Cool Western music bands. Recommended overseas bands that will get you pumped just by listening.

The Big MoneyRush

Rush – The Big Money

It reached No.

45 on the U.S.

charts in 1985.

Inspired by bands like Led Zeppelin, they formed in Toronto in 1968.

In Canada, they’re a national band and are highly respected by other musicians, but it’s a shame their recognition is unjustly low in Japan.

Genre-wise, they seem to have gradually shifted from hard rock toward progressive rock.

Still, the best of both sides blends well, and they also have a pop flavor, so I think they’re easy to listen to.

Come to think of it, they were also friendly with former Yomiuri Giants player Cromartie, who is himself a drummer, right?

Shakin’ the bluesScreamin’ Cheetah Wheelies

Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies – Shakin’ the blues

True to their Tennessee roots, this band is heavily influenced by the blues, with a bluesy sense of groove and hard-rocking riffs that exude a gritty, down-to-earth cool.

They were active only in the ’90s and have already disbanded.

Their unique band name is said to have been taken from an American comic.

1789Silver Mountain

Silver Mountain – “1789”

They are from Sweden.

As soon as they were introduced in Japan, their melodious, Nordic-style hard rock became popular, and they even toured Japan.

While changing members, they released three original albums.

Jan Johansson, hailed as a genius keyboardist, achieved worldwide breakthrough from this band.

AbracadabraSteve Miller Band

Abracadabra (Remastered 2017)

It hit No.

1 in the U.S.

in 1982.

It’s the title track from the album of the same name, whose cover illustration is striking.

The Steve Miller Band is a blues band, yet they had already scored two No.

1 hits with The Joker in 1973 and Rock’n Me in 1976.

It seems Steve Miller himself, though a bluesman, also has a knack for pop.

It’s well known that Boz Scaggs was once a member.

Jumpin’ Jack FlashThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Promo Video 1968) HD

It reached No.

3 in the U.S.

in 1968.

In honor, here’s one from the Stones.

There’s a fairly well-known story that Bill Wyman was casually playing the riff to this song while taking a break in the studio when Mick and Keith walked in and said, “This is great!” and turned it into a song, though the exact truth of the matter isn’t clear.

In 1986, Aretha Franklin’s cover version—separate from the original—was included on the soundtrack to a film of the same name, and it was a superb rendition that rivaled the original.

Love SpreadsThe Stone Roses

The Stone Roses – Love Spreads

A legendary British rock band that led the Madchester movement from the late 1980s to the early 1990s.

The Stone Roses’ appeal lies in their distinctive sound that fuses ’60s guitar pop with ’80s dance beats.

In 1989, they released their debut album, The Stone Roses, sparking a revolution in the UK music scene.

Incorporating elements of reggae, dub, and hip-hop, their music is marked by the intricate musicianship of John Squire’s guitar and Reni’s drumming.

In May 1990, they held a legendary concert on Spike Island near Manchester, drawing 60,000 people.

Their innovative sound continues to influence countless musicians to this day.

A band highly recommended for anyone seeking new forms of music.

Let’s Dance to Joy DivisionThe Wombats

The Wombats – Let’s Dance To Joy Division [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

The Wombats are a rock band from England, UK.

Their 2009 track “Let’s Dance to Joy Division” is a party-packed rock number—bright and upbeat, without the negative vibe you’d associate with Joy Division.

The slightly crisp, lightweight sound feels great, and it’s a song that sounds fantastic even on crummy speakers.

In any case, it’s a happy, lo-fi tune that just feels good—one you can enjoy without overthinking a thing!

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Murakami Shinpei

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