Classic Western albums: must-listen recommendations you should hear at least once

All These Things That I’ve DoneThe Killers

The Killers – All These Things That I’ve Done (Official Music Video)

Hot Fuss, the debut album by the Las Vegas band The Killers.

Sonically, it features a straightforward rock sound influenced by acts like The Strokes, who were popular around the time of their debut, combined with electro touches that evoke ’80s pop.

Their innate songwriting paired with the zeitgeist of their sound helped The Killers grow into a band that represents America.

They became a rare group that bridges rock and dance.

Such Great HeightsThe Postal Service

The Postal Service – Such Great Heights [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Ben Gibbard, who’s also hugely popular as a member of Death Cab for Cutie.

The unit he formed with electronic musician Jimmy Tamborello is The Postal Service.

Their first and only album, Give Up, is known as one of the finest masterpieces of the 2000s.

Blending the intricate beats of electronica with the lyrical melodies of emo rock, the album became a wonderful work beloved by both rock fans and dance music fans.

As heard on Such Great Heights, they also incorporate female vocals, further amplifying the refreshing clarity of their sound.

Hard To ExplainThe Strokes

The Strokes – Hard To Explain (Official HD Video)

When talking about the rock scene since 2000, you can’t leave out The Strokes.

In the ’90s, the rock landscape was dominated by grunge and heavy rock, often described as macho.

In the midst of that, The Strokes appeared with a stripped-down, minimal rock sound that reminded people of the “essence of rock.” Their debut was Is This It?.

Without this album, there might not have been Arctic Monkeys, Phoenix, or Arcade Fire.

Better Sweet SymphonyThe Verve

The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony

A signature song by The Verve that starts with elegant, beautiful strings and flows into a soothing melody.

It’s the kind of track you want to listen to on a Monday morning on your way to work—slowly lifting your spirits.

I’ve heard they get along well with Oasis, but The Verve tends to have more rock-leaning material than Oasis.

Pair Of DiceTiesto

Tiësto & Allure – Pair Of Dice (Original Mix)

Tiesto, who has even been ranked the world’s No.

1 DJ.

He’s a famous DJ who leads the dance music scene not only in HARD Trance but also in EDM.

Although EDM originated as a derivative of trance, this track is classic Tiesto—featuring a very catchy melody and making for an easy-to-listen dance tune.

The GrudgeTool

TOOL – The Grudge (Audio)

The rock scene of the ’90s and ’00s was the heyday of heavy rock.

Many bands sold out, but Tool chose to remain firmly rooted in the underground.

If you listen to their landmark album Lateralus, you’ll understand their power: the ritualistic repetition of phrases, dizzying structures packed with odd time signatures, and an relentlessly heavy sound and shouts.

Unlike bands that turned into entertainers on MTV, they even refuse the spotlight at their live shows, to the point where the audience can’t even see their faces.

They are as underground as it gets, yet possess an overwhelming presence.

Best Of Volume 1Van Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

This is a compilation album featuring signature songs by the American hard rock band Van Halen.

Spanning tracks from 1977 to 1996, it’s a disc that lets you hear the band’s musical evolution.

From the tapping guitar of “Eruption” to the synthesizer-driven sound of “Jump,” it’s packed with Eddie Van Halen’s innovative playing.

Another highlight is how it showcases the distinct personalities of the two vocalists, David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar.

Released in October 1996, the album won “Best Hits or Compilation Album” in Metal Edge magazine’s 1996 Readers’ Choice Awards.

It’s a must for hard rock fans and also a great entry point for newcomers to Western rock music.