[2025] Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in January: Recommended Hits

SorryJustin Bieber

Justin Bieber – Sorry (Lyric Video)

A Justin Bieber song that’s popular regardless of age or nationality.

While it’s also loved as dance music, his beautifully high, almost feminine vocal range matches the crisp winter air.

He’s always surrounded by various problems, so the lyrics feel especially meaningful.

January28 Days

January

“January,” a 2002 track by the Australian punk band 28 Days.

Although they’re a punk band, the song features DJ scratching and takes its time before the vocals come in, making it quite an unconventional piece.

Still, the loud, hard-hitting sound is pure punk, so this one definitely wins as the punk song for January!

Bringing In A Brand New YearB.B. King

B.B. King – Bringing In A Brand New Year

Known as a giant of the blues, B.

B.

King is recognized worldwide as a blues singer and guitarist.

In Rolling Stone’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time, he ranks third.

Well, it’s not exactly a list you can rely on, since hardly any flamenco guitarists made it in and it’s packed with English-speaking players (haha).

B.

B.

King’s “Bringing In A Brand New Year” is a blues song about the start of a new year.

If you like cheerful melodies, be sure to check it out.

January, FebruaryBARBARA DICKSON

TOPPOP: Barbara Dickson – January, February

Scottish singer Barbara Dickson’s song “January, February” is, as the title suggests, themed around January and February.

Specifically, the lyrics reflect on past memories as the New Year arrives.

Depending on the listener, it can be heard as a breakup song, or as someone longing for a person who has passed away.

In any case, the lyrics offer a touch of optimism—so be sure to give it a listen.

New YearBeach House

Beach House – New Year

Beach House are a highly popular male-female duo within the so-called dream pop genre, known for their mesmerizing, shimmering sonic approach.

Consisting of a French-born female singer and a guitarist from Baltimore, USA, the pair have enjoyed tremendous support on the indie scene since the mid-2000s.

Among their songs is one quite literally titled “New Year.” Released in 2012 on their acclaimed album Bloom, which reached No.

7 on the U.

S.

charts, the track features floating, dreamlike choral work, arpeggiated guitar, and subtly psychedelic production—quintessential Beach House through and through.

Incidentally, the phrase “New Year” appears only once, right at the end.

Be sure to read through the lyrics to see how it’s used.

CountdownBeyoncé

Beyoncé – Countdown (Official Video)

Beyoncé is a singer whose powerful vocals have earned her popularity, especially in the English-speaking world.

She’s also a very popular artist in Japan.

Her greatest appeal is, without a doubt, her powerful, raw vocals.

Her spitfire vibrato and ad-libs are truly distinctive.

While she projects a powerful image on stage, she’s also known to be extremely polite and modest in her private life, which makes her feel relatable.

Her song “Countdown” is perfect for January, as it centers on the theme of ringing in the new year.

June in JanuaryBing Crosby

Bing Sings “June in January”

A classic that sings of a warm love that defies winter’s chill.

Bing Crosby’s gentle voice makes January feel as warm as June.

Recorded on November 9, 1934 with George Stoll and his orchestra, it became a number-one hit on Decca Records.

Featured in the film “Here Is My Heart,” the song later became a popular standard covered by many artists.

It’s perfect as background music for time spent with someone special in early January, just after the New Year.

Its heartwarming melody and lyrics will make you feel the promise of a happy start to the year.