[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists!
In Japan, both now and in the past, bands from the UK have been especially popular among Western music.
As fellow island nations, there’s a shared sensibility—those slightly damp, melancholic melodies and lyricism resonate perfectly with Japanese tastes, and many people are also drawn to the distinctly European worldview.
In this article, we’ve researched recommended UK bands.
The first half spotlights up-and-coming and new artists you should watch to understand the “now” of Britain, while the second half takes a broader look—centered on rock—at veterans and mid-career acts you ought to know.
It features plenty of bands that are great for beginners to UK rock and Western music alike, so be sure to check it out!
- Recommended UK rock bands. Popular overseas bands.
- [2025] Popular British Artists: Recommended Singer-Songwriters
- [2025] Classic UK rock albums: A roundup of must-hear recommendations
- [2025] A roundup of classic UK rock songs: from the latest tracks to timeless staples!
- Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands
- Most Popular Western Music Bands Ranking [2025]
- Western Rock Music Popularity Ranking [2025]
- [Grabs Your Heart] A Compilation of Western Songs with Cool Intros [2025]
- Cool Western music bands. Recommended overseas bands that will get you pumped just by listening.
- [2025] Cool! A roundup of Western bands with twin vocals
- Popular Western Girls' Bands Ranking [2025]
- [2025] Trending Western Music: The Latest Hit Songs to Watch
- [2025] Australia’s Band Scene: Talented Artists on a Rapid Rise in Popularity!
[2025] A roundup of recommended British bands: plenty of rising acts too! (71–80)
AntmusicAdam&the Ants
They debuted in 1977 and went on to release a string of hits by 1980, with their popularity exploding especially in the UK.
They were so successful that in 1982 they even won the Best Album award at the Brit Awards.
Perhaps because their style is so distinctive, though, they hardly had any hits in Japan.
R U Mine?Arctic Monkeys
Arctic Monkeys are a band that represents the UK indie rock scene.
Formed in Sheffield in 2002, they shot to prominence with their 2006 debut album, “Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not.” As one of the first bands to gain popularity through the internet, their debut became the fastest-selling album by a debut artist in the UK.
They’ve earned numerous accolades, including seven Brit Awards and nine Grammy nominations.
From indie rock to post-punk and, more recently, space pop, they continue to captivate listeners with their diverse musical styles.
With distinctive lyrics and a refined sound, they’re a band highly recommended for music lovers.
Heat of The MormentASIA
Formed by members who left big bands like Roxy Music and Yes, Asia gradually faded from the spotlight, partly because they only had a few hit songs.
“Heat of the Moment” reached as high as No.
4 in the U.
S.
and is still used in films and on TV today.
[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands: plenty of up-and-coming acts too! (81–90)
ParanoidBlack Sabbath
They are considered one of the three great hard rock groups alongside Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, but in Japan they might be the least conspicuous of the three.
This band is said to be a pioneer of heavy metal, and they have been known since their debut for writing songs with occult themes.
Song 2Blur
Blur, a beloved national band that Britain is proud of.
Formed in London in 1988, they have led the music scene as a defining force of Britpop.
Since their 1991 debut, they’ve produced numerous hits like Parklife and Song 2, dominating the UK charts.
In August 1995, they grabbed headlines with the “Britpop War” against Oasis.
Known for their experimental sound and socially conscious lyrics, they’re recommended not only for rock fans but also for anyone who wants to experience British culture through music.
Listen to their songs and you’re sure to feel the atmosphere of the UK—why not give them a try?
Waking The DemonBullet For My Valentine
Formed in Wales in 1998, they are a four-piece melodic metal/metalcore band.
With a barrage of intense drumming and guitar riffs paired with contrastingly beautiful melodies, they have produced numerous classic tracks and gained a large fan base, especially among younger listeners.
The Fire Is GoneChange of Heart
From their self-titled debut on the prestigious Escape Music label.
While the synth-driven song structures clearly show a strong Bon Jovi influence, their polished songwriting goes far beyond mere imitation.
Packed with grin-inducing twists and phrases, this is highly recommended for fans of melodic rock.