Irish pop icons Westlife have announced a major milestone release tied to their 25 year anniversary: a greatest-hits collection titled 25 - The Ultimate Collection, scheduled for release on February 13, 2026.
Lead Single: “Chariot”
Their new anthem, “Chariot”, serves as the lead single from the album. It’s been described as a “powerful, life-affirming anthem that celebrates love, family and the moments that truly matter.”
According to reports, the song is written by Ed Sheeran, Johnny McDaid and Will Reynolds, and co-written/produced by longtime Westlife collaborator Steve Mac.
> “This year marks 25 years since we started this incredible journey together … the support from our fans has been unbelievable, and to celebrate with this world tour, new music, and a brand-new album feels truly special,” the band said in a statement.
Here’s the official visualiser for the single:
Album Details & Significance
25 - The Ultimate Collection will include 21 fan-favourite hits across Westlife’s career plus four brand–new tracks (including “Chariot”). The collection marks their 25-year journey in the music industry.
Some highlights:
The standard CD tracklist includes “Chariot” as track 14.
The deluxe edition includes more bonus tracks and formats including a cassette and vinyl.
The band has sold over 55 million records worldwide, achieved 14 #1 singles and seven #1 albums.
Context & What This Means
Westlife’s decision to pair a career-spanning greatest-hits album with fresh material signals they’re both celebrating their legacy and looking ahead. It’s a stronger move than simply repackaging older songs: the inclusion of “Chariot” suggests they’re still creating new music with intent, not just commemorating the past.
Also noteworthy:
The album is timed to coincide with their 25th anniversary.
A new lead single gives the release a forward-looking momentum rather than being purely retrospective.
Leveraging fan-favourite tracks alongside new songs helps bridge generations of listeners — long-time fans and newer audiences alike.
For Fans & First Listeners
If you’re looking to dive in:
Check out “Chariot” (via streaming/YouTube) to hear the new energy.
Pre-order the album if you want the deluxe formats or collector bundles (signed art-card bundles are available).
Expect the album release on February 13, 2026 — mark your calendar!
If you’re a longtime fan, the new tracks offer something fresh; if you’re new to Westlife, this could be a strong ‘best of + new’ entry point.
Final Word
In short: Westlife aren’t just resting on their laurels. With 25 - The Ultimate Collection and “Chariot”, they’re honouring a quarter-century of music, while also proving they still have something new to say. It’s a celebratory moment — and one with real musical substance.
