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 UK bands: plenty of up-and-comers too! (141–150)

When The Laughter StopsYard Act

Yard Act – When the Laughter Stops ft. Katy J Pearson

When The Laughter StopsYard Act

Yard Act, formed in Leeds, UK in 2019, is a rock band known for combining post-punk minimalism with dry wit.

Their debut album, The Overload, released in January 2022, reached No.

2 on the UK Albums Chart.

The band is characterized by jagged, 1980s-style post-punk guitars and lyrics that offer a distinctive perspective on contemporary British society.

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, they gained prominent fans including Elton John.

They have won multiple awards, such as the Reeperbahn Festival International Music Award.

Recommended for listeners who resonate with lyrics that cast a critical eye on modern society.

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Lived A LieYou Me At Six

You Me At Six – Lived A Lie

Lived A LieYou Me At Six

The works they’ve released frequently enter the charts, and in their home country of the UK they are an overwhelmingly popular five-piece rock band.

From stadium anthems characteristic of bands accustomed to large-scale stages to exhilarating rock tunes and danceable tracks, they possess a flexible range of expressive styles.

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Little LiesFleetwood Mac

Fleetwood Mac – Little Lies (Official Music Video) [HD]

Little LiesFleetwood Mac

This band has sold 10 billion albums to date and holds the record for the highest album sales in the world, but I feel they aren’t that well known in Japan.

They debuted in 1967 and have been active for a long time.

Their songs span various rock genres, offering a pleasant sound that isn’t too loud.

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Something About YouLevel 42

Level 42 – Something About You

Something About YouLevel 42

All of their songs have a calm atmosphere and a distinctive character, giving off a mature, cool rock vibe.

This track became a big hit, reaching No.

4 in the U.

S.

and No.

6 in the U.

K.

, and the album featuring this song ranked particularly high in Europe.

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Damaged GoodsGang Of Four

Gang of Four – Damaged Goods (Entertainment! album version)

Damaged GoodsGang Of Four

Formed in Leeds, England in 1976, Gang of Four are a post-punk band known for their distinctive sound influenced by social critique and punk.

Their 1978 debut single “Damaged Goods” reached No.

1 on the indie chart.

In 1981, they released their second album, Solid Gold, cementing a fusion of danceable rock and funk.

The band’s songs tackle social themes and were even banned from broadcast on the BBC at times.

Marked by political awareness, distinctive guitar work, and rhythmically driven basslines, they have had a major impact on the post-punk scene.

Highly recommended for fans of socially conscious rock.

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Owner Of A Lonely HeartYES

Yes – Owner Of A Lonely Heart (Official Music Video)

Owner Of A Lonely HeartYES

With this song, Yes reached number one in the UK, but unfortunately they didn’t have any other standout hits.

The album that includes this track, 90125, has a refreshing rock vibe, and the vocals are pleasant—highly recommended.

Even people who aren’t into rock can listen to this album without resistance.

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In conclusion

As I mentioned at the beginning, there’s something about the melodic sense and sound of British bands that strangely resonates with Japanese listeners, and even those new to Western music who aren’t used to English lyrics should find it easy to listen to.

At the same time, the characteristically British literary quality and skewed perspective of the lyrics become more fascinating the deeper you dive.

I hope this article serves as a gateway for you to fall headfirst into the world of British music!