![[2025] Classic and Popular Western Songs to Listen to in January: Recommended Hits](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/3Uo0JAUWijM/maxresdefault.webp)
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)
Happy New YearABBA
January marks the beginning of the year, so I think many people want to listen to bright, uplifting songs.
For those people, I recommend “Happy New Year.” It’s sung by ABBA, who enjoyed worldwide popularity from the mid-1970s to the 1980s.
They’re an ultra-famous group said to have sold hundreds of millions of records.
Their distinctive vocals and cheerful melodies are perfect for January, so if your New Year’s fortune wasn’t great, be sure to give it a listen.
Better DaysGoo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls are a rock band from the United States that rose to prominence from the late 1990s through the 2000s.
Known for their alternative and pop rock sound, they’re still active today.
Among their songs, one I especially recommend is Better Days.
The track centers around the New Year season, particularly New Year’s Eve, and conveys the importance of ending conflict and living in peace.
Be sure to check it out.
1999Prince
Prince, the legendary artist who sadly passed away in 2016, was an artist’s artist who influenced many musicians, including his protégé Andy Allo and D’Angelo, known as a pioneer of neo-soul.
One of his signature songs, 1999, depicts a world transitioning from the end of the century into the 21st century.
It’s also loosely themed around January, so I picked it for this occasion.
Be sure to check it out—it’s an exceptionally sophisticated track.
Raising Hell (ft. Big Freedia)Ke$ha
This is a song released in October 2019 by Kesha, the globally popular singer-songwriter.
It served as the lead single from her fourth studio album, High Road, which was released in January 2020, and powerfully conveys the importance of living freely and staying true to yourself.
Featuring Big Freedia, the track blends pop and gospel elements into a dance-pop sound.
The music video, in which Kesha herself plays a cult-like televangelist, is enigmatic yet showcases a new facet of her artistic expression.
It’s a perfect song for anyone looking to embrace their true self in the new year.
New YearTeejay
Teejay is a rapper who represents Jamaica.
While he’s a rapper, he also has elements close to dancehall singjay, and he excels at a high-sense, mellow flow.
Among his tracks, the one I especially recommend for January is “New Year.” It’s a New Year–themed song, but unlike typical New Year tunes, it features an extremely stylish vocal line and production.
Lately in Jamaica, hip-hop has been hotter than reggae, so if you’re curious about the current Jamaican music scene, be sure to check out Teejay’s tracks.
Happy New YearThe Big Moon
The Big Moon are one of the girl bands embodying the “now” of guitar rock in London.
Their second album, Walking Like We Do, released in 2020, reached No.
19 on the UK charts despite being an indie release.
For fans of alternative and indie rock looking for New Year’s background music, I recommend Happy New Year from their debut album, Love in the 4th Dimension.
Its rough, 2000s-style garage guitar rock and slightly nostalgic melody leave a strong impression, and the lively music video—where the members dance with children without their instruments—is also memorable.
The lyrics aren’t just a simple New Year’s celebration; they invite deeper interpretation, so be sure to check them out as well.
Don’t Worry, Be HappyBobby McFerrin
As we welcome the New Year and January’s chill sets in, it’s only natural to want to lift our spirits with heartwarming music.
That’s when this 1988 release is just the thing.
As the first a cappella song ever to top the Billboard Hot 100, it held the number-one spot for two weeks.
Its whistled rhythms and Bobby McFerrin’s gentle vocals make it perfect for starting the year on an optimistic note.
The simple message—“Don’t worry, be happy”—resonates with those of us living through challenging times.
Even if you’re late on the rent, its positive lyrics remind you that you can still choose happiness, and that’s sure to give you courage.