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

Only Time Will TellASIA

Asia Only time will tell

It reached No.

17 on the US charts in 1982.

This was a supergroup formed by John Wetton (ex–King Crimson), Steve Howe (ex–Yes), Carl Palmer (ex–EL&P), and Geoff Downes (keyboards/ex–Yes).

This song is the second single from their second album, Alpha.

With progressive rock stars joining forces, people wondered what kind of music they would make, and they drew a lot of attention—but it turned out to be surprisingly conventional.

Their first Japan tour was even slated to be broadcast on TV, and just as expectations were high, John Wetton quit at the last minute! Greg Lake stepped in as his replacement.

They certainly kept everyone talking.

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.

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!

Pull Me UnderDream Theater

Dream Theater – Pull Me Under [OFFICIAL VIDEO]

Dream Theater is a progressive metal band from the United States.

Known for their complex song structures and advanced musicianship, they achieved worldwide fame with their 1992 album Images and Words.

Their unique sound, which fuses progressive rock and heavy metal, continues to captivate music fans.

In 2013, a track from their self-titled album Dream Theater was nominated for a Grammy, further attesting to their highly regarded talent.

They’re a recommended band for those who want to enjoy technical performances and epic compositions!

Girls on filmDuran Duran

Duran Duran – Girls On Film (Official Music Video)

Duran Duran falls into the New Romantic category, but I think they also had elements of what could be called the original visual-kei band.

They captivated women and girls of the time with their cool image, but I don’t think they were ever just a band with idol-like good looks.

Do it CleanEcho & the Bunnymen

Echo & The Bunnymen – Do It Clean (Live Early 80s)

Even thinking back now, they were such a cool band it gives me chills.

Especially the frontman, Ian McCulloch—his presence on stage and his live performance were just unbelievably cool.

Among their songs, this one was the coolest to hear live.

Will’s guitar was incredible too!