This makes it a fitting theme for the spirit of New Year's Eve. It also makes a great song for couples to slow dance to. "I could stand by the side and watch this life pass me by. So unhappy, but safe as could be. So what if it hurts me? So what if I break down? So what if this world just throws me off the edge - my feet run out of ground? I gotta find my place. I wanna hear my sound. Don't care about all the pain in front of me 'cause I'm just tryin' to be happy."

The Adventure by Angels & Airwaves

Great dancing music, this song talks about life waiting to begin - moving forward in the adventure known as life. The band name, Angels & Airwaves, was the choice of Tom DeLonge, who is also a member of Blink-182. It popped into his head one day while driving and he stuck with it due to the similarity between the initials of the name with the name of his daughter Ava, once the middle "A" is inverted.

Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus

A commercial success around the globe, this song is all about celebration. The music video was inspired by the movie Grease, starring John Travolta and Olivia-Newton John.

Empire State of Mind by Jay-Z, Featuring Alicia Keys

"Where dreams are made of - there's nothing you can't do." With lyrics that celebrate the home of one of the biggest New Year's Eve party sites as well as achieving goals, this song is sure to be a crowd-pleaser at many parties.

Second Chance by Shinedown

A slower tempo makes this song another great slow dance party song. The lyrics are about moving on and creating your own second chance in life. This song was used in several promotions, including the second season of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles and in the return of Michael Corinthos on General Hospital. The song was also used in the 2008 WWE Tribute to the Troops.

New Attitude by Patti LaBelle

A song from the eighties, the incredible beat and stylings of Ms. LaBelle make this a fun, upbeat dance tune. The lyrics celebrate taking on a 'new attitude', which is the perfect sentiment for many New Year's Eve partygoers. New Attitude was recorded for the Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack.

Don't Stop Believin' by Journey

Though released in 1981, Don't Stop Believin' has been featured in numerous films and television shows since, including CSI, Glee, The Wedding Singer and South Park. The lyrics, "Don't stop believin' - hold on to that feelin'" can provide motivation to those struggling with continuing in their journey of change for the new year, which makes this another fitting choice for a New Year's Eve playlist. It is one of the top ten most downloaded songs.

Sources:

Classic Tracks: Kool & the Gang's "Celebration". Blair Jackson. January 1, 2001. Mix Online.
http://mixonline.com/mag/audio_kool_gangs_celebration/

Angels & Airwaves Biography. Amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Angels-%26-Airwaves/e/B00197CZHY/ref=s9_dpt_sa_bio

Second Chance. Last FM. http://www.last.fm/music/Shinedown/_/Second+Chance

Don't Stop Believin'. Last FM. http://www.last.fm/music/Journey/_/Don't+Stop+Believin'