[Band Performance] Recommended Songs to Liven Up Year-End and New Year Parties [2025]

rose flowerkururi

Quruli – Rose Flower | Trailer

This is the song “Bara no Hana” by Quruli, a rock band whose laid-back vibe and emotional worldview are irresistibly captivating.

The drums keep a steady, understated rhythm that feels wonderfully pleasant to listen to.

It’s a perfect cover choice for those who don’t want a somber mood but don’t have a setup for loud performance.

Even without a full band, a small ensemble—just percussion and acoustic guitar—would surely sound fantastic!

Go for it!!Ulfuls

Ulfuls – Guts da ze!!

Both year-end and New Year parties are all about getting lively, so if you’re looking for a fun song that’s well-known across generations and really gets the crowd going, this is it.

It has a strong dance-rock feel, so locking into the rhythm is key, but there aren’t many patterns in each part, so once you memorize the phrases, the performance itself isn’t difficult.

cherrySpitz

Spitz / Cherry

Spitz’s most famous song is “Cherry.” It’s a classic that still plays frequently all over Japan.

Even people who aren’t from the era and haven’t really listened to it know not just the melody but even the lyrics—a true monster hit.

If you just cover this one, the whole venue will break into a sing-along chorus!

lightHumbreaders

Humbreaders “Hikari” Music Video

Formed for a school festival under the tagline “Never-Ending Adolescence” and making their major-label debut in 2020, Humbreaders are a four-piece rock band.

Their fourth digital-only single, Hikari, is a straightforward rock tune written as the opening theme for the TV anime Shinobi no Ittoki.

With its driving beat, prominent bassline, and sprightly guitar sound, it’s a song every band member has fun performing—highly recommended live.

It’s a pop number guaranteed to liven up year-end and New Year parties.

Haneuma RiderPorno Graffitti

PornoGraffitti “Haneuma Rider” (Yokohama Romance Porno ’06 ~Catch the Haneuma~) / PORNOGRAFFITTI “Haneuma Rider (Live Ver.)”

The two-piece rock band Porno Graffitti has attracted attention since their debut with their catchy, highly pop-leaning songs and has released numerous hit tunes.

Their 20th single, “Haneuma Rider,” used in Otsuka Pharmaceutical’s Pocari Sweat commercial, is an energizing number whose dynamism evokes the title’s imagery.

Although the tempo is relaxed relative to the melody, the finely articulated beat creates a sense of speed, so keep that in mind when performing as a band.

It’s a well-known song that livens up any event and a rock tune everyone can sing along to.

meringueMacaroni Enpitsu

Macaroni Enpitsu “Meringue” MV

Formed at a music university, Macaroni Enpitsu is a four-piece rock band whose songs, known for their lyrical world, have gained popularity.

Their first major release, the digital-only single “Meringue,” was chosen as the theme song for JR SKISKI’s 2020–2021 campaign.

The rapidly shifting beats and ensemble—dynamics included—require careful attention, as they can sound disjointed without tight cohesion from the band.

Packed with a variety of arrangements within a single track, it’s a winter song that bands can enjoy performing together.

Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-Shirts Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Gather Around! Party People” Music Video [Major Version]

Hugely popular with the younger generation, this is one of YabaT’s signature songs.

It’s a fun track perfect for when you want to get hyped, with a catchy chorus that really sticks in your head—a true killer tune.

Since they’re a three-piece band and nothing is too technically demanding, I think it’s easy to cover.