Popular Birthday Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Birthday SpecialPeter Hammill64rank/position

Peter Hammill, Birthday Special (1975)

Peter Hammill, a British singer-songwriter, is also a founding member of the progressive rock band Van der Graaf Generator.

He is an artist known for his emotional, often dynamic vocals and lyrics that explore themes such as love and relationships, self-awareness, and introspection.

HappyPharrell Williams65rank/position

Pharrell Williams – Happy (from Despicable Me 2) [Ballroom Version]

In addition to being a singer and MC, Pharrell Williams is also active as a music producer and fashion designer.

He’s an incredible entertainer who can do it all.

He has been nominated for the Grammy Awards 24 times and has won 7 of them.

Many of you probably recognize his face or his songs.

His hit song “Happy,” released in 2014, topped the charts in 22 countries and is often celebrated as a birthday song.

Happy Birthday in the SkyPlacebo66rank/position

Placebo – Happy Birthday In The Sky (Official Visualiser)

Placebo is a British alternative rock band formed in London in 1994.

Centered around frontman Brian Molko and bassist Stefan Olsdal, they have released eight studio albums to date and sold around 14 million records worldwide.

One track from their 2022 album “Never Let Me Go” is a moving song that expresses profound grief and a sense of loss for a loved one who has passed away.

The repeated phrase “Happy birthday in the sky” conveys the loneliness of no longer being able to celebrate together.

Its depiction of confusion and sorrow over sudden farewells and senseless loss, along with the heartfelt wish to soothe the pain, resonates deeply with listeners.

It is a song we especially recommend to those who have experienced the loss of someone dear.

It’s Your BirthdayR. Kelly67rank/position

R. Kelly – It’s Your Birthday

R.

Kelly is an American singer-songwriter and producer who also has a background as a former professional basketball player.

His distinctive sound and style have had a significant influence on many hip-hop and R&B artists.

Happy Birthday EverybodyRay Barretto68rank/position

HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVERYBODY – RAY BARRETTO

For those seeking a festive birthday song that skillfully fuses Latin music and soul, we recommend Ray Barretto from the United States.

Featured on his 1967 album “Latino Con Soul,” this track captivates with a lively, dance-inducing sound: passionate rhythms from Latin percussion like congas and bongos, and a dazzling horn section infused with salsa and jazz elements.

Rooted in Puerto Rican traditional music, Barretto delivers a track brimming with life-affirming groove that is distinctly his own.

It’s a perfect pick to energize a birthday party or to discover new charms in Latin music.

Birthday CakeRihanna69rank/position

Rihanna – Birthday Cake (Audio)

Rihanna, an artist from Barbados, is internationally renowned and hugely popular in Japan as well.

She originally debuted as a reggae artist, but later shifted her style several times, from R&B to dance music.

Her track “Birthday Cake” fully embraces a dance music style, gaining popularity with its intense sound—far removed from the catchy melodies typical of standard birthday songs.

Having A PartyRod Stewart70rank/position

Rod Stewart – Havin’ a Party (from It Had To Be You…The Great American Songbook)

This is a song released in 1962 by American singer-songwriter Sam Cooke.

In 1993, British rock singer-songwriter Rod Stewart covered the song during an MTV Unplugged session, and it was later released as a single.