[2026] Classic Western songs and recommended popular tracks to listen to in January

Happy New YearABBA

ABBA – Happy New Year (Video)

January marks the beginning of the year, so I think many people want to listen to bright, uplifting songs.

For those people, I recommend “Happy New Year.” It’s sung by ABBA, who enjoyed worldwide popularity from the mid-1970s to the 1980s.

They’re an ultra-famous group said to have sold hundreds of millions of records.

Their distinctive vocals and cheerful melodies are perfect for January, so if your New Year’s fortune wasn’t great, be sure to give it a listen.

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Heat WavesGlass Animals

Glass Animals – Heat Waves (Official Video)

As a song befitting January, when we welcome a new year, let me introduce a signature track by Glass Animals.

Released in 2020 from the album Dreamland, this song centers on lingering attachment and nostalgia for a lost relationship.

It was written by Dave Bayley in the wake of a close friend’s death, and it captures the bittersweet feeling of recalling someone from your memories alone on a summer night.

Its distinctive production blends a floating, psychedelic, R&B-tinged sound with hip-hop-influenced beats.

In March 2022, it became a global smash, reaching No.

1 on Billboard in its record-breaking 59th week.

While looking back on the past, this piece also encourages you to move forward—making it a perfect track to kick off the new year.

1999Prince

Prince – 1999 (Official Music Video)

Prince, the legendary artist who sadly passed away in 2016, was an artist’s artist who influenced many musicians, including his protégé Andy Allo and D’Angelo, known as a pioneer of neo-soul.

One of his signature songs, 1999, depicts a world transitioning from the end of the century into the 21st century.

It’s also loosely themed around January, so I picked it for this occasion.

Be sure to check it out—it’s an exceptionally sophisticated track.

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New YearTeejay

Teejay – New Year (Official Video)

Teejay is a rapper who represents Jamaica.

While he’s a rapper, he also has elements close to dancehall singjay, and he excels at a high-sense, mellow flow.

Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend for January is “New Year.” It’s a New Year–themed song, but unlike typical New Year tunes, it features an extremely stylish vocal line and production.

Lately in Jamaica, hip-hop has been hotter than reggae, so if you’re curious about the current Jamaican music scene, be sure to check out Teejay’s tracks.

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Better DaysGoo Goo Dolls

Goo Goo Dolls – Better Days [Official Music Video]

The Goo Goo Dolls are a rock band from the United States that rose to prominence from the late 1990s through the 2000s.

Known for their alternative and pop rock sound, they’re still active today.

Among their songs, one I especially recommend is Better Days.

The track centers around the New Year season, particularly New Year’s Eve, and conveys the importance of ending conflict and living in peace.

Be sure to check it out.

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