Most Popular Western Music Bands Ranking [2025]

The TrooperIron Maiden22rank/position

Iron Maiden – The Trooper (Official Video)

A representative band known for bringing the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement, born in the UK in the 1980s, to worldwide attention, Iron Maiden created a new current in metal with their music.

This track, included on their fourth album, Piece of Mind, features an arrangement that charges forward like a battlefield—perfectly matching the vibe of its Japanese title, “A Battle Without Tomorrow” (“Aces High” style urgency), and really gets your adrenaline pumping.

Iron Maiden’s trademark palm-muted guitar riffs became a standard for metal riffs and influenced bands across the globe.

With its heavy, powerful sound and strikingly beautiful high-tone vocals, it’s a quintessential metal classic.

Every Breath You TakeThe Police23rank/position

The Police – Every Breath You Take (Official Music Video)

The Police are a British band that rose to prominence in the late 1970s with their innovative musical style that blended rock with reggae elements.

This work is their signature song, released in May 1983.

In Japan, it’s frequently heard in commercials, so many people may recognize the melody.

At first glance, it seems like a romantic love song, but the lyrics depict a slightly unsettling side—intense obsession with and surveillance of a lover.

This imbalance between the sweet melody and stalker-like lyrics becomes a compelling charm that captivates listeners.

Featured on the classic album Synchronicity, the song spent eight consecutive weeks at No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts.

It is a masterpiece ballad that is not merely beautiful, but one that delves into the depths of human psychology.

Breaking The LawJudas Priest24rank/position

Judas Priest – Breaking The Law (Official Music Video)

A track by Judas Priest, a metal band globally renowned by the moniker “Metal Gods.” Released as a single from their sixth album, British Steel, it features a hard-edged sound paired with melodious, catchy guitar work.

While comparatively simple in beat for Judas Priest, its aggressive vocals and sound sent metal fans around the world into a frenzy.

In under three minutes, this smash hit packs in everything that makes Judas Priest compelling—a song you’ll want to replay over and over.

With Or Without YouU225rank/position

U2 – With Or Without You (Official Music Video)

The single that U2, the Irish rock band with the most Grammy wins in the world, released in 1987 is “With or Without You.” It became the band’s first song to reach No.

1 on the U.

S.

charts, and it’s a simple ballad built on a four-chord progression.

The lyrics can be interpreted as a straightforward love song, but given that Bono, the band’s vocalist, is a devout Christian, they are also often read with a religious interpretation.

BelieverImagine Dragons26rank/position

Imagine Dragons – Believer (Official Music Video)

This track is striking for its powerful, heavy beat.

The lyrics describe the process of growing stronger by overcoming hardship and pain, which pairs perfectly with intense dance moves.

Released in February 2017, it ranked high on charts around the world.

In the US, it peaked at No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became one of the best-selling singles of 2017.

It was also featured in a Nintendo Switch commercial as well as in films and TV shows, which boosted its popularity even further.

This song is perfect for creating memorable moments in high school life, such as dance recitals and cultural festivals.

Take On Mea-ha27rank/position

a-ha – Take On Me (Official Video) [4K]

A signature work by the Norwegian band a-ha, woven from vivid synthesizer melodies and a warm vocal tone.

Many will likely relate to the lyrics, which portray a young person trying—sometimes hesitantly, yet with optimism—to convey deep feelings to the one they love.

The resolve to build a meaningful relationship and the heartfelt wish to cherish the moment resonate deeply.

Released in 1985 as a track on the album “Hunting High and Low,” the song has also been featured in films such as “Ready Player One” and “La La Land.” Alongside its innovative music video—which won six MTV Video Music Awards—it continues to be loved across generations.

It’s a heartwarming track to listen to when you need the courage to take a step forward or when you want to immerse yourself in memories with someone special.

More Than WordsExtreme28rank/position

Extreme – More Than Words (Official Music Video)

This is a signature acoustic ballad by Extreme, the American rock band known for hard rock and funk metal.

Defying the image of their intense band sound, Nuno Bettencourt’s delicate guitar tones and his beautiful harmonies with Gary Cherone resonate deeply.

The song expresses a sincere plea for genuine actions behind the words “I love you,” and its purity moves listeners to tears.

Included on the 1990 album Pornograffitti, the track topped the U.

S.

charts after its single release in March 1991.

It’s a piece that will resonate profoundly when you want to quietly reflect on your feelings for someone special.