Popular Western Music Band Rankings [2026]

I Want To Know What Love IsForeigner85rank/position

Foreigner – I Want To Know What Love Is (Official Music Video)

A song by the British-American rock band Foreigner, known as a leading example of stadium rock that incorporates hard rock and AOR.

Included on their fifth album, Agent Provocateur, it became one of their signature tracks, reaching No.

1 on both the U.S.

and U.K.

charts in 1985.

It expresses a poignant yearning to understand what true love is, overcoming the heartache and loneliness experienced in past relationships.

Lou Gramm’s soulful vocals combined with a gospel choir create a majestic harmony that brings a sacred atmosphere capable of stirring the listener’s soul.

It’s an emotional ballad whose prayer-like message resonates deeply when you’re searching for something in life.

BirdlandWeather Report86rank/position

Birdland

Phrases that glitter like an electric signboard flash by, illuminating the city nightscape all at once.

Weather Report is a premier jazz fusion group based in the United States.

Centered on Joe Zawinul and Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius’s lead bass pulses with life.

This track is an homage to a legendary New York club, where bouncy riffs, warm synths, and a lustrous saxophone sketch a whirl of cheers and applause.

In the vocal version, the narrator’s quickening heart reveals a blend of longing and nostalgia.

It’s the opening track of the classic album Heavy Weather, released in April 1977.

It sold over a million copies in the U.S.

and was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2010.

Perfect for a nighttime drive or to get you pumped before a live show.

Blue MondayNew Order87rank/position

New Order – Blue Monday 88 (Official Music Video)

New Order, the British band that fused the chill of post-punk with the vitality of dance music to forge a unique sound.

Released in March 1983, this track is a groundbreaking dance number that became the best-selling 12-inch single of all time.

Some may remember it being used in a Sunkist commercial.

Its repeating, impersonal synth phrases and mechanical beat evoke that inescapable Monday-morning lethargy and a sense of inner emptiness.

Produced around the time of the classic album Power, Corruption & Lies, its sound had a major impact on later club music.

Rather than forcing yourself to fight a melancholy mood, this is the perfect track for surrendering to a cool beat and getting through the day.

WalkPantera88rank/position

Pantera – Walk (Official Music Video) [4K]

This track is marked by a striking guitar riff with overwhelming heft and aggression.

It channels anger and rejection toward manipulation and insincerity from others through powerful performance and lyrics.

Emphasizing the importance of self-respect, the song criticizes putting on a false persona—messages that will resonate with many listeners.

Included on the album Vulgar Display of Power, released in February 1992, it is highly regarded as one of Pantera’s signature songs.

Featured in the films Triple Frontier and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, it’s recommended for those who want to stay true to themselves or blow off daily stress.

Still WaitingSUM4189rank/position

Sum 41 – Still Waiting

The songs by SUM 41, a band that epitomized the early-2000s pop-punk scene, are characterized by their exhilarating, fast-paced guitar riffs and catchy melodies.

Released in January 2002, this track is included on the album “Does This Look Infected?” and candidly voices dissatisfaction with politics and society.

With references to the Iraq War and other elements reflecting the global climate of the time, its lyrics resonated with many young listeners.

The music video, which satirizes the indie band boom, also drew attention.

Performed as a party encore or event entertainment, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser that will instantly energize the room with its breakneck pace and high-octane sound.

Young FolksPeter Bjorn & John90rank/position

Peter Bjorn And John – Young Folks

This song titled “Young Folks” is by the Swedish rock band Peter Bjorn and John.

You might recognize the whistled intro, which was used in commercials in Japan.

However, despite the title, it isn’t a folk song in the conventional sense.

That said, given the title “Young Folks,” it might be worth reconsidering what “folk” can mean.

Why not dig a little deeper and have some fun with it?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Murakami Shinpei

Report a problem

My SharonaThe Knack91rank/position

The Knack – My Sharona

This song, known as the signature track of the American rock band The Knack, was released in January 1979 and became a massive hit, topping the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks.

It conveys lead singer Doug Fieger’s passionate feelings for a woman he actually fell in love with, and its youthful, ardent lyrics leave a strong impression.

With its catchy melody and rhythmic guitar riffs, it captured the hearts of many.

In 1994, it was featured on the soundtrack of the film Reality Bites, bringing it back into the spotlight.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to relive their youth or enjoy a classic of power pop.