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

ThunderstruckAC/DC

AC/DC – Thunderstruck (Official Video)

AC/DC is a rock band that represents Australia.

Centered around brothers Angus Young on lead guitar and Malcolm Young on rhythm guitar, the band was formed in 1973.

Their 1980 album Back in Black became a massive hit, catapulting them to worldwide attention.

Although their steadfast devotion to a blues-rock style has not been as widely embraced in Japan as it has elsewhere, leading to a different reception compared to their global acclaim, the two guitarist brothers are still recognized as model players and frequently featured in guitar magazines.

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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Walk This WayAerosmith

Aerosmith – Walk This Way (Live From The Office Depot Center, Sunrise, FL, April 3, 2004)

Aerosmith is the world-famous monster band born on America’s East Coast.

Since their formation in 1970, they’ve continued performing with the original members, despite a few lineup changes over the years.

They drew attention from their 1973 record debut and went on in the ’70s to release a string of classics that left their mark on rock history, including Toys in the Attic, Rocks, and Draw the Line.

While their popularity dipped somewhat in the ’80s, it’s widely known that Run-D.M.C.’s 1986 rap cover of Walk This Way became a massive hit.

After that, they scored more successes with songs like I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing, the theme for the film Armageddon, and Jaded, making them a band beloved across two generations.

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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Don’t Wanna FightAlabama Shakes

Alabama Shakes – Don’t Wanna Fight (Official Video – Live from Capitol Studio A)

Anyway, the sound is amazing.

Especially the rich, full-bodied feel of the guitar strings—can there be any better recording than this? And the soulful vocals, plus the drums that are a bit off-kilter in a way that actually highlights the band’s strengths even more.

There aren’t many bands this outstanding, are there?

PoisonAlice Cooper

Alice Cooper – Poison

Alice Cooper, known as a pioneer of American shock rock.

His music, which took the world by storm in the 1970s, is rooted in heavy metal and hard rock, yet distinguished by unique, horror film–style staging.

He broke through in 1970 with the single “I’m Eighteen,” and reached his commercial peak with the 1973 album Billion Dollar Babies.

His provocative performances—featuring guillotines and fake blood—sent shockwaves through the rock scene of the time and influenced countless artists.

He still performs regularly, and his theatrical stage shows remain as potent as ever.

If you enjoy dark, horror-tinged productions, he’s an artist you should definitely experience.

Never MeantAmerican Football

American Football – Never Meant [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

By the time their album American Football was released, this fantastic band had already broken up and no longer existed in its original form.

They still have many fans, and without them, not only the modern US indie scene but also the Japanese band scene would likely look very different today.

That’s how globally influential—and how great—this band’s album is.

Thanks to their enduring popularity and to meet fan expectations, they recently reunited.

If you haven’t listened yet, you absolutely should.

American Football is an incredible band.