There’s something about moving forward that inevitably calls you to also look back. Maybe there’s safety and familiarity in the past — or, in the context of your New Year’s Eve playlist, the bangers were just better in the ‘00s and ‘10s. Either way, the nostalgia hits hard at the start of a new year. After the jump, we gathered 22 throwback bangers to help you usher in 2022 in nostalgic style.
From high school dances to your New Year’s Eve party, this Black Eyed Peas classic is the ultimate crowd pleaser. (YouTube)
There’s perhaps no better song to hear while getting glittery, champagne drunk. (YouTube)
Speaking of champagne, LMFAO and Natalia Kills still have us bopping to this track over a decade later. (YouTube)
Jay Sean and Nicki Minaj are singing about 2012, but with lyrics like “And everyday, we're survivors/ So forget the day, it's all about tonight,” it couldn’t be more applicable for 2021. (YouTube)
We’ll be raising our glasses to the end of 2021. Good riddance! (YouTube)
For the biggest impact, sync up Queen Bey’s countdown with the ball drop. (YouTube)
Call it basic, but you’ll be glad you’ll still know all the words even when you’re three glasses deep. (YouTube)
Let’s be real — is any celebration complete without this song? (YouTube)
If you’re looking for something more emotional, look no further than this classic New Year’s Eve anthem from our favorite Swedish pop quartet. (YouTube)
Bless your wallet in the New Year by blasting this song during the countdown. (YouTube)
Catch us screaming, “Maybe it's not my weekend but it's gonna be my year,” when the clock strikes midnight. (YouTube)
This buoyant, throwback cut from Kanye and T-Pain is guaranteed to start your 2022 on the right foot. (YouTube)
Blasting this timeless pop hit from Cher on NYE will make even the biggest cynic a believer. (YouTube)
There’s just something about incoming armageddon — or, in this case, the arrival of the new year — that just makes you wanna dance! (YouTube)
Yes, it’s technically a birthday song, but there’s also something about it that makes it perfect for the NYE? We won’t be taking any more questions on this. (YouTube)
Take us back to 2013 when Xtina’s raspy vocals and Mr. Worldwide ruled the airwaves! (YouTube)
While we aren’t exactly asking for another 2021, you do feel an exhilarating rush of resilience dancing to this song as the clock strikes midnight. (YouTube)
Dancy, romantic, and sung by Rihanna? What better soundtrack for your NYE kiss! (YouTube)
The Christmas Queen naturally also has an anthem for New Years Eve. Skip to 1:00 when the beat to kicks in for maximum euphoria. (YouTube)
If you’re looking to throw a messier NYE bash, then Cherub’s toxic but undeniably catchy “Doses & Mimosas” is our recommendation. (YouTube)
Perhaps no track sums up the struggle that was the last few years better than this celebratory Soulja Boy and Drake collab. (Soundcloud)