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

Shes a Wrong WomanBacon Fat

Bacon Fat – Shes a Wrong Woman

A blues band formed by Rod Piazza, a leading white harmonica player and top disciple of Black blues harpist George Smith.

This hidden gem lets you revel in deep, richly flavored blues, with master Smith himself joining in to deliver a commanding harmonica performance.

When I See You SmileBad English

Bad English – When I See You Smile

A U.S.

No.

1 hit in 1989.

This was a supergroup formed by Neal Schon—Journey’s guitarist and an idol for guitar kids in the early ’80s—Jonathan Cain, the keyboardist who was the musical core of Journey, John Waite, formerly of The Babys and a solo artist who scored a U.S.

No.

1 in ’84 with “Missing You,” on bass and vocals, and Deen Castronovo on drums.

Unfortunately, Neal Schon left and the band disbanded almost immediately.

Neal and Jonathan went on to begin activities with a reborn Journey.

It was a super band that was destined to sell.

Gamma RayBirth Control

Birth Control – “Gamma Ray” (1972)

An eternally second-tier band dubbed the ‘German Deep Purple’ for their hard rock featuring the Hammond organ.

Their rugged looks and lack of polish are part of their charm, and it’s well known that this title track later became the name of a German hard rock band.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?CHICAGO

Chicago Transit Authority – Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

Peaked at No.

7 in the U.S.

in 1971.

Included on the debut album Transit Authority (Chicago’s first album).

It’s an incredible record, with a torrent of masterpieces from Introduction to Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is? (Japanese title), Beginnings, and Questions 67 and 68.

As a single, it was their third to chart, hitting after 25 or 6 to 4.

Early Chicago, when they were doing brass rock, was also politically charged in their songwriting—totally on the offensive.

It’s a completely different band from the later AOR-era Chicago.

The FlameCheap Trick

Cheap Trick – The Flame (Official Video)

Cheap Trick, the band that revolutionized the American rock scene! Formed in 1973, they’ve captivated countless fans with their unique sound that fuses British pop and hard rock.

Their 1978 live album, Cheap Trick at Budokan, became a global hit after their popularity in Japan ignited its success.

They went on to produce numerous classics and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016.

With energetic stage performances and irresistibly catchy melodies, their music is a must-listen not only for rock fans but also for lovers of power pop!

Suzie QCreedence Clearwater Revival

Creedence Clearwater Revival: Suzie Q

It reached No.

11 in the U.S.

in 1968.

The debut hit by CCR, the “masters who peaked at No.

2 in the U.S.,” also fell just short of the Top 10.

CCR was a band centered on guitarist and vocalist John Fogerty and his brother Tom, the Fogerty brothers, and while they pursued a gritty roots-rock sound—recognized in Japan as a “cool, understated band”—they actually had many hits, including Have You Ever Seen the Rain.

This song was originally by Dale Hawkins in 1957.

Highway StarDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Highway Star(PV)

Formed in the UK in 1968, Deep Purple is a band that helped shape the dawn of hard rock and heavy metal.

Their signature songs—especially their unforgettable guitar riffs—are regarded as milestones in rock history.

In 2016, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 1975 they were listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the “loudest band in the world.” Ritchie Blackmore’s inventive guitar work and Jon Lord’s keyboard playing, influenced by classical music, are particularly distinctive.

Highly recommended for those who want powerful performances and a heavy, rich sound!