Great as an introduction to Western music! A best-of album loved around the world.
For those who have primarily listened to Japanese music, it can be hard to know where to start with Western music.
If you have a friend nearby who loves Western music, they might be able to give you recommendations, but without someone like that, it can be tough to take the first step.
So this time, we’re introducing best-of albums from a variety of artists.
Best-of albums usually include many of the tracks that are especially popular for that artist, and you’ll also find songs you may have heard in Japan on TV shows or commercials.
If any artist catches your interest, be sure to pick up their music and give it a listen!
- Classic Western albums: must-listen recommendations you should hear at least once
- A classic tribute album of Western music. A highly recommended pick.
- [2026] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended classics
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
- [Masterpiece Selection] A Compilation of Classic Western Rock Songs
- Western music I want to listen to leisurely on the weekend. World classics and popular songs.
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- For Beginners to Western Music: Recommended Western Music Groups – A Roundup of Popular Bands
- Recommended Western music for men in their 60s: world classics and popular songs
- Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s
- Summary of Western pop music: A comprehensive introduction to famous pop songs from overseas.
Also recommended as an introduction to Western music! A best-of album loved around the world. (11–20)
Greatest HitsMariah Carey

Mariah Carey’s Greatest Hits is truly the perfect starter album for Western pop music.
It collects her diverse hits from the 1990s through the 2000s, many of which are familiar in Japan from commercials and TV shows.
Listen straight through and you’ll understand why she’s called the Queen of Pop.
From moving ballads like Vision of Love and Hero to the dance track Fantasy, you’ll be swept away by her astonishing five-octave vocal range.
This album shows exactly why she’s loved by people across generations.
It’s packed with classics you’ll want to try at karaoke—start your wonderful music journey with this collection.
In conclusion
This time we introduced best-of albums by a wide range of artists, from solo acts to bands, covering various genres.
Including songs familiar in Japan, we hope these picks felt approachable even for newcomers to Western music.
Whether you dive deeper into these artists after listening, or discover others in the same genre, we’d be glad if this serves as a gateway to new musical experiences.


