Popular Birthday Songs: Western Music Artist Rankings [2025]

Happy BirthdayThe Click Five85rank/position

The Click Five – “Happy Birthday”

A bittersweet melody woven from sweet memories of love and lingering regret.

Hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, The Click Five deliver a gem of a power-pop number.

Featured on their June 2007 album “Modern Minds and Pastimes,” the song portrays the protagonist’s complex feelings after forgetting an ex-lover’s birthday.

With its catchy guitar riffs and energetic sound, it made a strong impact across Asia, even hitting No.

1 on Singapore’s 987FM.

It’s a perfect track for moments when you want to reminisce about someone special—distinctly different from your typical birthday party anthem.

I Want A Boy For My BirthdayThe Cookies86rank/position

The Cookies – I Want A Boy For My Birthday

The Cookies were an American R&B girl group active from the 1950s to the 1960s.

“I Want A Boy For My Birthday” is a single released in 1963.

It’s a birthday song that takes you back to the good old days.

16 CandlesThe Crests87rank/position

The Crests – 16 Candles

Don’t you think it could be nice to set the mood for a birthday with a moody song? In that case, I’d like to recommend “16 Candles.” It’s a piece by the vocal group The Crests.

As the title suggests, the lyrics celebrate someone turning sixteen.

At first listen, it may sound like a lover is doing the celebrating, but there’s also an interpretation that it’s a father expressing love to his daughter.

And at this point, some of you might be wondering, “Why sixteen?” In the United States, sixteen is considered a gateway to adulthood, and it’s celebrated in a big way.

Happy BirthdayThe Idle Race88rank/position

The Idle Race – Happy Birthday/The Birthday Party

The famous song “Happy Birthday,” composed by Idol Race.

The familiar “Happy Birthday to You, Happy Birthday to You” appears in the intro, but from there the mood of the song shifts dramatically, making it an interesting piece.

BIRTHDAYThe Lumineers89rank/position

BIRTHDAY

The Lumineers’ signature folk-tinged sound and heartwarming melodies shine in the song “BIRTHDAY,” which weaves in themes of self-love, loneliness, and deep affection for another person.

Despite struggling with low self-esteem, the protagonist strives to show they’re there for the other person, a sentiment symbolized by the line, “It’s okay, because today is your birthday.” Featured on the album BRIGHTSIDE, this track showcases a new facet of the band’s appeal.

It’s a gem especially for those who want to celebrate a loved one’s birthday from the heart.

BirthdayThe Sugarcubes90rank/position

Sugarcubes – Birthday

An experimental track released in 1987 by The Sugarcubes, the alternative rock band that represents Iceland.

While depicting an unusual relationship between a 50-year-old man and a 5-year-old girl, Björk’s ethereal vocals create a peculiar allure.

Included on the album “Life’s Too Good,” the song topped the UK indie chart and cemented its global acclaim.

It also garnered praise across media, being named Single of the Year by Melody Maker.

With lyrics where innocence and eroticism intersect in a finely tuned balance, this piece is sure to leave a lasting impression as a striking choice to color a loved one’s birthday.

Happy, Happy Birthday BabyThe Tune Weavers91rank/position

The Tune Weavers “Happy, Happy Birthday Baby”

This is the only hit song by The Tune Weavers, an American vocal group formed in 1956.

It was produced by Margo Sylvia and Gilbert Lopez.

The lyrics were inspired by the feelings Margo had after breaking up with her boyfriend.