Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands
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!
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[Recommended Western Rock] Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (91–100)
Another Brick In The WallPink Floyd
A British rock band counted among the “Big Five” of progressive rock, boasting worldwide fame as legends of the genre.
Their music fuses rock with elements of psychedelic rock, blues, and folk, while their literary and philosophical lyrics—exploring themes like human alienation and political issues—achieve a singular level of artistry.
Although pioneers of progressive rock, they are not virtuosos focused on showy technique; instead, they are known for a dreamy sound imbued with weightlessness and ennui that feels deeply comfortable.
For newcomers to Western music looking for progressive rock, this is the first band I recommend.
Blitzkrieg BopRamones
The Ramones are a band that epitomizes the American punk rock scene.
Formed in New York in 1974, their appeal lies in short, simple three-chord songs—around two minutes long—and an incredibly fast tempo.
Their debut album, “Ramones,” is renowned as a masterpiece that established the punk rock style.
Over the 22 years until their breakup in 1996, they remained highly active, performing an astonishing 2,263 live shows.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Their music influenced a wide range of genres, from New York punk to college rock, and is highly recommended not only for rock fans, but also for anyone curious about punk rock.
Ruby SohoRancid
Amid the melodic punk boom that had been gaining momentum since the late 1980s, the ska-punk band Operation Ivy—Rancid’s predecessor—was formed in 1987.
The band disbanded after just two years, and later in 1991, the legendary band Rancid was born with vocalist Tim Armstrong at its core.
From irresistibly catchy melodic punk to upbeat ska punk that perfectly suits the California coast, their songs are simply a joy to listen to! This is a must-hear band for all Japanese punk and melodic core kids! Their live performances are wild and full of highlights, so be sure to look them up on YouTube!
SmoothSantana
The American rock band Santana is known for its unique sound that fuses Latin music and rock.
Formed in 1966, they gained attention at the Woodstock Festival in 1969.
The tracks on their debut album, “Santana,” are still loved as some of their signature works.
Carlos Santana’s passionate guitar playing has influenced many musicians.
In the 2000s, they achieved major success with the album “Supernatural,” gaining a new generation of fans.
Their collaboration with Rob Thomas became popular across a wide range of age groups.
Santana’s music, with its universal appeal that transcends genre boundaries, is recommended not only for rock fans but also for those interested in Latin music and jazz.
RepentlessSLAYER
SLAYER, one of the Big Four of thrash metal.
They are a legend you can’t leave out when talking about American metal.
Banned and delayed album releases were par for the course, and from their start in 1981 to today, they’ve never wavered—an incredibly cool band with an unshakeable stance.
Crank it as loud as you can, free your ego, and stop thinking—just surrender yourself to the roar.
She SaidSundara Karma
First off, he’s really young.
That alone is insane.
And he’s such a good-looking guy he almost gives off a mysterious vibe—double the insanity.
And this track, “She Said,” is pure pop-rock through and through.
The texture of the vocals, the thickness of the harmonies, the dry guitar crunch, and that catchy guitar phrase repeating with the chorus melody—I can’t wait to see what comes next.
SevenSunny Day Real Estate
If you like Nirvana, I’m sure you’ll like this band too.
It’s categorized as “emo,” but the difference from grunge and the like doesn’t really matter here.
If you enjoy this guitar music, I hope you’ll buy the album and give it a listen.