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

The New YearDeath Cab for Cutie

Death Cab For Cutie – The New Year (Official Video)

Since their official debut in 1998, Death Cab for Cutie have attracted the attention of devoted music lovers as a kind of moral compass of US indie rock.

After signing to a major, they released numerous artistically refined, high-quality works and grew into a band with global popularity and acclaim.

“The New Year” is a track from their fourth album, Transatlanticism—their final indie-era release and their breakthrough record.

While the emotive, alternative-style guitar sound and delicate melodies remain intact, compared to their early work there’s a newfound major-label sheen that hints at the evolution to come—making this a standout song.

The lyrics aren’t exactly cheerful: they present a pessimistic contrast between a society giddy over the start of a new year and a protagonist who remains largely indifferent.

If you’d prefer to spend the New Year a bit removed from the surrounding clamor, consider adopting this track as your BGM.

Happy New YearNat King Cole

Nat King Cole Happy New Year

While many jazz standards celebrate the New Year, the “Happy New Year” introduced here was composed by American songwriter Gordon Jenkins.

Jenkins not only led his own band and worked as a conductor, but also backed illustrious singers such as Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra.

His “Happy New Year” first appeared in 1949, apparently in a recording with his own orchestra.

Among the singers who have performed this piece, Judy Garland is likely the most famous, but this time we’re highlighting Nat King Cole’s version, which offers a gently rendered, classic jazz arrangement.

Since the song depicts spending New Year’s Eve alone after a breakup, it’s worth noting that it isn’t exactly a bright or cheerful tune.

new year’s dayOliver Francis

Oliver ~ new year’s day

Oliver Francis is an artist who’s been active mainly on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud.

His music is rooted in mellow hip-hop, and his pop-leaning style has earned him strong praise from female listeners.

Among his tracks, one that’s especially perfect for the New Year is “new year’s day.” It’s a flex-themed piece centered on the New Year, highlighted by the punchline: “I’m too rich for the rich boys.”

Let’s Get It StartedThe Black Eyed Peas

The Black Eyed Peas – Let’s Get It Started

For anyone looking for the perfect track to ring in the New Year, I recommend a signature song by the Black Eyed Peas.

Released in June 2003 by the American group, this track is loved worldwide as an anthem that boldly declares the start of the party.

The group’s distinctive rap and catchy melody blend seamlessly, giving a powerful push to the beginning of a new year.

Winning a Grammy in 2005, this song has a universal appeal that resonates with people of all ages and nationalities.

It’s also perfect as background music for New Year’s parties or gatherings with friends.

Next YearsFoo Fighters

Foo Fighters – Next Year (Official HD Video)

Next Year is a track from the Foo Fighters’ 1999 album There Is Nothing Left to Lose.

Foo Fighters is a band from Seattle, Washington, USA, formed in 1994 and debuting in 1995, known for their alternative rock, post-grunge, and hard rock style.

About Damn TimeLizzo

Lizzo – About Damn Time [Official Video]

Lizzo, the American singer known for her powerful vocals and empowering messages.

Released in April 2022, this track received high acclaim, including a nomination for Record of the Year at the 65th Grammy Awards.

With an ’80s-style funky pop sound, it’s brimming with confidence and a sense of liberation—perfect for renewing your New Year’s resolutions.

Lizzo’s commanding voice is sure to give listeners courage and hope.

It’s also ideal as driving music, and if you listen with friends, you’ll likely find yourselves singing along.

Why not add it to your playlist as a wonderful song to brighten the start of a new year?

Have a Little Faith In MeJon Bon Jovi And Lea Michele

Jon Bon Jovi & Lea Michele – Have A Little Faith In Me (New Year’s Eve Soundtrack)

New Year’s Eve is a 2011 romantic comedy directed by Garry Marshall, famed for classics like Pretty Woman.

For some, it’s a film that comes to mind every time the New Year rolls around.

If you’ve seen it, you’ll know that Jon Bon Jovi—the frontman of Bon Jovi—appears in the film as a rock star and performs at a nighttime party hosted by a music company.

The song he sings there is Have a Little Faith in Me.

At a New Year’s gathering of music lovers who’ve seen the movie, gently strumming this song on guitar would surely be a hit.

By the way, Have a Little Faith in Me isn’t a Bon Jovi original—the original was released in 1987 by John Hiatt, one of America’s quintessential singer-songwriters.

It’s included on his acclaimed, family-themed album Bring the Family, which you should definitely give a listen to as well.