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 (101–110)

Another Brick In The WallPink Floyd

Pink Floyd – Another Brick In The Wall (HQ)

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Blitzkrieg BopRamones

Blitzkrieg Bop

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.

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Ruby SohoRancid

Rancid – ‘Ruby Soho’ (Music Video)

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!

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Kado(guchi) Shichigatsu

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IlluminationRollins Band

Rollins Band – Illumination

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.

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SmoothSantana

Santana – Smooth (Official Video) ft. Rob Thomas

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.

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