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)
Welcome To The Black ParadeMy Chemical Romance
My Chemical Romance is considered an iconic band of the so-called emo boom that swept through the 2000s.
Known in Japan by the nickname “Mai-Kemi,” they formed in 2001 in New Jersey, USA.
Their debut album, 2002’s I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love, drew attention in Japan for its distinctive sound that blended elements of screamo—already gaining some buzz at the time—with a gothic flair.
After their major-label debut, their style evolved beyond post-hardcore into a grand, dramatic musicality reminiscent of Queen, and they became one of America’s representative rock bands with worldwide recognition.
In Japan, they enjoyed strong popularity as well, appearing on music programs and even performing at the Nippon Budokan.
Although they sadly disbanded in 2013, they reunited in 2019.
Now, in the 2020s—when more and more people weren’t around for the excitement of their heyday—I hope listeners will rediscover how great their music truly is.
Start with The Black Parade, their masterful conceptual rock opera that put their name on the global map, and experience the brilliance of My Chem’s unique brand of rock!
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.
Highway TuneGreta Van Fleet
Greta Van Fleet is an American rock band.
Formed in 2012 and debuting in 2017, they are a relatively recent young band, and in 2018 they were nominated in four categories at the 61st Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist.
Their sound is often compared to Led Zeppelin—enough to make old-school rock fans grin—but perhaps history comes full circle; many listeners will sense new possibilities in a young band’s respectful embrace of its roots.
It’s an exciting band to watch as we look forward to the music they will create next.
Moving OnJames
James are largely ignored in Japan, but they’re a really outstanding rock band.
They’re from Manchester, a city I love, and they’re popular there, which is what matters most.
This is another band I recommend to music lovers.
The House That Heaven BuiltJapandroids
Japandroids are a two-piece band from Canada.
Despite their simple setup of guitar/vocals and drums/vocals, the intensity you can feel even on their recordings is truly remarkable.
And they’re not a band that relies on sheer energy alone—their catchy melodies and anthemic choruses are real strengths that make their songs genuinely resonant.
Definitely give them a listen.
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.
Still WaitingSUM41
A rock band known as Canada’s world-famous punk act, hugely popular in Japan as well.
Many people have probably heard them, as their songs have been featured in films like Godzilla: Final Wars, Spider-Man, and Fantastic Four.
Their knack for catchy melodies—evident in Still Waiting from their earlier, more metal-leaning period—is outstanding and continues to breathe through many of their songs even after their stylistic shift.
Despite their heavy rock sound, the pop sensibility of their melodies makes them easy to listen to, even for newcomers to Western rock music.