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 (121–130)

Won’t Get Fooled AgainThe Who

The Who – Won’t Get Fooled Again (Shepperton Studios / 1978)

Won't Get Fooled AgainThe Who

A British punk band whose impact on later generations is immeasurable, they left behind countless classic songs.

They pulled countless listeners into a whirlwind of screams, and the frenzy they sparked makes you wish you’d grown up in the era when they burst onto the scene.

With irresistibly catchy, melodic guitar riffs, destructive, impulse-driven vocals, and tight beats, they embody the greatness of punk with ferocity—and with a certain stylish flair.

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Murakami Shinpei

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SeeTycho

Tycho – See (Official Music Video)

SeeTycho

Tycho’s music is always calm and gentle.

This track is a bit more danceable and fast-paced compared to other Tycho songs, yet it isn’t loud—it feels like a warm embrace.

Each sound is so pleasing; to me, it feels like every note is played with great care, and that’s incredibly satisfying.

It’s music like taking a slow drive while watching the scenery go by—sometimes you catch a glimpse of the ocean, sometimes a bird in flight.

Isn’t it wonderful to feel that kind of sensation from music? Please give it a listen.

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Harmony HallVampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend – Harmony Hall (Official Video)

Harmony HallVampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend is quite popular among Western music fans.

Influenced by Afropop, their bouncy sound is perfect for the “weekend.” Even if you don’t recognize the band’s name, you might have heard their music, right? They’re at the forefront of indie pop—wouldn’t it be a waste not to listen to even a single song?

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JumpVan Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

JumpVan Halen

A hard rock band centered on Edward Van Halen—hailed as a legend—who helped popularize the now-common “right-hand tapping” technique in rock guitar.

They’re known as pioneers of American HR/HM bands on the U.S.

West Coast and have released many hits familiar in Japan, including “Jump,” “Can’t Stop Lovin’ You,” and “Panama.” With catchy yet unmistakably hard-rock vocals and band sound, they’re a perfect gateway into Western rock.

Although Edward Van Halen passed away in 2020, this is precisely the time to revisit their music.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Say It Ain’t SoWeezer

Weezer – Say It Ain’t So (Version 3)

Say It Ain't SoWeezer

Among the bands labeled as alternative rock in the 1990s, the one that may have exerted the greatest influence on Japanese rock might not be Nirvana, but rather Weezer.

Their self-titled 1994 debut album—where Rivers Cuomo, a genius songwriter and noted Japanophile, blends his melodies and vocals with thunderous, alt-style guitars to brilliant effect—became an instant hit, selling over three million copies.

Although they had a period of hiatus, they have remained consistently popular up through the 2020s.

Their style, dubbed “crybaby rock” at the time of their debut, also influenced bands in what’s commonly called emo-core.

Even listeners who don’t usually listen to Western music can enjoy the abundance of poppy, catchy melodies in their many classic songs—so by all means, give them a listen.

You can start with any album, but my personal recommendation is their masterful second album, Pinkerton.

While considered a commercial failure in the West, it was a hit in Japan and is packed with Japanese elements in both its cover art and lyrics.

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