Music of a wonderful world

[2026] A roundup of the best UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming acts!

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

In Japan, both now and in the past, bands from the UK have been especially popular among Western music.

As fellow island nations, there’s a shared sensibility—those slightly damp, melancholic melodies and lyricism resonate perfectly with Japanese tastes, and many people are also drawn to the distinctly European worldview.

In this article, we’ve researched recommended UK bands.

The first half spotlights up-and-coming and new artists you should watch to understand the “now” of Britain, while the second half takes a broader look—centered on rock—at veterans and mid-career acts you ought to know.

It features plenty of bands that are great for beginners to UK rock and Western music alike, so be sure to check it out!

[2026] A roundup of recommended bands from the UK. Many young artists included! (101–110)

Save it For LatarThe English Beat

English Beat: “Save It For Later”

Save it For LatarThe English Beat

This song was released in 1982, but it didn’t become a big hit at the time.

Perhaps because the lyrics feel like a message to young people, it later started being used frequently in movies and TV dramas, and it’s actually more widely known today.

With its simple style, it’s the kind of melody that sticks in your head after just one listen.

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Far Gone And OutThe Jesus and Mary Chain

The Jesus And Mary Chain – Far Gone And Out (Official Music Video)

Far Gone And OutThe Jesus and Mary Chain

Formed in Scotland in the early 1980s, The Jesus and Mary Chain is a band that had a major impact on the alternative rock scene.

Centered around brothers Jim Reid and William Reid, they established their distinct sound with their 1985 debut album Psychocandy.

Combining pop melodies with feedback-laden distortion, their music pioneered the noise-pop genre.

In 1987, they released their second album, Darklands, further expanding their musical approach.

Their live performances also drew attention for their unique style, such as playing with their backs to the audience.

Their music is characterized by a melancholic atmosphere and a defiant attitude, making it highly recommended for fans of indie rock.

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Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – Purple Haze (Music Video)

Purple HazeThe Jimi Hendrix Experience

Jimi Hendrix, affectionately known as “Jimi Hen,” was born in the United States, but in 1966 he was scouted by the former bassist of The Animals, moved to the UK, and joined this band.

It’s well known that he shocked the music world to such an extent that countless musicians were captivated by his genius guitar playing.

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Death of a ClownThe Kinks

The Kinks – Death of a Clown (Official Audio)

Death of a ClownThe Kinks

The Kinks, a rock band that represents the British music scene, were formed in London in 1963.

Centered around the Davies brothers, they produced numerous hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Timeless classics like “You Really Got Me” and “Lola” continue to captivate music fans around the world.

The band is distinguished by Ray Davies’s sharp insight and satirical lyrics.

In 1966, “Dedicated Follower of Fashion” and “Sunny Afternoon” both reached No.

1 on the UK charts.

Standing alongside the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, they remain a legendary British band that continues to be loved by many.

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Where Do I StandThe Montrose Avenue

The Montrose Avenue – Where Do I Stand (Official video)

Where Do I StandThe Montrose Avenue

Formed in 1996 and based in Wokingham, the band is characterized by rich harmonies created by the three singers up front and emotionally charged melodic lines.

The bass constantly undulates behind the vocals to generate a unique groove, and the guitar, which steps forward at key moments, is also outstanding.

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[2026] The Best British Bands: A Roundup. Plenty of up-and-coming acts too! (111–120)

The PeopleThe Music

The People

The PeopleThe Music

The Music is a British rock band known for its blend of rock and dance music.

They debuted with a self-titled album, and in that same year visited Japan; their overwhelming, sold-out performance at the Fuji Rock Festival is still talked about today.

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BreatheThe Prodigy

The Prodigy – Breathe (Live in Tokyo 2008)

BreatheThe Prodigy

The Prodigy is a techno-rock band from England.

They actively experimented with a fusion of rock and techno, and their third album, The Fat of the Land, is acclaimed as a landmark in dance music.

They also became the first dance act in history to headline the Glastonbury Festival.

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