[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!
- [2026] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year
- Western Music Winter Songs Ranking [2026]
- Best Western Snow Songs to Listen to on a Snowy Night [2026]
- [2026] Western music you've heard at least once — from trending new tracks to timeless classics
- Masterpieces to Listen to in January: New Year-Themed, New Year-Ready, and Winter Songs
- Winter songs you'll want to listen to in the cold season! Recommended for the yutori generation
- [New Year’s Songs] Timeless classics and popular New Year tunes you’ll want to listen to at the start of the year
- [Winter Songs] Recommended for Instagram Reels! Classic winter hits
- [Winter Songs] The Best Classic and Popular Winter Tunes to Listen to in Winter
- Western songs to listen to in winter: heart-touching winter songs
- Geren-de song feature: A roundup of the music played at ski resorts and songs perfect for snowboarding
- [2026] UP! UP! UP! Recommended Western songs to boost your mood.
- A classic winter song you often hear recommended on TikTok.
[2026] Classic Western songs to listen to in January: Recommended popular tracks (1–10)
New YearTeejay
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.
Heat WavesGlass Animals
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.
Better DaysGoo Goo Dolls
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.
[2026] Classic Western Songs to Listen to in January: Recommended Popular Tracks (11–20)
Raising Hell (ft. Big Freedia)Ke$ha
This is a song released in October 2019 by Kesha, the globally popular singer-songwriter.
It served as the lead single from her fourth studio album, High Road, which was released in January 2020, and powerfully conveys the importance of living freely and staying true to yourself.
Featuring Big Freedia, the track blends pop and gospel elements into a dance-pop sound.
The music video, in which Kesha herself plays a cult-like televangelist, is enigmatic yet showcases a new facet of her artistic expression.
It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to embrace their true self in the new year.
All The TimeGreen Day
Green Day is one of the most famous punk rock bands in the world, and they’re hugely popular in Japan as well.
Among Green Day’s many great songs, the one I especially recommend for January or the New Year is “All The Time.” This track sings about the importance of charging straight toward what you want to do—using the New Year as a springboard—when misfortune strikes.
Its upbeat message, delivered through gritty expressions, will give a powerful push to us working adults who are doing our best to get by.
New Year’s DayTaylor Swift
Of course it’s perfect as January BGM, but if you’re spending New Year’s Eve through New Year’s Day with someone special, I hope you savor that precious time while listening to this song! “New Year’s Day,” placed at the end of Taylor Swift’s 2017 album Reputation—she’s a top contemporary singer-songwriter whose every move draws attention—is a singular gem: a piano-and-vocal ballad within an otherwise electropop-leaning record.
Her trademark, vividly realistic scene-setting and psychological nuance are nothing short of masterful; the lyrics capture both the slightly lonely moment when the party ends and the aching wish for time and a relationship with someone dear to keep going.
Paired with Taylor’s restrained vocal delivery, the song moves listeners with a warm, gentle poignancy.
Precisely because there’s no flashy production, the simple, honest beauty of the melody strikes straight to the heart.
New Year’s DayU2
U2, the legendary rock band from Ireland.
If you know even a bit about overseas bands, you’ve probably heard of them.
In fact, they hold the record for the most Grammy wins.
The number is an incredible 22! Truly fitting for a band of U2’s stature.
Their song “New Year’s Day” is a classic crafted in a straightforward rock style.
As the title suggests, it’s about the start of a new year, making it perfect for January!