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

CreepRadiohead

Radiohead – Creep

Radiohead’s debut track, a hallmark of alternative rock.

Its buoyant, floating melody and dynamically intense guitars create an emotional sound.

The cool, impactful guitar part right before the chorus, in particular, practically encapsulates what Radiohead is all about.

WonderwallOasis

Oasis – Wonderwall (Official Video)

A signature song by Oasis, the rock band representing the UK.

Its catchy melody and guitar are often heard as a beginner-friendly choice for solo singing with guitar.

The distinctly urban, rough melody characteristic of UK rock gently seeps into a weary heart.

Wish You Were HereIncubus

Incubus – Wish You Were Here

In Japan, a unique term—“mixture rock”—emerged to describe the heavy rock movement of the 2000s.

Standing alongside bands like Linkin Park and Limp Bizkit as a representative of this movement is Incubus.

Incubus’s supreme masterpiece is Morning View.

Eschewing reliance on heavy riffs and shouts, the album makes extensive use of organic sounds and earned exceptional critical acclaim within the heavy rock genre.

StarboyThe Weeknd

The Weeknd – Starboy ft. Daft Punk (Official Video) ft. Daft Punk

This is a classic by The Weeknd, whose talent is recognized worldwide, having been nominated for the Grammy Awards multiple times.

In Japan, it drew attention when Kiko Mizuhara appeared in his music video—a track brimming with the charm of a young genius.

Truly Madly DeeplySavage Garden

Savage Garden – Truly Madly Deeply (Official Video)

A signature song by Australian melody-makers Savage Garden.

Although Savage Garden tends to have a dream-pop vibe, this track’s relaxed tempo and wistful melody—perfect for a Sunday evening—might just get you hooked after a single listen.

The WagonDinosaur Jr.

Dinosaur Jr – The Wagon

The grunge movement that emerged around Seattle in the ’90s.

Alongside Nirvana and others, one of the bands considered emblematic of the movement is Dinosaur Jr.

Their signature album is Green Mind.

Its title almost seems conscious of Nirvana’s classic Nevermind, but compared to Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr.

tends to have somewhat more unadorned, straightforward songs.

Another distinctive trait is the frequent use of guitar solos in Dinosaur Jr.’s music, and their guitarist-vocalist J Mascis is often cited as one of the finest guitarists in the American underground scene.

Just The Way You AreBruno Mars

Bruno Mars – Just The Way You Are (Official Music Video)

This is a famous song by Bruno Mars that captivates even the world’s most prominent figures with the distinctive rhythms characteristic of Black music and his unique singing voice.

The music video is excellent as well, featuring visuals that match the lyrics and a relaxed tempo that showcases his vocals.

It’s a track that’s sure to enchant you.