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

Hanging GardenThe Cure

The Cure – The Hanging Garden

I think Robert Smith—the core of The Cure and practically the godfather of goth—had makeup, hair, and fashion that were incredibly cool.

What’s amazing about him is that over many years he kept that look, even as the band’s sound kept evolving, yet no matter where you cut it, it was always unmistakably The Cure.

Town Called MaliceThe Jam

The Jam – Town Called Malice

The Jam, a rock band that Britain is proud of, formed in 1972 and emerged during the height of punk rock.

Their debut single, “In the City,” was released in 1977 and reached the UK Top 40.

They went on to notch 18 consecutive Top 40 hits, with four songs reaching number one.

Influenced by early-1960s mod bands, their sound grew increasingly pop-oriented.

Until they announced their breakup in December 1982, they continued to lead the UK music scene.

The album “The Gift,” released just before their split, reached No.

1 on the UK chart.

Packed with a distinctly British spirit, their music continues to be loved by many fans today.

There she goesThe La’s

The La’s – There She Goes

Lars from Liverpool, UK.

What I found really cool was the stubbornly uncompromising attitude of Lee Mavers—who was the vocalist, frontman, songwriter, and also the guitarist—toward music and sound; he refused to make any concessions whatsoever.

Some Like It HotThe Power Station

The Power Station – Some Like It Hot

It reached No.

6 in the U.S.

in 1985.

This band was formed by Duran Duran’s Andy Taylor and John Taylor, who brought in Robert Palmer as the vocalist and added Tony Thompson on drums.

Recorded at the studio that inspired the band’s name, the album delivered a truly “Power Station”-like, powerful sound.

Fans who had been expecting something in the vein of Duran Duran were blown away.

Handle With CareTraveling Wilburys

The Traveling Wilburys – Handle With Care

It reached No.

45 in the U.S.

in 1988.

Their first album, “Volume 1,” hit No.

3 in the U.S.

At the 1989 Grammy Awards, they won Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group.

They are one of the most famous masked bands and supergroups in rock history.

The lineup consisted of the Wilbury brothers—four of them (George Harrison, Jeff Lynne, Roy Orbison, and Bob Dylan)—plus their cousin (Tom Petty), making five members.

Although they were a “masked” band, everyone could tell who they were at a glance.

Even with so much talent gathered together, they managed to create incredible work without clashing—so they must have gotten along very well.

Changing of the SeasonsTwo Door Cinema Club

Two Door Cinema Club – Changing of the Seasons

Among recent British rock bands, you don’t really see anyone dressed in that stereotypical “punk lover” fashion.

They’re the British rock band Two Door Cinema Club.

This work features strikingly sad lyrics about how feelings for someone changed like the seasons.

People often say that when your environment changes, relationships change too.

Meanwhile, the track has their signature pop vibe, with a breezy, springlike freshness.

It feels very stylish and tasteful.

War GameTyburn Tall

Tyburn Tall – War Game

A hard rock band that debuted in 1972 with a self-produced record.

Centered on the organ, they deliver an aggressive sound while arranging classical masterpieces.

It’s now available on CD, but the original pressing was a legendary ultra-rare item that reportedly fetched nearly one million yen.