[2026] Classic Western songs and recommended popular tracks to listen to in January
In January, as we usher in the New Year, even if we’re still feeling the holiday vibes, we can’t help but feel ready to move forward! How about boosting your mood with some Western music that’s perfect for kicking off the year? In this article, we’ve gathered songs that cheer on your brave spirit—tracks you’ll want to listen to in January—and New Year–appropriate tunes that support taking that first step as your “January music.” Music will surely support you as you strive toward your New Year’s goals!
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[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to in January: recommended popular tracks (91–100)
The New YearDeath Cab for Cutie
Death Cab for Cutie is an American rock band formed in 1997.
They are known as a leading band in indie rock and indie pop.
Since they were nominated for a Grammy in 2015, those with some experience listening to overseas bands may already be familiar with them.
Their song “The New Year” is a perfect track for January, celebrating the start of a new year.
The melody is classic indie pop.
Be sure to check it out.
Don’t Start NowDua Lipa
Since we’ve finally welcomed the New Year, if you’re looking to reset your mindset and nail a flying start in January, I highly recommend Dua Lipa’s disco-pop tune “Don’t Start Now,” released in 2019 and a global hit! With its gloriously funky bassline and retro ‘80s disco feel, paired with an irresistibly pop melody, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in Dua Lipa’s career.
Lyrically, it’s about moving past a breakup and walking toward a positive future, making it a song that can powerfully support anyone who feels they had an unsatisfying year and wants to take a fresh step forward.
Dua Lipa’s cool, commanding vocals are sure to snap even those who got a bit too relaxed over the New Year holidays back into gear!
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?Idina Menzel
Idina Menzel, who is popular as a musical theater actress, was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress for the Broadway musical Rent and won the Best Actress award for Wicked.
She is also known for playing Elsa in the film Frozen, so many people in Japan may recognize her voice.
The song she sings here, What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?, is about the beginning of the year.
It’s arranged as slow jazz, so it’s recommended for jazz lovers as well.
January 28J. Cole
A track by American rapper J.
Cole that centers on his own birthday, January 28.
It’s a song where Cole’s smooth rap rides over an incredibly catchy beat.
As the title bears his actual birthday, the feelings packed into this track are immeasurable.
It’s a rap song that makes January 28 a special day.
Light YearsJamiroquai
Jamiroquai, the band that gained worldwide popularity with “Virtual Insanity.” In Japan, they’re a hugely popular band that anyone with even a passing knowledge of Western music would know.
Their biggest draw is, without a doubt, their musical style.
Their distinctive sound—acid jazz infused with neo-soul-like arrangements—has influenced many artists.
Take Suchmos, for example; most of their songs have a Jamiroquai-like vibe.
Among Jamiroquai’s tracks, the one I want you to listen to in January is “Light Years.” It features a soulful arrangement close to funk and neo-soul.
New Year’s ResolutionLil Tjay
Rapper Lil Tjay made a miraculous comeback from a shootout in September 2022.
Since then, he’s boosted his props even further and gained popularity among many heads.
Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend for January is New Year’s Resolution.
The Japanese title means “New Year’s Resolution,” and it captures the determination he had as a rapper while he was breaking out in 2018.
Be sure to check it out.
Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem, Fireworks Version)Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey is a globally renowned R&B singer who rose to fame in the 1990s and again in the mid-2000s.
With songs like “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and “Hero,” most people have surely heard her music at least once.
Her “Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem, Fireworks Version)” is a cover of the Scottish folk song “Auld Lang Syne” (known in Japan as “Hotaru no Hikari”), featuring an arrangement that differs greatly in mood from the original.