Lovely Western music

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

You still hear people say things like, “I listen to Japanese rock bands, but I’m not so good with Western music,” even today, when it’s easier than ever to listen online to music from any era and anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home.

There are many reasons for this, but it seems some people feel a hurdle simply because the lyrics aren’t in Japanese.

So this time, we’ll introduce recommended Western rock bands for those who are thinking of getting into Western rock.

From legendary big names to bands lighting up the 2020s, we’ve picked a diverse lineup to enjoy!

[Recommendations for Western Rock] Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (61–70)

Leave A TraceChvrches

CHVRCHES – Leave A Trace

Leave A TraceChvrches

Songs built from airy, translucent vocals, catchy melodies, and hard-hitting electronic beats are truly wonderful! When talking about this band, it’s impossible to avoid saying, “Mayberry’s vocals are beautiful.” The band themselves seem to dislike that kind of idol-like marketing, so maybe phrasing it this way isn’t ideal—but it’s undeniably true that her beauty is real and a major part of the band’s appeal.

On top of that, their songs and live performances are fantastic, so I absolutely think this is a band you should check out!

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LongshotCatfish&the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen – Longshot

LongshotCatfish&the Bottlemen

Catfish and the Bottlemen are an indie rock band from Wales, UK, formed in 2007.

The band’s name comes from when member Van once saw a street performer in Australia called Catfish The Bottleman; Van later reunited with that performer via a radio show.

Their album Balcony was released in the United States on January 6, 2015, and the very next day they achieved the feat of performing on The Late Show with David Letterman.

Despite hardships such as the departure of their lead guitarist, they’re a band we hope will keep pushing forward!

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The FlameCheap Trick

Cheap Trick – The Flame (Official Video)

The FlameCheap Trick

Cheap Trick, who have been active in the American rock scene for many years, are a legendary band formed in 1973.

They shot to stardom with the 1978 album “Cheap Trick at Budokan,” driven by the smash hit “I Want You to Want Me.” They continued to release numerous classics and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

Their appeal lies in a unique sound that fuses British pop and hard rock, along with energetic stage performances.

As a standard-bearer of power pop, they have had a major influence on later metal and alternative bands.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy catchy melodies paired with a heavy, full-bodied sound.

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Modern ActCloud Nothings

Cloud Nothings – “Modern Act” (official music video)

Modern ActCloud Nothings

Cloud Nothings are a trio that has been drawing a lot of attention lately among U.S.

indie rock bands.

While their sound is alternative, their arrangements don’t rely on sheer volume, and the sparkling, catchy melodies on top have a compelling power that captivates you from the very first listen.

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Sea DragonCovet

Covet – Ares [Official Music Video]

Sea DragonCovet

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.

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