[2026] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year

Happy New YearBenny Andersson

Happy New Year

It is included on Piano, a contemporary-style piano album released by Benny Andersson in 2017 on Deutsche Grammophon and Mono Music.

Benny Andersson, a former member of ABBA, was responsible for composing together with Björn Ulvaeus and is also active as a composer.

New Year’s EveMØ

MØ – New Year’s Eve

A song written and released by the Danish singer-songwriter MØ.

The guitar instrumental part is performed by Rune Risager.

The music video was filmed by her old friend, Anne Sofie Scherlind.

Happy New YearJustin Bieber ft. Jaden Smith

Justin Bieber Ft. Jaden Smith – Happy New Year (Oficial)

When it comes to the classic collaboration between Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith, “Never Say Never” is the first song that comes to mind, but they actually have a New Year–themed track as well.

Titled “Happy New Year,” this straightforwardly named song has a languid, downtempo R&B vibe.

It’s a youthful love song only two teenagers at the time could have created, brimming with an endearingly sweet and slightly embarrassing innocence.

The track wasn’t included on any album and was suddenly released on New Year’s Eve 2011, which may be why it’s relatively little-known despite their star power.

It’s perfect as background music for the hours spent with a young lover from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day—why not give it a listen?

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It’s just another New Years eveBarry Manilow

It’s just another New Years eve – Barry Manilow

Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, arranger, and producer who has been active since 1964.

This song was written with Marty Panzer and was released as a single in 1977.

It reached No.

33 on the U.S.

charts.

What A YearBig Sean / ft. Pharrell Williams & Detail

Big Sean – What A Year Ft. Pharrell Williams & Detail | +Lyrics (Re-Up)

“What A Year” is a collaborative track released in 2015 by rapper Big Sean, featuring Pharrell Williams and Detail, with production by Bobby Johnson, Frank Dukes, and Detail.

Big Sean is a rapper born in 1988, born in Santa Monica, California, and hailing from Detroit, Michigan.

1999Charli XCX & Troye Sivan

Charli XCX & Troye Sivan – 1999 [Official Video]

A time slip back to the nostalgic ’90s! Teaming up, UK-born Charli XCX and Australian artist Troye Sivan deliver a nostalgic track packed with the pop culture that defined 1999.

Brimming with nods to Britney Spears and Eminem, plus throwbacks like Nike Air and AOL Messenger, it’s full of era-evoking details.

Released in October 2018, it ranked high on charts in multiple countries.

Perfect for anyone who wants to look back at the past while taking a fresh step forward into the new year.

Same Old Lang SyneDan Fogelberg

Dan Fogelberg 1980 Same Old Lang Syne

A gemlike ballad that interweaves the bittersweet pain and nostalgia of a love long past.

Based on his own real-life experience, American singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg crafted this piece, released as a single in November 1980 and included the following year on the album The Innocent Age.

The lyrics, which depict two hours spent with a former lover encountered by chance on Christmas Eve, delicately portray emotions swaying between sweet reminiscence and reality.

It remains beloved as a mature love song perfect for listening to during the year-end and New Year season.