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!

Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (131–140)

Star SignTeenage Fanclub

Teenage Fanclub – Star Sign

Star SignTeenage Fanclub

When it comes to four-minute pop songs, I honestly feel there’s no band that can top them—to the point where I sometimes think most Japanese guitar rock is basically a copy of this band.

They’re veterans now, but you can still enjoy music that feels like a textbook of rock.

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Don’t Look Back Into The SunThe Libertines

The Libertines – Don’t Look Back Into The Sun (Official Video)

Don't Look Back Into The SunThe Libertines

They’re the most quintessentially British indie rock band.

This stripped-down sound might seem dull to ears accustomed to J-pop.

But once you get used to these non-overdubbed recordings, it starts to feel like rock.

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Enter SandmanMetallica

Metallica: Enter Sandman (Official Music Video)

Enter SandmanMetallica

Metallica easily transcends the narrow label of being merely a pioneering presence in the heavy metal subgenre known as thrash metal; it’s no exaggeration to call them one of the most popular rock bands in the world.

Formed on the U.S.

West Coast in 1981, they rose through the underground by forging thrash metal—an even more intense style that incorporated elements of hardcore punk into traditional heavy metal—and gradually broadened their musical range.

In the 1990s, they moved closer to the then-sweeping alternative rock movement, creating songs that didn’t hinge on speed, producing a wealth of magnificent classics that left their mark not only on metal but on rock history, while achieving overwhelming commercial success.

Their influence extends beyond heavy metal bands; artists and groups from other genres openly profess their love for Metallica.

In Japan as well, many bands cite Metallica as an influence.

For those who don’t often listen to heavy sounds, diving straight into Metallica might be a challenge, but if you’re looking to explore Western rock—or take your first step into metal—why not start with Metallica?

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UprisingMuse

Muse – Uprising [Official Video]

UprisingMuse

Muse is a British rock trio formed in 1997.

Though just three members, the sounds they create are remarkably diverse: while rooted in British rock and pop, they can be raw at times, progressive at others—emotional and symphonic.

Their musical expression is like a kaleidoscope, yet each facet retains a compelling pull that unmistakably feels like Muse.

Matthew Bellamy, the guitarist-vocalist who also plays keyboards, is at his best when he’s free to move with a guitar—especially his signature “crab walk,” which looks a bit like a sideways moonwalk and sends the crowd into a frenzy during shows.

Every record is recommended; you can dive into the Muse world from anywhere and enjoy it.

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Hirata Hiroyasu

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In conclusion

From legendary icons who have etched their names into rock history to young talents leading the scene since the 2020s, we showcased many bands. Even though these are Western songs, many of the classics are used in Japanese TV shows and commercials, so you may have discovered, “Oh, that song was by this band!” If this article has helped convey even a bit of the wonderful appeal of Western rock, I’m delighted!