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)

RepentlessSLAYER

SLAYER – Repentless (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

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.

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Murakami Shinpei

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She SaidSundara Karma

Sundara Karma – She Said (Official Video)

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.

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SevenSunny Day Real Estate

Sunny Day Real Estate – Seven [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

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.

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20th Century BoyT-REX

20th Century Boy (2012 Remaster)

20th Century BoyT-REX

A British glam rock band.

Its members included the widely known rocker Marc Bolan, as well as Dino Dines and Miller Anderson.

T.

Rex is an abbreviation of “Tyrannosaurus Rex.” The 1971 album Electric Warrior and the single Get It On marked a turning point, catapulting them into star rock band status.

They were pioneers of glam rock at the time, and in Japan, 20th Century Boy was also a hit.

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Gérard BlastTOTORRO

TOTORRO – Gérard Blast (Official Video)

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.

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