[2025] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year
When it comes to New Year’s in Japan, we can’t help but think of traditional Japanese music for the background, right?
For all the Western music lovers out there, even for New Year’s celebration BGM, we’d love for you to choose classic hits from the West.
With that in mind, this time we’re bringing you an article focused on Western songs that celebrate the New Year!
There are plenty of playlists like “Western songs to listen to at Christmas,” but a list of Western tracks for ringing in the New Year is actually pretty rare, isn’t it?
Of course, we’ve included famous songs that straightforwardly celebrate the New Year, as well as positive tracks perfect for kicking off a fresh year and some curveball selections too—so it’s a lineup recommended even for deep-cut Western music fans.
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[2025] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year (31–40)
Happy New YearBenny Andersson
It is included on Piano, a contemporary-style piano album released by Benny Andersson in 2017 on Deutsche Grammophon and Mono Music.
Benny Andersson, a former member of ABBA, was responsible for composing together with Björn Ulvaeus and is also active as a composer.
CelebrationKool and The Gang
If you’re looking for the perfect song to celebrate the New Year, I recommend a signature track by the American funk/pop band Kool & the Gang.
Released in December 1980, this song encourages people to come together and celebrate the good times in life.
It emphasizes the importance of unity, love, and joy, uplifting everyone who listens.
In January 1981, it was played to celebrate the return of Americans who had been held hostage in Iran for a long time.
As a timeless classic performed at weddings, birthday parties, and other joyous occasions, it’s also perfect for New Year’s celebrations.
Happy New YearJudy Garland
Judy Garland was an American singer and actress who had been active since 1924.
Throughout her career, she received numerous awards, including the Golden Globe and the Grammy.
This song is included on the album “Alone,” released in 1957.
1999Charli XCX & Troye Sivan
A time slip back to the nostalgic ’90s! Teaming up, UK-born Charli XCX and Australian artist Troye Sivan deliver a nostalgic track packed with the pop culture that defined 1999.
Brimming with nods to Britney Spears and Eminem, plus throwbacks like Nike Air and AOL Messenger, it’s full of era-evoking details.
Released in October 2018, it ranked high on charts in multiple countries.
Perfect for anyone who wants to look back at the past while taking a fresh step forward into the new year.
Same Old Lang SyneDan Fogelberg
A gemlike ballad that interweaves the bittersweet pain and nostalgia of a love long past.
Based on his own real-life experience, American singer-songwriter Dan Fogelberg crafted this piece, released as a single in November 1980 and included the following year on the album The Innocent Age.
The lyrics, which depict two hours spent with a former lover encountered by chance on Christmas Eve, delicately portray emotions swaying between sweet reminiscence and reality.
It remains beloved as a mature love song perfect for listening to during the year-end and New Year season.
[2025] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year (41–50)
Funky New YearThe Eagles
Just looking at the title, Japanese people who aren’t very comfortable with English might find themselves tilting their heads and thinking, “A funky New Year?” Funky New Year first appeared in 1978 as the B-side to the Eagles’ cover of the Christmas standard Please Come Home for Christmas—released as a 12-inch single by the world-famous American band and standard-bearers of West Coast rock.
In Japan, the A-side was given the localized title “Futari Dake no Christmas.” Never included on an original studio album or a greatest hits collection, it could be called a hidden gem known to those in the know.
True to its title, the song features a memorable guitar riff and bass line steeped in soul and funk, and its appeal lies in a gritty, swampy vibe rather than sleek urban sophistication.
Even if you’re not an Eagles fan, pick it up if you spot it at a record shop.
Happy New YearJustin Bieber ft. Jaden Smith
When it comes to the classic collaboration between Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith, “Never Say Never” is the first song that comes to mind, but they actually have a New Year–themed track as well.
Titled “Happy New Year,” this straightforwardly named song has a languid, downtempo R&B vibe.
It’s a youthful love song only two teenagers at the time could have created, brimming with an endearingly sweet and slightly embarrassing innocence.
The track wasn’t included on any album and was suddenly released on New Year’s Eve 2011, which may be why it’s relatively little-known despite their star power.
It’s perfect as background music for the hours spent with a young lover from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day—why not give it a listen?