New Year’s Eve: the clock is ticking down, the anticipation is building, but wait – is your playlist ready to rock? While Christmas carols dominate December, finding the perfect rock anthems to soundtrack your New Year’s Eve celebrations can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Beyond the traditional “Auld Lang Syne,” which, by the way, translates from Scots to something like “old long since” or “times gone by,” the selection of iconic Eve Songs in the rock genre seems surprisingly limited.
Embarking on a quest to unearth these musical gems, I delved into the depths of music libraries, braved countless online video streams, and even dodged a few digital sales pitches along the way. My mission? To curate a definitive list of New Year’s Eve rock songs, some familiar, some hidden treasures, all guaranteed to amplify your end-of-year festivities. And yes, I’m even including a track from my own band, The Almost Greatest Band In The World, “Chit!”, because what’s a New Year’s Eve rock list without a bit of self-promotion and a story of rock and roll inspiration? Get ready to crank up the volume and welcome the new year with these rockin’ eve songs.
Dan Fogelberg – Same Old Lang Syne
This introspective ballad offers a poignant take on New Year’s Eve. “Same Old Lang Syne” tells a true story from 1975 when Dan Fogelberg, visiting his parents for Christmas, ran into his high school sweetheart at a convenience store. They shared memories and beers in the parking lot, reminiscing about the past. This chance encounter, kept secret for years by Jill Anderson Greulich to protect Fogelberg’s marriage, eventually came to light after his passing in 2007. It’s a reflective eve song, perfect for those quieter New Year’s moments.
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY – GEORGE THOROGOOD & The DESTROYERS
George Thorogood and The Destroyers performing live.
For a high-energy, party-starting anthem, look no further than George Thorogood & The Destroyers’ “New Year’s Eve Party.” This track bursts with a classic 1950s rock and roll vibe, complete with a driving beat and a fantastic horn section. Thorogood’s shout-out to Philadelphia in the lyrics adds a personal touch for fans in the area, but the song’s infectious energy transcends location, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any New Year’s Eve bash. It’s pure rock and roll fun, perfect for getting your party started.
Eagles – Funky New Year
Released as the B-side to “Please Come Home For Christmas” in 1978, “Funky New Year” by the Eagles is an often-overlooked gem. This track showcases the band’s versatility, blending their signature sound with a funkier edge. Featuring Don Felder on guitar, Don Henley on vocals and drums, Glenn Frey on piano and vocals, Joe Walsh on guitar and backing vocals, and Timothy B. Schmit on bass, “Funky New Year” proves that even the Eagles can get down and groove to celebrate the new year. This song adds a unique flavor to your eve songs collection.
U2 – New Year’s Day
George Thorogood and The Destroyers performing live.
From their 1983 album “War,” U2’s “New Year’s Day” is arguably one of the most recognizable eve songs in rock. Originally written about the Polish Solidarity movement, the song evolved into a powerful anthem of hope and new beginnings. Lead singer Bono initially conceived it as a love song to his wife, adding another layer of personal meaning. The song’s iconic MTV video further cemented its place in music history. “New Year’s Day” is a classic that resonates with the spirit of renewal.
Kid Rock – Happy New Year
Kid Rock brings his signature blend of rock and country to the New Year’s Eve theme with “Happy New Year.” While perhaps not as widely known as some of his other hits, this track delivers a straightforward, celebratory message perfect for toasting to the year ahead. It’s a no-frills, good-time rock song to add to your eve songs playlist, especially if you’re a fan of Kid Rock’s style.
Bon Jovi – New Years Day
George Thorogood and The Destroyers performing live.
Bon Jovi’s “New Years Day” offers a different perspective, drawing inspiration from Sting’s Broadway musical “The Last Ship.” Jon Bon Jovi explained that the song is “not about a date on the calendar,” but rather about new beginnings and rebirth. He even linked the song’s meaning to the potential “re-birth” of his own band. This eve song carries a deeper message of hope and fresh starts, making it a meaningful addition to your New Year’s playlist.
Everybodys Rockin This New Years Eve – Chit! (Original Song)
The author’s own band, Chit!, contributes to the New Year’s Eve rock song canon with “Everybodys Rockin This New Years Eve.” The song’s creation story is rooted in the very observation that sparked this article – the lack of rocking New Year’s Eve anthems. Inspired in the middle of the night, the song was completed with the help of band manager Jen Powers (aka “sugarbee”) and brought to life in a home recording session with friends and dedicated “Chitheads” – fans who follow the band to their live shows. This track embodies the DIY spirit of rock and roll and adds a personal touch to this collection of eve songs.
Five Iron Frenzy – New Year’s Eve
George Thorogood and The Destroyers performing live.
For a dose of ska-punk energy, Five Iron Frenzy’s “New Year’s Eve” is a must-add to your playlist. Known for their upbeat music and quirky humor, this Denver-based band delivers a fun and energetic track that’s perfect for dancing your way into the new year. This inclusion is a nod to the ska-punk scene of the 90s and adds a different genre flavor to this selection of eve songs.
As the year draws to a close, and you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack to your New Year’s Eve celebrations, remember that rock music offers more than just holiday jingles. From reflective ballads to high-energy party anthems, these eve songs provide a diverse range of sounds to welcome the new year with a rock and roll spirit. So crank up the volume, gather your friends, and let these tracks set the stage for a rocking New Year’s Eve!
