Cool Western music bands. Recommended overseas bands that will get you pumped just by listening.
There are foreign bands with irresistibly captivating sounds you can hardly hear in Japan! From powerful, energetic vocals and satisfyingly heavy sound production to dynamic stage performances—there’s no way to sum it all up in a single phrase.
This time, based on reliable feedback from music fans submitted to our site, we researched popular Western bands.
Among them, we carefully selected especially well-regarded rock bands—both classic and contemporary—along with their staple songs.
If that’s your thing, be sure to check it out!
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Cool Western music bands: recommended overseas bands that boost your mood just by listening (111–120)
There she goesThe La’s
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.
Cool Western music bands. Recommended overseas bands that will boost your mood just by listening (121–130)
Some Like It HotThe Power Station
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.
Jumpin’ Jack FlashThe Rolling Stones
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.
Typical GirlsThe Slits
Formed in the UK in 1976, The Slits are known as pioneers of punk rock.
As an all-female band, they brought a fresh breeze to the music scene.
Their debut album, Cut, released in 1979, made a big splash, reaching No.
30 on the UK charts.
Their music, which went beyond the boundaries of punk rock, was characterized by a unique sound that incorporated elements of reggae and dub.
They reunited in 2005 and toured around the world.
Their powerful performances and defiant stance toward society are said to have influenced many female artists, including Madonna and the Spice Girls.
They’re the perfect band for anyone who wants to express themselves through music.
This Charming ManThe Smiths
Their early song (the second single) hit No.
1 on the UK Indie Chart.
The band had a strong core following in Japan thanks to Morrissey’s uniquely cynical, literary world and Johnny Marr’s beautiful guitar work that amplified it.
They debuted in 1982 and broke up in 1987.
Of course, both have also had successful solo careers.
Maybe their timing was a bit awkward, or they’re simply unknown to those who don’t know? It’s puzzling that, especially in the U.S., their sales never matched their critical acclaim.
Love SpreadsThe Stone Roses
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 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!
