[2025] Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in January: Recommended Hits
When asked what music you want to listen to in January, many people probably imagine the songs that play around New Year’s at supermarkets, department stores, and on TV shows.
It’s nice to relax with familiar background music, but since January marks a fresh start to the year, why not kick things off by listening to some popular Western hits?
In this article, we’re highlighting not only songs that celebrate the New Year or have a January theme, but also classic Western tracks that will give you a boost as you greet the year with a renewed mindset.
We’ve gathered a wide range of songs, old and new, across different eras to introduce to you!
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[2025] Classic Western Songs to Listen to in January: Recommended Popular Tracks (1–10)
This Will Be Our YearThe Zombies
Known in Japan by the straightforward title “Starting Today,” “This Will Be Our Year” is a song released in April 1968 by The Zombies, a British band active in the 1960s.
Some in Japan may remember it being used in a 2017 commercial for Recruit’s Zexy featuring Yui Sakuma and Sho Kiyohara.
Its memorable piano tone, horn section, and sweet melody make it a truly wonderful classic.
Because the band actually disbanded during the production of the album where the song first appeared, Odessey and Oracle, it reportedly was never performed live at the time.
The lyrics of “Starting Today” celebrate gratitude toward a loved one and the idea that “this is where our beginning starts,” marking a fresh start.
It’s perfectly suited to a wedding-themed commercial, and it also seems like a great choice to listen to in January as the new year begins.
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!
[2025] Classic Western Songs to Listen to in January: Recommended Popular Tracks (11–20)
Party HardAndrew W.K.
Andrew W.
K.
is a rock band known for its intense rock sound.
It’s one of those groups where the vocalist’s stage name is also the band’s name.
Their style blends hard rock with dance-punk, and they’ve produced many classic tracks over the years.
Among them, the song I especially recommend is “Party Hard.” They excel at party anthems, and this track features an extremely catchy melody and lyrics.
It’s perfect for anyone who wants to ring in the New Year on a bright note.
This Is the New YearA Great Big World
A music duo that’s won popularity with their catchy sound, A Great Big World.
They also excel at musical-style pop, and in the past their songs have been featured on the musical-themed TV drama Glee.
One such track is This Is the New Year.
The song carries a theme akin to New Year’s resolutions, sending a message to charge straight toward your dreams and ideals as the new year begins.
Thank U, NextAriana Grande
To get into a positive mindset for the New Year, we need to forget the unpleasant things from last year, don’t we? That’s why I’d like to introduce Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next.” The phrase “thank you, next” is commonly used in assembly-line-style customer service.
In the song, she recalls memories of her ex-boyfriends one after another in a similarly methodical way, bringing closure to her feelings.
Why not listen to this track yourself and look back on all your unpleasant memories?
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.