Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands
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!
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Recommendation of Western Rock Music: Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (21–30)
If I Sit Still, Maybe I’ll Get Out of HereTTNG
TTNG is now one of the UK’s representative post-rock bands.
They previously performed under the name This Town Needs Guns, but they’ve since shortened it to TTNG.
Delicate guitar phrases reminiscent of American Football are layered with a soulful, melancholic vocal, while a minimal rhythm section tastefully colors the songs—it’s truly wonderful.
Dracula MountainLightning Bolt
If you’re looking for intense rock, I think this band is the best.
As you can see in this video, their live shows are pure chaos.
This is what the word “rock” was originally meant to describe, and once you get used to this sound, you’ll likely feel repulsed by so-called commercial rock.
Viva La VidaColdplay
Combining the ’90s and 2000s, this band is the top-selling album act from the UK.
And yet, when it comes to favorite song rankings at home, they rarely place at the top or near it.
That’s a role reserved for Oasis, The Stone Roses, The Smiths, and The Beatles.
To Be With YouMr. BIG
An American hard rock band whose members all possess superhuman musicianship, yet whose playing shines by always putting the song first.
From their massive hit “To Be With You” onward, their arrangements that spotlight emotional vocals have captivated many rock fans.
They are also known for their strong bond with Japan: in the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, they were among the first foreign artists to perform in the affected areas and organize fundraising efforts out of a desire to lift the spirits of people in Tohoku through music.
If you want to get into Western rock but aren’t sure where to start, there’s no better introductory band than this.
Where To StartBully
Bully is an American rock project that revives the spirit of ’90s grunge for the modern era.
It currently operates as the solo project of founder Alicia Bognanno, who also honed her skills as an engineer at a renowned studio.
The project debuted in June 2015 with the album “Feels Like.” While it has no official awards, the 2023 release “Lucky for You” was selected for many year-end best-of lists by music media, earning widespread critical acclaim.
Alicia’s raw, scream-like vocals and guitar sound—heavy yet packed with pop hooks—are truly one-of-a-kind.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking both the ruggedness of grunge and catchy melodies.
Graffiti On The TrainStereophonics
This is one of my personal favorite bands.
All the songs on their albums are high quality, and they keep releasing them every few years.
I think they deserve to be more well-known in Japan, so it’s a bit disappointing that they aren’t.
If you like them, please buy their best-of album.
Do I Wanna Know?Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys are a British rock band.
Even before their debut, they were already generating buzz on the internet.
Their 2005 debut single, “I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor,” entered the UK chart at number one, and their 2006 first album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not,” also reached number one, marking their meteoric rise as a remarkable new act.
Every album they have released to date has topped the UK charts, making them one of the bands poised to lead not only the UK but the global music scene in the future.
