[2025] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year

New Year’s DayPentatonix

New Year’s Day – Pentatonix 2015 Recap Video

Since their formation in 2011, the a cappella group Pentatonix has been hugely popular not only in their home country of the United States but also here in Japan, and this song is perfect for celebrating the New Year! In their early days, they drew attention by posting cover songs on YouTube, but this track—centered on their own original music—was included on their self-titled major-label debut released in 2015.

It’s a masterpiece with an uplifting message that resonates: say goodbye to the past and move forward on a new path.

As showcased in the opening of the song, the sacred resonance born from the a cappella technique—expressing music using only the human voice—feels especially fitting for ushering in the New Year.

It’s great to listen to on your own, but if possible, we hope you’ll experience the brilliance of this piece in the company of as many people as you can gather!

This Is the New YearA Great Big World

A Great Big World – This Is the New Year

A Great Big World is a musical duo that has gained popularity with a pop-centered sound.

Some of you in Japan may already know them.

Among their songs, the one I especially recommend for the New Year is This Is the New Year.

This track was also featured in the TV show Glee, and it conveys a message of reflecting on the past and taking a fresh step forward into the new year—in other words, it’s essentially a New Year’s resolution song.

It’s a particularly great pick for students preparing for exams.

Best Day Of My LifeAmerican Authors

American Authors – Best Day Of My Life

A song from American Authors that’s perfect for celebrating the New Year.

It features a positive message and a powerful melody that fills listeners with hope and courage.

Released in January 2014, it became a major hit, topping Billboard’s Adult Pop Songs year-end chart.

It was also featured in the trailer for the film The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, earning support from a wide audience.

It’s an appealing track that many people would recommend as a song to kick off the new year.

On Top of the WorldImagine Dragons

Imagine Dragons – On Top Of The World (Official Music Video)

A perfect song to kick off a hope-filled New Year.

Released in September 2012 by American rock band Imagine Dragons, this track celebrates achieving dreams and embraces optimism.

While expressing the joy of standing on top of the world, it also conveys the importance of the strength to overcome challenges.

Featured on their debut album Night Visions, it became a hit in many countries, reaching No.

1 in Portugal and selling over a million copies in the United States.

Recommended for anyone starting a new challenge or looking to begin the year with a positive mindset.

Up We GoLights

Lights – Up We Go [Official Music Video]

If you want to ring in a new year that’s even more successful than the last, I recommend “Up We Go” by the Canadian artist Lights.

It’s a track from her 2014 album Little Machines and reached the top 10 on several Canadian charts.

With its synth-driven electro sound and a poppy, catchy chorus, it’s the kind of song that makes you feel happy just by listening.

The lyrics, about closing out an uneventful, ordinary year and deciding to charge into the next one with momentum, make it a perfect fit for New Year’s.

What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?Ella Fitzgerald

Ella Fitzgerald Sings “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”

For those who want to spend a calm yet slightly stylish New Year’s, perhaps with some jazz for a grown-up mood—we’ve got the perfect standard number for you! “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” was composed in 1947 by renowned songwriter Frank Loesser, known for his Broadway hits, and became a success when the R&B vocal group The Orioles recorded it two years later in 1949.

Since then, countless singers have covered it, and it has become a beloved standard over many years.

The version we’re featuring is sung by Ella Fitzgerald, one of the greatest jazz singers in history.

Set against a richly atmospheric orchestral backdrop, Ella’s gently embracing vocal performance is simply exquisite.

By the way, the lyrics portray the feelings of a protagonist who longs to spend New Year’s Eve with someone special, yet can’t bring themselves to ask directly—capturing that frustrating, tender mix of emotions.

HappyPharrell Williams

Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)

When it comes to songs fit for celebrating the New Year, you can’t leave out Pharrell Williams’s signature hit.

Released in 2013 by the American artist, the track captivated people around the world with its positive message and catchy melody.

Originally produced for the soundtrack of Despicable Me 2, it was later included on Pharrell’s album Girl and became a massive hit.

It topped the charts in more than 20 countries and was the best-selling song in the United States in 2014.

It’s an uplifting track that’s perfect for ringing in a new year.