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 (41–50)

Bitter Sweet SymphonyThe Verve

The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony

Bitter Sweet SymphonyThe Verve

In the late 1990s, when Oasis lost momentum, I think this band was the one supporting British rock.

It’s probably Radiohead in truth, but for personal reasons I’ll give the nod to this one.

You could even say they created a new kind of psychedelic music.

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Everywhere You TurnLongwave

Longwave – Everywhere You Turn (Official Video)

Everywhere You TurnLongwave

What surprised me most was that this band has a music video on VEVO.

I’m grateful that there was a proper release.

I ended up watching it over and over.

It rocks in a really good way, and the guitar sound is super cool.

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In The Aeroplane Over The SeaNeutral Milk Hotel

Neutral Milk Hotel – In The Aeroplane Over The Sea

In The Aeroplane Over The SeaNeutral Milk Hotel

If I were to form a rock band centered around acoustic guitar, I would completely model it after this band.

That’s how impactful the song and album were.

This band is also from the United States, so if you’re interested, definitely look them up and give them a listen.

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Country GirlPrimal Scream

Primal Scream – Country Girl (Explicit Video) [Official Video]

Country GirlPrimal Scream

If I had to sum it up in one phrase, Primal Scream is a band with impeccable taste.

They’re great at incorporating the latest sounds and ushering new trends to rock fans who are typically more closed off.

Bobby, the vocalist, is over 50, but he’s a youthful, lean rock star.

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HoppipollaSigur Rós

Sigur Ross – Hoppipolla

HoppipollaSigur Rós

An anti-rock, post-rock band.

If you’re tired of three- or four-minute rock songs with strummed guitars, try this church-like, dreamlike music.

It will surely shock you enough to change your outlook on life.

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