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[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 listen to in January: recommended popular tracks (31–40)

Last JanuaryThe Twilight Sad

The Twilight Sad, an indie rock band from Scotland.

This track features impressively raw, indie-style recording.

The music has a gritty, rock-leaning sound that feels more wild than stylish.

Their song titled “Last January” builds gradually, and its black-and-white, film-like music video is another highlight.

Murakami Shinpei
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New Year’s DayCarole King

Carole King, an artist who gained popularity in the United States.

In the 1960s, she worked as a songwriter, and from the 1970s she began her career in earnest as a singer-songwriter.

Her full-fledged shift to being a singer-songwriter paid off, and by the late 1970s she was known as a national artist.

Among her songs, the one themed around January that we’re introducing here is “New Year’s Day.” It’s a catchy track, so be sure to check it out.

Ryo
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Bitch, Don’t Kill My VibeKendrick Lamar

Kendrick Lamar – Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe (Explicit)
Bitch, Don’t Kill My VibeKendrick Lamar

In today’s hip-hop scene, Kendrick Lamar is a rapper whose skills rank among the top five.

His Super Bowl halftime performance was absolutely stunning.

Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend for January is “Bitch, Don’t Kill My Vibe.” Toward the end, he talks about his New Year’s resolutions, and at first it might seem like he’s singing about feelings for an ex-lover.

However, the final line reveals that he wasn’t addressing a woman at all, but hip-hop itself.

The way he weaves in that kind of intelligence and layered meaning is truly sophisticated.

Ryo
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UnfaithfulRihanna

Rihanna – Unfaithful (Official Music Video)
UnfaithfulRihanna

Rihanna, an artist from Barbados, a country located around the Caribbean.

In her early days she released reggae tracks, but from the mid period she began singing R&B.

These days she mainly releases dance music.

“Unfaithful” is from her R&B period in the middle of her career, and it showcases the high-quality R&B sound of the 2000s.

While it doesn’t directly take January as its theme, it portrays a woman trying to end a relationship with her partner, so I thought it was perfect for January—a time for a fresh start—and chose it for that reason.

Ryo
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Celtic New YearVan Morrison

Blending Celtic traditions with a modern sensibility, this work is filled with charm befitting the start of a new year.

The lyrics, where nostalgia and hope intersect, vividly express the longing to reunite with a loved one.

Included on the 2005 album “Magic Time,” it was recognized as the year’s seventh-best album.

Van Morrison’s warm vocals and a sound infused with Celtic folk elements resonate deeply amid the quiet of winter.

It’s a recommended track for those looking to refresh their spirits for the new year or to feel the bond with someone special.

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JanuaryElton John