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

Give Me Everything ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, NayerPitbull

Pitbull – Give Me Everything ft. Ne-Yo, Afrojack, Nayer

This is a dancefloor-igniting track released by American rapper Pitbull.

In collaboration with Ne-Yo, Afrojack, and Nayer, it features an energetic, catchy sound.

The lyrics carry a message of “cherishing the moment,” inspiring listeners with a positive outlook.

Included on the album Planet Pit, released in June 2011, it topped charts around the world.

It’s a great pick not only for clubs and parties, but also when you need a change of pace or a boost of confidence.

As one of Pitbull’s signature songs, it continues to be loved by many to this day.

New Year’s EveMØ

MØ – New Year’s Eve

A song written and released by the Danish singer-songwriter MØ.

The guitar instrumental part is performed by Rune Risager.

The music video was filmed by her old friend, Anne Sofie Scherlind.

New Year’s ResolutionOtis Redding & Carla Thomas

“New Year’s Resolution” Otis Redding & Carla Thomas

A song by American singer-songwriter Otis Redding and Carla Thomas, who is often called the Queen of Memphis Soul.

It is included on the 1967 album King & Queen.

The album reached No.

5 on the U.

S.

charts.

Kiss Me at Midnight*NSYNC

Kiss Me at Midnight

*NSYNC is an American idol group that was active from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.

Their style is similar to the Backstreet Boys, and their music isn’t just standard idol pop—it’s characterized by a touch of R&B.

Among their songs, a perfect pick for the New Year is “Kiss Me at Midnight.” The lyrics depict a New Year’s party, and the portrayal of a man and woman deepening their relationship and becoming lovers in the midst of it is wonderfully romantic.

Be sure to check out the Japanese translation as well.

CelebratePitbull

Pitbull – Celebrate (from the Original Motion Picture Penguins of Madagascar)

When it comes to Western pop songs for celebrating the New Year, Pitbull’s track is a perfect fit.

Hailing from Florida, USA, he released this song in November 2014, and it was produced for the soundtrack of the film Penguins of Madagascar.

Characterized by its energetic beat and uplifting lyrics, the theme of traveling the world and having fun aligns perfectly with New Year’s resolutions.

The message of “work hard, play hard” is sure to resonate as we welcome a new year.

Its dance-floor-ready vibe also makes it ideal as background music for New Year’s gatherings and parties.

Enjoy this track packed with Pitbull’s signature appeal.

APT.ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

ROSÉ & Bruno Mars – APT. (Official Music Video)

A dream collaboration between artists representing Korea and the United States has come to life.

Crafted by Rosé and Bruno Mars, this work captivates with its nostalgic vibe and playful melodies.

The lyrics, inspired by Korean drinking games, vividly depict those special moments tucked into everyday life.

Released on October 18, 2024, the track is drawing attention as the lead single from Rosé’s highly anticipated solo album.

Blending pop and rock, the song is sure to resonate with listeners across generations.

It’s the perfect pick for fun times with friends or when you want to look back on treasured memories.

New Year’s Honoursanother sunnyday

Another Sunny Day – New Year’s Honours (1992)

For those who want to deliberately pick a different kind of Western song for the New Year, I recommend this fairly niche track.

Among listeners in Japan who are deeply into what’s called neo-acoustic or guitar pop, Another Sunny Day has a legendary status and is held in very high regard.

They were a band on the popular neo-acoustic label SARAH, and in typical fashion, they broke up without ever releasing an original full-length album.

The song I’m introducing here, “New Year’s Honours,” has the feel of classic neo-acoustic: delicate acoustic guitar arpeggios, a vulnerable vocal, and assured songwriting all coming together.

It’s included on their only compilation, the 1992 release London Weekend.

Strictly speaking, the title refers to the British honours system, where the New Year Honours list—such as recipients of the Order of the British Empire—is announced at the end of each year.

That said, the song itself doesn’t actually touch on that; instead, it poetically depicts the tender, fragile emotions of a protagonist who has lost someone precious.

I hope you enjoy that contrast as part of its appeal.