[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 (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.
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.
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 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!
Happy New YearThe Big Moon
The Big Moon are one of the girl bands embodying the “now” of guitar rock in London.
Their second album, Walking Like We Do, released in 2020, reached No.
19 on the UK charts despite being an indie release.
For fans of alternative and indie rock looking for New Year’s background music, I recommend Happy New Year from their debut album, Love in the 4th Dimension.
Its rough, 2000s-style garage guitar rock and slightly nostalgic melody leave a strong impression, and the lively music video—where the members dance with children without their instruments—is also memorable.
The lyrics aren’t just a simple New Year’s celebration; they invite deeper interpretation, so be sure to check them out as well.