There is no bigger question in New Year’s Eve party planning than what song you’re gonna play the moment that ball drops, the 2009 flashes on the TV screen, and Dick Clark kisses his wife. Choices, choices, choices. You could go "Auld Lang Syne," if you’re boring traditional. The Beach Boys do a nice a capella version (check it out below), and there’s something to be said for smooching a loved one at midnight while that wistful tune plays. Another obvious choice is Kool & the Gang’s "Celebration," but unless your party’s over-60 quotient exceeds 50 percent, you should probably hold that tune until later in the evening, once everyone is good and sloshed.
I like ringing in the new year with less obvious selections, like Outkast/Andre 3000”s "Hey Ya" or the Beastie Boys’ "Jimmy James" (clip after the jump). The latter can seem jarring for the first couple seconds, but once it gets going, it firmly shuts the door on the squeaky-clean New Year’s Rockin’ Eve festivities and takes the party into a smiley, booze-swillin’ future. I’ve also had good results with Herbie Hancock’s "Rockit" (embedded after the jump), though that one does sort feel like you need a pack of pop-locking dudes in Puma sweats to jump out of something. And you can’t go wrong with a good Prince song ("Kiss," "Let’s Go Crazy," even "Sign O’ the Times") — just avoid "1999," which instantly became passe after every party on earth played it on New Year’s Eve 10 years ago.
Your turn, PopWatchers. What midnight song do you wanna hear at this year’s New Years’ Eve party? And what songs will have you packing for an abrupt 12:05 departure?
Herbie Hancock: "Rockit"
I was always partial to ABBA’s “Happy New Year” although it sounded dated after 1980 (yikes).
I guess as long as it makes me want to dance up a storm I don’t really care…
Same ol Story – Cyndi Lauper – perfect!
“New Year’s Day” by U2.
“Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg. My folks would play it at midnight of every New Year when I was a kid. They probably still do.
someone else beat me to the ABBA punch… oh well
Kiss by Prince or Life Wasted by Pearl Jam.
“The New Year” by Death Cab For Cutie. “So this is the new year… and I don’t feel any different.” Love it!
Actually, this is my first New Year’s in my new home in Chicago, with CST, so I’m kinda confused as to how to celebrate the exact moment ’cause I’m used to watching the ball drop. Oh well!
“Next Year, Baby” by Jamie Cullum
Lady GaGa’s “Just Dance” — it’s got that booming sound to ring in the new year (and it deals with, well, getting toasted and having fun).
Yippee537: Conan has always done his “Happy New Year, Central Time Zone” celebration, since Andy grew up in Illinois and everyone forgets about us. Now you can join in with us being like, “Whoopee, it’s 11″ when the ball drops!
At the stoke of midnight, I want to hear the sound of my husband snoring.
I know I’m ripping off How I Met Your Mother but you can’t go wrong with Bon Jovi – You Give Love A Bad Name.
11:56 p.m – The Final Countdown – Europe.
Midnight – The Way Old Friends Do – ABBA.
12:04 a.m – Let’s Go Crazy – Prince.
11:56- Final Count Down- Europe
12:00 Ding Dong- George Harrison
12:04: Rock, Rock, Till You Drop- Def Leppard
I disagree. “1999″ is still an awesome New Year’s song. I hear those first few notes, and I’m always picturing confetti, champagne, and sparkly balls. I mean, it’s not like you’re playing Robbie Williams’s “Millennium” or Will Smith’s “Will 2K.” Now THAT would be lame.