Music of a wonderful world

[2025] A roundup of recommended UK bands, featuring many up-and-coming artists!

Active club DJKento
Active as a club DJ. Centered on dance music, they mix a wide range of genres including US hip-hop and J-rap, captivating audiences with their unique musical style.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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!

[2025] A roundup of recommended British bands: plenty of rising artists too! (121–130)

I’ll stand By youPretenders

The Pretenders – I’ll Stand By You [MV]

I'll stand By youPretenders

The song “Don’t Get Me Wrong” was used on a Japanese TV show, but the Pretenders have released many other hits as well.

While the band mainly features upbeat tunes, this track is slow-tempo and rewarding to listen to.

Chrissie’s vocals are appealing, with a low yet resonant quality that really carries.

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Com On Feel The NoizeSlade

Slade – Cum On Feel The Noize • TopPop

Com On Feel The NoizeSlade

This song is best known for being covered by the heavy metal band Quiet Riot in 1983, but it was originally released in 1973 and reached number one on the UK charts.

They had many other hits as well, with a total of six songs hitting number one in the UK—an incredible level of popularity.

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Who Are You?The Who

The Who – Who Are You (Promo Video)

Who Are You?The Who

The Who, a rock band that represents the UK music scene, captivated audiences around the world from the 1960s through the ’70s.

The four-piece is known for Pete Townshend’s guitar and Roger Daltrey’s vocals.

They debuted in 1965 and produced hits like “My Generation” and “I Can’t Explain.” In 1969, with their innovative album Tommy, they established a new genre: the rock opera.

In December 1975, they reached No.

1 on the U.

S.

album chart, and they have continued to be highly active ever since.

The Who are known for their destructive stage performances and experimental sound.

They’re a recommended band for those who enjoy powerful playing and socially conscious lyrics.

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Train Kept a Rollin’The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds Train Kept a Rollin’ 1968 720p HD

Train Kept a Rollin'The Yardbirds

The Yardbirds, a rock band that Britain is proud of, were formed in London in 1963.

Known for their unique sound that fused blues, rock, and psychedelia, they produced guitarists who would later become legends of rock, including Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.

They created hits such as “For Your Love” and “Heart Full of Soul,” and as pioneers of psychedelic rock, they had a major impact on the music scene.

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, honoring their achievements.

They’re a recommended band not only for those interested in blues rock or psychedelic rock, but also for anyone who wants to trace the roots of master guitarists.

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[2025] A roundup of recommended British bands: plenty of up-and-coming acts too! (131–140)

Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band

Average White Band – Pick Up The Pieces (1977)

Pick Up The PiecesAverage White Band

A rare funk band from the UK whose members are mostly white.

Despite being an instrumental track, their 1974 release “Pick Up the Pieces” became a number-one hit on the U.

S.

charts.

Many of you are probably familiar with its main melody.

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Club FootKasabian

Kasabian – Club Foot (Official Video)

Club FootKasabian

Kasabian is a British rock band.

Alongside Arctic Monkeys, they may be one of the most successful bands to have emerged since the 2000s.

Their sound gives the impression of being highly addictive, blending indie rock with electronica.

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The Day We Caught The TrainOcean Colour Scene

Ocean Colour Scene – The Day We Caught The Train

The Day We Caught The TrainOcean Colour Scene

A rock band from Birmingham.

Formed in 1989, their sound is very traditional, and they are recognized as bearers of timeless, classic UK rock.

Fans remain captivated by their style, which transcends eras.

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