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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- Western pop music popular with Gen Z. Hit songs.
[Recommendation of Western Rock] Recommended Western bands, popular bands (121–130)
LudensBring Me The Horizon
Hailing from Sheffield in Yorkshire, England, Bring Me The Horizon have grown into one of the most influential and important bands of the 2020s.
Formed in 2004 by teenage boys, they first drew attention with a style known as deathcore—an even more extreme, heavier take on metalcore—but they continued to evolve their sound with each release.
Their fifth album, That’s the Spirit, featured more sung melodies than shouts and actively incorporated elements from a variety of genres such as alternative rock and electronica, reaching No.
2 on the U.S.
charts.
In both name and reality, they became a globally popular rock band.
Released in 2019, amo pursued an even broader musical palette and delivered a superb crossover sound, and in October 2020 they put out an EP featuring none other than BABYMETAL—proof that their creativity shows no sign of slowing down.
If you’re looking for Western rock that isn’t too heavy but still loud and modern with electronic elements and strong melodies, we highly recommend Bring Me The Horizon’s recent work.
Of course, their early, ferocious deathcore era is also insanely cool, so once you’ve gotten used to heavier sounds, give it a try.
BelieverImagine Dragons
Imagine Dragons is an American alternative rock band formed in 2008.
Their 2012 release “It’s Time” served as their breakthrough, and their albums Night Visions (2012), Smoke + Mirrors (2015), Evolve (2017), and Origins (2018) were all major hits.
Although they’re a basic four-piece of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, their sound is less about a raw, live band feel and more akin to track-based production, which likely resonates with younger listeners.
They’re one of the bands whose future success is highly anticipated.
Only HumanJonas Brothers
A pop-rock band of three brothers formed in the United States.
The members are the eldest, Kevin, the middle brother, Joe, and the youngest, Nick.
They signed with labels such as Columbia Records and Hollywood Records.
Since debuting in 2005, they made their name known to the public with their second album, “Jonas Brothers.” You might expect a sibling band to get along, but in reality their clashes didn’t stop, and they ceased activities in 2013.
Although they were effectively forced to break up, they made a comeback in 2019.
Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)Journey
Journey is an American rock band formed in San Francisco in 1973.
Their music evolved from progressive rock to a style that incorporated pop elements.
From 1978 to 1987, they enjoyed their greatest commercial success, and the album Escape reached No.
1 on the Billboard 200.
In a USA Today poll, they were named the fifth most popular rock band in the United States.
They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017, and their album sales in the U.S.
have exceeded 52 million.
Ranging from ballads to grand arena rock, Journey’s diverse catalog is recommended not only for rock fans but also for anyone who loves melodic songs.
Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (131–140)
IlluminationRollins Band
There was a hardcore band in the ’80s that represented the era called Black Flag.
After that band broke up, the new group they formed was Rollins Band.
Hardcore often places the highest priority on speed, and on top of that aims to be heavy and intense, but Black Flag and Rollins Band presented a way of being a hardcore band that went beyond just that.
They are a great band that had a major influence on the American scene—especially on the West Coast.
Gérard BlastTOTORRO
When I first listened to this band, including their music videos, my impression was that they’re a group composed 100% of playfulness.
I don’t mean that in a negative way—quite the opposite; it’s wonderful.
Their songs pack in the best qualities of post-rock while being compact and fun.
Their MVs feel like videos from the good old internet.
I find all of that incredibly endearing, and I’ve truly fallen in love with this band.
Hotel CaliforniaThe Eagles
A rock band that debuted in 1971 and has been active while based on the U.S.
West Coast.
Their total record sales exceed 200 million, and their signature song “Hotel California”—renowned for its layered soundwork featuring as many as 13 guitars—is likely familiar even to those who don’t often listen to Western music.
Their hallmark is a musical style that fuses the breezy sounds of country rock and bluegrass with the dynamism of rock, while also incorporating a wide range of elements such as AOR, funk, and dance music—making them a band that reveals greater depth the more you listen.
With many songs boasting catchy, beautiful melodies, they’re also easy to enjoy for newcomers to Western rock.
