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!

[A Guide to Western Rock] Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (111–120)

ClayThe Garden

The Garden – “Clay”

ClayThe Garden

The Garden is a garage-punk band led by twin brothers, recognizable by their praying mantis motif.

I wrote ‘garage punk,’ but their songs incorporate a wide range of approaches beyond that, making it clear they’ve absorbed a lot of music into their band.

The sound stays mischievous and menacing throughout, so if it’s your thing, you’ll really love them.

I love them.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

The Kids Aren’t AlrightThe Offspring

The Offspring – The Kids Aren’t Alright (Official Music Video)

The Kids Aren't AlrightThe Offspring

A pop punk band from the United States.

They are signed to Sony BMG and Columbia Records.

The core members are Dexter Holland, Noodles, Greg K., and Pete Parada.

During their indie era in 1994, they released Smash.

This album became the origin of the punk boom at the time.

Afterwards, they produced legendary hits such as All I Want and Hit That.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Who Needs YouThe Orwells

The Orwells – “Who Needs You”

Who Needs YouThe Orwells

“It seemed so dumb!!” is what I first thought.

I don’t mean that as an insult at all—it’s actually one of the big charms I look for in bands like this.

It’s straightforward, without over-tweaking arrangements or anything; it just feels like they’re trying to deliver something good, in a good state, straight from the heart.

Seeing that makes me genuinely think, “Wow, that’s cool.” The Orwells are a band that’s appealing exactly in that way.

They’re fantastic—definitely give them a listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Name For YouThe Shins

The Shins – Name For You (Official Video)

Name For YouThe Shins

Although The Shins have since moved labels, for the seven years following their debut they continued to release music in the United States on the prestigious label Sub Pop—the very label that once had Nirvana on its roster.

The song “Name For You” came out well after they left that label, but it’s truly excellent.

Unbound by the framework of a rock band, it features a fresh approach grounded in musical theory, yet it’s all tied together with a pop sensibility.

And the vocals—sung with a crystalline, translucent tone—are outstanding.

Please give it a listen.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

ReptiliaThe Strokes

The Strokes – Reptilia (Official HD Video)

ReptiliaThe Strokes

The Strokes are an American rock band.

Formed in 1999, they debuted in 2001 as a promising new act.

When discussing rock bands, debates often arise over “technique” versus “sensibility.” The former includes, for example, jazz rock, progressive rock, or ’80s hard rock, while the latter encompasses punk and garage.

Strictly speaking, both elements are usually balanced, but The Strokes’ sound leans decisively toward the latter.

Preferences may vary, but for those who love a sleek, stylish pop feel, this band is irresistible.

Raise the rankinglower

Hirata Hiroyasu

Report a problem