[2026] Western songs you'd like to sing at year-end and New Year's parties: the latest crowd-pleasers and timeless classics

High HopesPanic! At The Disco

High Hopes

A huge hit released in 2018 by the American rock band Panic! at the Disco.

Above all, the lyrics are fantastic, and—as the title “High Hopes” suggests—it’s a song that powerfully cheers everyone on.

The rhythm in the chorus is excellent, too; it’s such an upbeat number that your body naturally starts to sway when you hear it.

Since it sings about aiming high, it’s perfect for New Year’s parties and the like!

Don’t Stop Believin’Journey

Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ (Official Audio)

When the New Year arrives, it’s natural to feel a vague sense of unease alongside your hopes and expectations.

In those moments, music that urges you to “never stop believing,” even in difficult times, can be a powerful ally.

Formed in 1973 and still going strong despite multiple lineup changes and hiatuses, the American rock band Journey released this classic track as a single in 1981, from their seminal album Escape.

Its lyrics—portraying a girl leaving a small town to chase her dreams and a young man smoldering in the city, each boarding a midnight train toward the future—carry a universality that lets people of all walks of life see themselves in the story.

From the memorable piano intro to the gradually building ensemble, and finally the climactic, explosive chorus of the title phrase, it’s absolutely breathtaking.

How about starting the new year with this song to give you courage?

Do They Know It’s Christmas?Band Aid

Band Aid – Do They Know It’s Christmas? (Official Video) [4K]

It was recorded in November 1984 as a charity single for famine relief in Ethiopia and released the following month on December 3.

It spent five weeks at number one on the UK charts, selling over one million copies in its first week alone—an astonishing achievement.

Because the song carries a strong message, it’s worth taking the time to understand the lyrics rather than just singing it for the vibe.

It’s great fun to sing in harmony with a few people, of course, but it’s also satisfying to sing solo since there are parts you can really belt out.

Each singer in the original has their own distinctive style, but don’t worry too much about that—singing in your own voice is best! Place a hand on your chest and try singing while resonating your voice.

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Kubota Mami

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AS IF IT’S YOUR LASTBLACKPINK

BLACKPINK – ‘마지막처럼 (AS IF IT’S YOUR LAST)’ M/V

A song by BLACKPINK, a four-member idol group from South Korea that became a runaway hit in 2018.

Released in 2017, this track comes from the group, whose exceptional style and stunning looks have earned them a cult-like following that feels beyond typical Asian standards.

The music is spot-on, and just like the members who dance joyfully—jumping and bouncing to the four-on-the-floor beat in the chorus—this is a surefire party anthem.

There’s also a Japanese version, whose slightly awkward lyrics are oddly addictive—highly recommended!

Welcome To The JungleGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Welcome To The Jungle

The moment that legendary intro riff by the famed guitarist Slash comes crashing in, you can’t help but want to throw your fist in the air! Known as “the most dangerous band in the world” and boasting worldwide popularity, Guns N’ Roses’s signature track “Welcome To The Jungle” is now a timeless classic that transcends genres like hard rock and metal, staying beloved in our memories.

No explanation needed—this is an undeniable killer tune, and with a little liquid courage, you could probably ride the momentum even at karaoke where people might not even know the band’s name.

Of course, Axl Rose’s ultra–high-pitched shouts aren’t exactly easy to replicate, but that distinctive, addictive style makes you want to try at least once—and that’s what makes it so great.

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KOH-1

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Shallow (From A Star Is Born/Live From The Oscars)Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper

Lady Gaga, Bradley Cooper – Shallow (From A Star Is Born/Live From The Oscars)

An insert song from the film “A Star Is Born.” It’s an emotional ballad rock track.

If you’ve seen the movie, it’s sure to get you hyped, but the song itself is also highly polished, and Lady Gaga’s vocals are outstanding, so it works nicely as simple background music too.

Since it’s a dynamic song, I think the key is to keep the volume low and let it play subtly.

It could also work well for entertainment segments—like impersonations!

If We Ever Broke UpMae Stephens

Mae Stephens – If We Ever Broke Up (Official Video)

If We Ever Broke Up, which became a massive hit in 2023.

It’s also been nominated for TikTok’s Trend Awards, and comedian Anri from the trio Borujuku drew attention by posting a parody video.

The song was released by next-generation artist Mae Stephens.

While it has a fun, upbeat vibe, the lyrics imagine the scenario of “what if we broke up.” It’s great for singing along energetically or delivering with deep emotion.

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yamamoto

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