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

Funky New YearThe Eagles

Funky New Year (2018 Remaster)

Just looking at the title, Japanese people who aren’t very comfortable with English might find themselves tilting their heads and thinking, “A funky New Year?” Funky New Year first appeared in 1978 as the B-side to the Eagles’ cover of the Christmas standard Please Come Home for Christmas—released as a 12-inch single by the world-famous American band and standard-bearers of West Coast rock.

In Japan, the A-side was given the localized title “Futari Dake no Christmas.” Never included on an original studio album or a greatest hits collection, it could be called a hidden gem known to those in the know.

True to its title, the song features a memorable guitar riff and bass line steeped in soul and funk, and its appeal lies in a gritty, swampy vibe rather than sleek urban sophistication.

Even if you’re not an Eagles fan, pick it up if you spot it at a record shop.

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New Year’s EVEPale Waves

Pale Waves – New Year’s Eve

This is a highly recommended classic as BGM for couples who love alternative rock from the 2010s and beyond to play from New Year’s Eve into the New Year! It’s a 2017 track by the UK band Pale Waves, fronted by the charismatic singer-guitarist Heather Baron-Gracie, and since it wasn’t included on their debut album My Mind Makes Noises released the following year, you could call it a hidden gem.

It’s quintessentially them: a poppy fusion of ’80s-style new wave and post-2010 indie-rock sensibilities, and even listeners who don’t usually listen to Western pop should find it easy and pleasant to enjoy.

As for the lyrics, they read like a recollection of events on New Year’s Eve, with the protagonist openly expressing feelings for the special person who stays by their side despite their mistakes.

If this song comes on during a drive to catch the first sunrise of the year, it’s bound to set the perfect mood!

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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.

A Happy New Year （Prod. Riles）Riles

Rilès – A Happy New Year (Prod. Rilès)

Rilès is a rapper with roots in Algeria and France.

His track “A Happy New Year (Prod.

Rilès)” stands out with a distinctly North African, Algerian Arabic sound.

It’s a very high-sense, stylish song, so if you want something chic to listen to for the New Year, this track is highly recommended.

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Happy New YearJudy Garland

Judy Garland – Happy New Year

Judy Garland was an American singer and actress who had been active since 1924.

Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including the Golden Globe and the Grammy.

This song is included on the album “Alone,” released in 1957.

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.