Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands

(You Can Still) Rock In AmericaNight Ranger

(You Can Still) Rock In America

Night Ranger is a rock band based in San Francisco.

Formed in 1979, they gained attention in the 1980s and became popular for their distinctive sound that fused hard rock and arena rock.

Characterized by powerful vocals and a guitar-driven style, they produced hit songs such as “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “Sister Christian.” They also contributed tracks to movie soundtracks, showcasing a wide range of activities.

Although they disbanded briefly in the late 1980s, they reunited in the 1990s.

They’re recommended not only for hard rock fans but also for anyone drawn to the grand scale of arena rock.

Name For YouThe Shins

The Shins – Name For You (Official Video)

Although The Shins have since moved labels, for the seven years following their debut they continued to release music in the United States on the prestigious label Sub Pop—the very label that once had Nirvana on its roster.

The song “Name For You” came out well after they left that label, but it’s truly excellent.

Unbound by the framework of a rock band, it features a fresh approach grounded in musical theory, yet it’s all tied together with a pop sensibility.

And the vocals—sung with a crystalline, translucent tone—are outstanding.

Please give it a listen.

Sea DragonCovet

Covet – Ares [Official Music Video]

This is Covet, the band of Yvette Young, who’s famous as an insanely skilled guitarist.

It’s a really great song packed with the best of post-rock and math rock.

Even though the whole band fires off one complex phrase after another, it doesn’t feel that way—probably because each phrase is so incredibly catchy and cool.

And the non-guitar instruments are insanely good too.

City On The HillDesaparecidos

Desaparecidos – “City On The Hill”

The vocalist of this band is Conor Oberst from Bright Eyes.

Conor Oberst is also well-known as a singer-songwriter, and although his most obscure project is this band, Desaparecidos, their songs are excellent and highly recommended.

A Reason To FightDisturbed

Disturbed – A Reason To Fight [Official Music Video]

This band, Disturbed, is a heavy metal band based in Chicago.

They were active from their formation in 1994 until 2011, then, after a four-year hiatus, resumed activities in 2015 with the release of the album “Immortalized.” Their song “A Reason To Fight” was released in 2018, and it has a somewhat nostalgic feel, doesn’t it? In recent years, the metal scene has seen an explosion of subgenres that can make it harder to get into, but they’re a band that sticks to their own old-school metal without pandering to trends—a group you can really feel a sense of grit and integrity from.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Yoimachi Jēn

Report a problem

Pull Me UnderDream Theater

Dream Theater – Pull Me Under [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Dream Theater is a progressive metal band that represents the United States.

Formed in 1985, they released their debut album, When Dream and Day Unite, in 1989.

With a hit from their second album, Images and Words (1992), they gained worldwide acclaim.

Since then, they have continued to release numerous classic albums and remain at the forefront of the scene, even earning a Grammy nomination for a track in 2013.

Their appeal lies in complex song structures, virtuosic musicianship, and a grand, immersive worldview.

Blending elements of progressive rock and heavy metal, their distinctive sound captivates music lovers and never lets go.

Despite the high level of difficulty in their compositions, they also feature compelling melodies that draw listeners in.

More Than WordsExtreme

Extreme – More Than Words (Official Music Video)

Extreme, formed in Massachusetts, USA, in 1985, are known for their unique sound rooted in heavy metal and hard rock, while incorporating elements of funk and glam metal.

Their 1990 album “Extreme II: Pornograffitti” was a major hit, and a ballad from the album reached No.

1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The musical blend of Gary Cherone’s vocals and Nuno Bettencourt’s guitar work shows influences from Queen and Aerosmith, characterized by joyful, groovy tracks.

Their appearance at the 1992 Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert won them even more fans.

Highly recommended if you want to experience classic, straight-ahead rock!