![[2025] Classic Western songs to celebrate the New Year: Popular tracks to kick off the year](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/Aop6YF1Xqqg/maxresdefault.webp)
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 (1–10)
Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem)Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s second Christmas album, “Merry Christmas II You,” features a cover of “Auld Lang Syne (The New Year’s Anthem).” In Japan, the song is known as “Hotaru no Hikari.” Unlike the version we’re familiar with as “Hotaru no Hikari,” this rendition stands out with an emotional yet stylish arrangement, making it a perfect pick for your year-end party playlist.
New Year’s DayTaylor Swift
Taylor Swift’s classic song, “New Year’s Day.” When people think of Taylor Swift, many probably imagine upbeat, catchy pop tunes.
It’s true that in recent years those kinds of songs make up most of her releases, but she originally started as a country music singer, so she has also put out gentle, quintessentially country-style tracks.
“New Year’s Day” is one such work, depicting a romance set against the backdrop of a New Year’s party.
New Year’s DayBon Jovi
If you’re looking for a New Year’s song with masculine lyrics, we recommend New Year’s Day.
Sung by Bon Jovi, the track portrays men raising their glasses and ringing in the New Year boisterously with their buddies.
For men living alone with no plans with a partner or family, it might be nice to gather with friends and welcome the New Year while listening to this song.
Bon Jovi’s passionate vocals further elevate the track, making it a must-listen for rock fans.
Better DaysGoo Goo Dolls
The Goo Goo Dolls are a band that gained popularity with a sound rooted in alternative rock and pop rock.
If you listened to rock from the 1990s to the 2000s, you’ve probably heard of them.
Among their songs, the one that’s perfect for celebrating the New Year is “Better Days.” It’s a piece that calls for peace, but it isn’t somber; the lyrics convey a bright, uplifting message.
If you want to kick off the New Year with energy, this is a must-listen.
Happy New YearABBA
ABBA is a Swedish music group that gained worldwide popularity.
They’re also well known in Japan as a group that still enjoys enduring popularity.
“Happy New Year” is one of ABBA’s classic songs, and just as the title suggests, it’s a simple New Year’s song crafted to celebrate the arrival of a new year.
What’s especially striking is its message about letting go of the year’s mistakes and hitting the reset button as we head into the next year.
Since the New Year is a time when we can reset our mindset, listening to this song might be a good way to discover a new version of yourself.
Raise Your GlassP!nk
Pink is a singer-songwriter who combines a bold persona with undeniable musical talent and enjoys immense popularity worldwide.
In Japan, too, her songs have been used as drama theme tunes, making her a household name.
Raise Your Glass, included on her 2010 greatest hits album Greatest Hits.
.
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So Far!!!, was created to thank her fans in celebration of the 10th anniversary of her debut.
It’s an ultra-pop party anthem with a positive message—perfect for events from New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day with close friends.
In fact, the song was also featured in the 2011 film New Year’s Eve.
It’s used in a particularly iconic way in the trailer, so be sure to check it out.
New Year’s DayU2
U2 is a world-famous rock band from Ireland.
Their song New Year’s Day was released as the lead single from the 1983 album War and became a global hit.
Because the song was influenced by the Polish democratization movement, it isn’t a simple celebration of the New Year; its lyrics lament a world that never changes.
At its core it is a love song, but the contrast between a happy couple’s romance and a world that keeps waging war gives the work its depth.