One of the best ways to celebrate your birthday is with music. There's no better way to ring in the next year of your life than with some of the most epic rock songs about birthdays. The choices for a birthday rock playlist are seemingly endless, providing party planners and music enthusiasts alike with countless ways to create a memorable celebration.
Rock is one of the best genres for songs about birthdays, given that many of them are closely tied to specific eras and associated with significant cultural events. We've put together a list that's sure to work for anyone's birthday party, appealing to different tastes, party styles, and generations.
Classic Rock Hits for Birthday Bashes
For your birthday rock playlist, the best place to start is with the classics — the tunes that everyone knows and loves:
"Birthday" by The Beatles
This 1968 tune may be most notable for how quickly it came together: The Beatles recorded "Birthday" with just one day of studio time. The song features an upbeat tempo and cool classic rock vibes. There's just something about the way Paul and John trade lines over that pounding rhythm that makes it sound like a party's starting.
"Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
Just exiting a rough year? "Don't Stop Believin'" is the ultimate song of hope and redemption. It's one of the most downloaded tracks of the 20th century, with over 7 million digital copies sold in the United States alone. The song wasn't an immediate hit but got a second life from feature runs on shows such as "Glee."
"We Will Rock You" by Queen
Often played at major sporting events, this 1977 anthem delivers peak energy to every birthday celebration. Your friends and family won't be able to resist singing and clapping along with the chorus. The song earned its way into the GRAMMY Hall of Fame.
"The Greatest Discovery" by Elton John
A real contrast to "We Will Rock You," this song takes a thoughtful, ballad-like approach to describe a child's wonder at a new baby brother, offering a unique perspective on birthdays. John tells the story from the boy's perspective, capturing the innocence and wonder of a new life. Save this one for the clean-up when the crowd thins.
"The Magician's Birthday" by Uriah Heep
Almost 11 minutes long, "The Magician's Birthday" offers a theatrical twist to your list of epic birthday rock songs. The tune uses creative keyboarding and dynamic shifts to keep listeners engaged. "The Magician's Birthday" is a fun and unique choice to drive the party.
"It's My Party" by Lesley Gore
Here's a classic of a different kind: this vintage 1963 song that captured the angst of a girl whose boyfriend leaves her at her own party. It features the classic lyric "It's my party and I'll cry if I want to." This song went to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1963.
Modern Rock Anthems for Your Birthday Playlist
Contemporary rock songs are also popular choices for birthday playlists. Consider adding some of these party anthems to your celebratory soundtrack:
"Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
With a thumping tempo that carries the song along at almost 150 beats per minute, "Mr. Brightside" provides energy and excitement to every party. The song, released in Sept. 2003, has become a crowd-pleaser at various venues, including football games, weddings, and karaoke nights.
"I Gotta Feeling" by The Black Eyed Peas
Offering just about the perfect message for a birthday party, this song will bring an infusion of energy to your gathering. "I Gotta Feeling" achieved global success, topping the charts in 20 countries, including the United States and Canada.
"We Are Young" by Fun. featuring Janelle Monáe
This is another song that went to No. 1 on the Billboard charts. An ode to youth and living life to the fullest, "We Are Young" topped charts in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The song's popularity skyrocketed after it was featured on the hit TV show "Glee." It also took home the GRAMMY Award for Song of the Year in 2013.
"Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO
The song of the summer in 2011, "Party Rock Anthem," has had notable longevity. The song stayed at No. 1 for six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. "Party Rock Anthem" is perfect for that moment when you want to cut loose and dance like no one is watching you. It's a good choice for blowing out the candles.
Creating the Ultimate Birthday Rock Playlist
With so many interesting and entertaining options for birthday songs, how do you make that epic rock playlist? Here are a few tips from the experts:
- Explore the rich diversity of rock music. Performers offer many different approaches to their art.
- Combine high-energy and mellow tracks. It's always good to throw in a slower song to reset the energy for the next surge.
- Make use of streaming platforms. These offer a mind-blowing selection and often provide access to interesting song covers.
- Utilize social media platforms for music discovery. You never know when you might find your next birthday playlist song.
- Create multiple hour-long themed playlists. The average list contains about 15 songs.
- If you're really ambitious, use transition software for seamless mixing between songs.
Rock On: Celebrate Your Birthday With Timeless Anthems
Every birthday is a moment to pause and assess. For many reasons, rock music playlists are one of the most powerful ways to celebrate turning a year older. With a diverse range of songs, you'll have the flexibility to create a rocking playlist that fits the atmosphere. The next time your birthday comes around, explore the sounds of rock to create the perfect playlist for a unifying celebration.
