In just a few short days, the ball will drop, the confetti-cannons will fire and a new year will officially come into focus. And while Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey are ready to ring in New Year's Eve 2018, we'd be remiss to forget all those that came before — more than 40 years' worth.

Since 1973, as a means to answer Guy Lombardo's annual big-band broadcast on CBS and reach a younger audience, Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve has celebrated each new year by welcoming contemporary pop acts to perform in New York City. And since the event's premiere, which featured sets from Blood, Sweat & Tears and Al Green, the broadcast has featured the likes of The Pointer Sisters, U2, Pink and many, many more, who've each happily lit up Times Square.

Ryan Seacrest officially took over the role of Rockin' Eve host after Clark's 2012 death, and MTV and additional networks have begun airing their own New Year's Eve specials in ensuing years, too. But the tradition of having huge pop acts like Taylor Swift, Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus ring in the year in the thick of Manhattan crowds hasn't changed, and this year's lineup looks to be no different.

Before New York ushers in 2018, we're looking back at some of the past decade's most standout performances. Check out a gallery of New Year's Eve sets from 2008-onward below, and if you've got a fond memory of one in particular, share it in the comments.

Mariah Carey's Best Live Vocals:

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