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

RunawayKanye West

Kanye West – Runaway (Video Version) ft. Pusha T

Rapper Kanye West often makes headlines for various problematic behaviors.

However, setting his personality aside, his musical talent is indisputable—especially on the album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, which earned perfect scores from many hard-nosed Western music critics and stands as one of the finest classics in hip-hop history.

Its lavish choruses, incendiary lyrics, and verses that lay bare his own ugliness shocked listeners and proved he was more than just a troublemaker.

This is likely an album that will be impossible to ignore when recounting the history of hip-hop in the future.

Full PerformanceMum

múm – Full Performance (Live on KEXP)

They’re a “weird group” in a good way.

In terms of what alternative music can be now, they create a mysterious world by making all kinds of instruments sound in all kinds of ways.

There are other artists who play experimental sounds, but even though múm use unusual timbres, their songs somehow come together with a sense of balance, making you want to listen again.

Greatest HitsQueen

Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody (Official Video Remastered)

This is a compilation album featuring the greatest hits of Queen, the legendary rock band the UK is proud of.

It includes hits from 1974 to 1980 and became a massive success with over 25 million copies sold.

The world crafted by Freddie Mercury’s overwhelming vocal prowess and Brian May’s distinctive guitar sound is a must-hear.

It features many karaoke staples such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You.” Released in November 1981, this single disc is a classic that distills the essence of Queen—perfect as an introduction to Western rock.

Highly recommended for those who want to savor the true thrill of rock.

I Will DareThe Replacements

I Will Dare

The grunge movement erupted in the ’90s and took the world by storm.

With its gritty sound, growling vocals, and stark contrasts between quiet and loud, it became a global phenomenon.

One of the acts that had a profound influence on that grunge scene was The Replacements, particularly their landmark album Let It Be.

Released in 1984—nearly a decade before the grunge explosion—the album exudes the scent of grunge in many of its moments.

I Wanna Be AdoredThe Stone Roses

The Stone Roses – I Wanna Be Adored (Live In Blackpool)

A rock song that represents The Stone Roses, an artist who has influenced countless musicians.

The gently drifting, floating guitar sound even feels like a forerunner of today’s post-rock.

The vocals are, of course, wonderful, but in this track the guitar takes center stage; it gives the impression that the guitar is supporting and empowering the protagonist, who repeatedly declares a desire to be worshiped.

With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

An iconic song by U2, the rock band that represents Ireland.

This was also the first track by U2 to reach number one on the US charts.

Not just the vocals, but the guitar, bass, and drums—every element is a lean collection of sounds; in short, it’s a simple and downright cool ballad.

Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits 1973-1988Aerosmith

Aerosmith – Walk This Way (Audio)

Released in 1980, the classic album Greatest Hits is a defining record of Aerosmith’s early career.

Certified 12x Platinum in the United States, it distills their signature songs into one collection.

Marked by Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals and memorable guitar riffs, it features a host of tracks that colored many listeners’ youth.

With timeless favorites like Dream On and Sweet Emotion, the album offers a full taste of rock’s allure.

It’s also a great entry point for Western music and perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of Aerosmith.