2026 is upon us! From chart-topping hits to songs that quietly became personal anthems, 2025 delivered no shortage of tracks worthy of celebration. Whether you hit your resolutions, fell behind on a few, or simply survived the year, one thing remains constant as the countdown begins: the right New Year’s playlist matters. I don’t know about you, but I enjoyed what this year has to offer. I achieved some of my New Year goals and found some time to work on myself. I hope you did the same thing. But now, it’s time to party! Since I have already set up my festive playlist months in advance, I had some time to prepare my New Year’s playlist, as 2025 is a year worth celebrating. There have been many songs released this year that will be perfect for a New Year’s party. Yet, some tracks are must-haves on such occasions. So, if you need last-minute ideas, here are three songs to consider for a playlist to play as we count down to 2026.
“I Gotta Feeling” (2009)
Artist: Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas is the “All I Want For Christmas Is You” of the New Year celebrations. If you don’t have this song, then you’re missing out. Released in 2009 as part of their fifth studio album, The E.N.D., “I Gotta Feeling” is a celebration of letting loose and thinking positively. E.N.D. stands for “Energy Never Dies,” and “I Gotta Feeling” reflects that album’s message. It will provide that late 2000s nostalgia, reminding you of your youth, and yet it brings the energy to the room that will get everyone pumping, whether it’s a simple house party or in a room full of people.
Not to mention, this song is super popular, generating over 897 million views on YouTube, becoming the most-streamed song in The E.N.D., with over 1.9 billion streams, and charting at number one across the globe, in areas like Oceania, North America, Europe, and various parts of Asia. It was performed at various celebrations, including Queen Elizabeth II‘s Diamond Jubilee Concert, the 2019 Southeast Asian Games Closing Ceremony, and the 2011 Super Bowl Halftime Show. This song represents celebration, so if it hasn’t been added to your playlist yet, better do it before it’s too late.
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“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” (1979)
Artist: ABBA
Another must-have and an absolute classic. “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight).” It is a track by the legendary ABBA, and the song has found new life with the younger generation, going viral due to a dancing trend that got everyone moving, making it the 2nd most used ABBA song on the platform, just behind “Dancing Queen.” Also, the song is quite relevant to the mood of a New Year’s party, as you’re after something before the clock hits 12.
“Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” It’s about wanting to be with someone just before a new day comes. It’s about wanting to get out there and meet someone new, and having the courage to do so. As the younger gen continues to be vocal about how bad dating apps are, with the most recent end-of-year trend on TikTok being a “Dating Wrapped 2025, directed by Robert B. Weide,” this song does fit the mood of what Gen Z is feeling, while also catering to the adults who love ABBA.
If the ABBA version isn’t to your liking, there’s the A*Teens version. If you don’t know who they are, they’re an ABBA tribute group that formed in 1998, but eventually released original music in the early 2000s. Their cover of this 1979 hit features more late-90s instrumentation, which could be better suited to a party-style environment.
“antidepressants” (2025)
Artist: BBNO$
Whether you like BBNO$ or hate him, you have to admit that a lot of his music went viral on TikTok and has produced bangers. While he did announce on social media that he’s “quitting music,” at least give the man one last hurrah by putting one of his songs on a New Year’s Party playlist. More specifically: “antidepressants.”
In a year that’s met with tragedy, uncertainty, and worry, this song fits the mood of wanting to forget what’s bothering you. It’s an upbeat rap about taking medication to get things done and having confidence in yourself. You may not like BBNO$, but “antidepressants” has generated over 41 million streams, so clearly, there’s a strong majority who enjoy this artist. The same can be said for the music video, which has over 10 million views. If you want a song that could represent what 2025 is about, yet set the mood for a good time, use this song.
BBNO$ has produced many viral hits and has generated multiple streams and views throughout his career. So, if he does decide to leave the music scene for good, at least give him a chance to light up your New Year’s party, even if it’s for one year.
