Most Popular Western Music Bands Ranking [2025]

Seven Nation ArmyThe White Stripes57rank/position

The White Stripes – Seven Nation Army (Official Music Video)

A song by the American rock duo The White Stripes, released in February 2003 and included on the classic album Elephant.

It’s a signature track of theirs that won Best Rock Song at the 46th Grammy Awards.

The iconic riff that everyone recognizes is actually not a bass, but a processed guitar.

The song powerfully proclaims an unshakable spirit of defiance that refuses to bow to any massive power or pressure.

Many of you may have heard it sung as an anthem in stadiums around the world, including at the FIFA World Cup.

When you need courage to face challenges, this track is sure to give you strength.

What Makes You BeautifulOne Direction58rank/position

One Direction – What Makes You Beautiful (Official Video)

A signature song from One Direction’s debut album “Up All Night” that propelled them to global stardom.

It’s also well known for winning the British Single of the Year at the 2012 BRIT Awards.

Born from the songwriter’s real-life experience, the heartwarming message—encouraging a loved one who feels “I’m not beautiful”—never fails to stir the emotions with every listen.

From the intro’s guitar riff it’s irresistibly catchy, and the unforgettable melody is guaranteed to light up any karaoke session.

The chorus is super simple, so even if you’re not confident in your English pronunciation, you can power through it—perfect for a big sing-along.

It’s the ultimate feel-good anthem.

This Will Be Our YearThe Zombies59rank/position

This Will Be Our Year – The Zombies

Known in Japan by the straightforward title “Starting Today,” “This Will Be Our Year” is a song released in April 1968 by The Zombies, a British band active in the 1960s.

Some in Japan may remember it being used in a 2017 commercial for Recruit’s Zexy featuring Yui Sakuma and Sho Kiyohara.

Its memorable piano tone, horn section, and sweet melody make it a truly wonderful classic.

Because the band actually disbanded during the production of the album where the song first appeared, Odessey and Oracle, it reportedly was never performed live at the time.

The lyrics of “Starting Today” celebrate gratitude toward a loved one and the idea that “this is where our beginning starts,” marking a fresh start.

It’s perfectly suited to a wedding-themed commercial, and it also seems like a great choice to listen to in January as the new year begins.

Shut Up and DanceWalk the Moon60rank/position

WALK THE MOON – Shut Up and Dance (Official Video)

This song, which tells of a fateful encounter on the dance floor, is a perfect fit for the liberating feeling of summer.

Created by the American indie rock band Walk the Moon based on their real-life experience, it beautifully fuses the new wave sound of the ’80s with a modern pop sensibility.

The lyrics carry a message of shaking off hesitation and enjoying the present moment, passionately depicting the chemistry of romance and trust in destiny.

Released in September 2014, it reached No.

4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a massive hit, earning platinum certifications in countries around the world.

It’s an exhilarating dance anthem recommended not only for summer drives and party scenes, but also for anyone ready to take a step into a new romance.

Carry OnAngra61rank/position

Angra – Carry On (Official)

The song included on Angra’s first album, Angels Cry, by the Brazilian power metal band, is a melodious track that incorporates classical elements.

Released in 1993, it begins with a thrilling introductory guitar riff, and its exhilarating sound—woven from powerful vocals and virtuosic performances—captivated many metal fans.

Featuring high-register vocals and a catchy melodic line, this piece remains one of Angra’s signature songs and continues to enjoy great popularity.

AfricaTOTO62rank/position

Toto – Africa (Official HD Video)

Toto is a band that brought together members with proven skills as studio musicians.

With a sound that blends a variety of genres around a rock core, they continue to captivate many fans.

This piece is a track from the 1982 masterpiece “TOTO IV,” which reached the top of the charts in February 1983.

It grandly sings of the songwriter’s longing for the African continent, and in recent years it was also used in the drama “Stranger Things.” Perhaps it is precisely because it portrays a place never actually visited that its mysterious imagery is so compelling.

The lyrical world, where awe for majestic nature intersects with the earnest feeling of not wanting to part from a loved one, is truly breathtaking.

It’s the perfect song for when you want to bask in a grand, expansive mood.

First Dateblink-18263rank/position

blink-182 – First Date (Official Video)

A song by Blink-182, a three-piece rock band known as a quintessential pop-punk act whose activities have even drawn in street culture as a whole.

Included on their fourth album, Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, this track also became a hit in Japan, so many of you may have heard it.

Kicking off with a driving drum fill and moving into a bright guitar riff, the intro perfectly embodies the exhilarating feel of pop punk.

It’s a signature song that can be considered a pop-punk standard, which surged in popularity around the year 2000, and it remains a staple in their live shows.