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 Music: Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (21–30)

100 Bad DaysAJR

AJR – 100 Bad Days (Official Video)

100 Bad DaysAJR

AJR is a pop band of three brothers.

Hailing from New York, they’re characterized by an impressively forward-thinking electronic sound.

Using their own indie-pop style, they’ve created a uniquely distinctive world.

It’s a feat that only a close-knit trio of brothers could achieve.

Their fresh-feeling electronic sound and dub-like vibes make for a decidedly appealing musical tone.

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If I Sit Still, Maybe I’ll Get Out of HereTTNG

TTNG – If I Sit Still, Maybe I’ll Get Out of Here – Audiotree Live

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.

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Graffiti On The TrainStereophonics

Stereophonics – Graffiti On The Train

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.

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Where To StartBully

Bully – Where To Start [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

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.

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Viva La VidaColdplay

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

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.

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