Famous Western music musicians
In Japan, partly because there are so many outstanding musicians, domestic music holds a large share.
But how about exploring Western music—the origin of rock and pop? We’ve put together a collection of works by prominent Western musicians all in one place.
Thanks to the influence of Hollywood films and overseas TV dramas, Western music is becoming more widely recognized, and by listening to music from around the world, your own horizons are sure to expand!
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- Updated daily! Today's featured Western music picks!
Famous Western music musicians (21–30)
VertigoU2
A song released by U2 in 2004, it was used in Apple’s iPod commercial that year, in which U2 themselves also appeared as silhouettes.
With its driving feel and simple structure, this track has become one of the defining songs of U2 in recent years.
JumpVan Halen
A hard rock superband led by guitar hero Edward Van Halen, who revolutionized the rock world with his virtuosic playing.
This song, noted for its catchy keyboard work, became a global hit and stands as one of their signature tracks from the ’80s.
Take On Mea-ha
This Norwegian trio is known for this work, which became a worldwide hit in 1985.
Their idol-like promotion strategy also paid off, making them popular in Japan.
They can be considered the most successful pop group from Scandinavia since ABBA.
Viva La vidaColdplay
Titled “Beautiful Life” in Japanese, this song is a 2008 release by the British band Coldplay and was used in commercials for the iPod and iTunes.
The anthem-like track, which conveys a grand sense of scale, builds to a near-religious fervor when the band and audience become one during live performances.
My SharonaThe Knack
The debut single by the American rock band The Knack.
It was released in 1979.
It became a huge hit in the United States, spending five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
In Japan, it has been used as the theme song for the variety show “Ame Talk.” In 2005, it drew attention for being included on then U.S.
President George W.
Bush’s iPod.