Great as an introduction to Western music! A best-of album loved around the world.
For those who have primarily listened to Japanese music, it can be hard to know where to start with Western music.
If you have a friend nearby who loves Western music, they might be able to give you recommendations, but without someone like that, it can be tough to take the first step.
So this time, we’re introducing best-of albums from a variety of artists.
Best-of albums usually include many of the tracks that are especially popular for that artist, and you’ll also find songs you may have heard in Japan on TV shows or commercials.
If any artist catches your interest, be sure to pick up their music and give it a listen!
- Classic Western albums: must-listen recommendations you should hear at least once
- Famous Western songs everyone knows: a roundup of classic tunes you’ve heard somewhere before
- A classic tribute album of Western music. A highly recommended pick.
- [2025] Moving Western songs that touch the heart: A roundup of recommended masterpieces
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- [Western Music] The World of Power Ballads: A Collection of Must-Listen Gems to Start With
- Western music I want to listen to leisurely on the weekend. World classics and popular songs.
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- Recommended cool Western music artists
- For Beginners to Western Music: Recommended Western Music Groups – A Roundup of Popular Bands
- Recommended Western music for men in their 60s: world classics and popular songs
- Masterpiece and hit songs by recommended Western bands from the 2000s
- Recommended Western music for men in their 40s: world classics and popular songs
Highly recommended as an introduction to Western music! A best-of album loved around the world. (1–10)
The BestJustin Bieber
The best-of album “The Best,” which symbolizes the career of Justin Bieber—a pop icon beloved around the world—is a collection brimming with appeal that transcends the boundaries of pop and rock.
Its overwhelming pop sensibility is filled with the unique charm only Justin Bieber can deliver, continuing to captivate listeners.
It also serves as a perfect gateway from Japanese music to Western music, and his vocals possess a timeless, universal beauty.
Through Justin Bieber’s music, a new musical world opens up.
Both fans who grew up with his music and listeners discovering him for the first time are sure to experience heart‑pounding moments with this album.
Greatest HitsMariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s Greatest Hits is truly the perfect starter album for Western pop music.
It collects her diverse hits from the 1990s through the 2000s, many of which are familiar in Japan from commercials and TV shows.
Listen straight through and you’ll understand why she’s called the Queen of Pop.
From moving ballads like Vision of Love and Hero to the dance track Fantasy, you’ll be swept away by her astonishing five-octave vocal range.
This album shows exactly why she’s loved by people across generations.
It’s packed with classics you’ll want to try at karaoke—start your wonderful music journey with this collection.
ABBA GoldABBA
“ABBA Gold” is the ultimate best-of album packed with ABBA’s charm.
It brings together timeless classics like “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia,” beloved around the world, and has the power to put a smile on anyone’s face.
In particular, “Dancing Queen” enjoyed long-running success in the UK and continues to be cherished by many fans, proving ABBA’s universal appeal.
Since “Waterloo” became a smash hit at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest, ABBA has released a string of memorable songs.
As a perfect introduction to Western pop, why not pick up “ABBA Gold” and experience their brilliance once again?
Also recommended as an introduction to Western music! A best-of album loved around the world. (11–20)
40/40Carpenters
“40/40” is a Carpenters compilation album known for its soothing melodies and gentle vocals.
It’s an ideal introductory collection that will let listeners who have mainly enjoyed Japanese music appreciate the charm of Western pop.
Released in 2009, this album is a perfect first step toward opening the door to new music—pick it up and give it a try.
The Carpenters’ songs, often heard on TV shows and commercials in Japan, are sure to add color and richness to your everyday life.
MothershipLed Zeppelin
As a perfect best-of album for getting into Western music, I highly recommend Led Zeppelin’s “Mothership.” This deluxe compilation brings together highlights from across their career, with the track selection made by the members themselves.
Released in 2007, it includes their signature songs like “Whole Lotta Love” and “Stairway to Heaven,” letting you experience Led Zeppelin’s innovative musical world all at once.
For those listening to Western music for the first time, this album is an ideal, easy entry point to enjoy their sound.
Its solid rock rhythms and melodic guitar phrases are irresistibly engaging, drawing in even those who aren’t already fans.
It’s a work that lets you fully appreciate music that’s both approachable and profound.
Number OnesMichael Jackson
This is an album collecting hit songs by Michael Jackson, beloved by many fans and reigning as the King of Pop.
Since its release in 2003, it has been cherished worldwide as an introductory collection for listening to his classics.
From universally known mega-hits like Thriller and Billie Jean to moving ballads, it truly condenses his musical life into one album.
It also includes the new track One More Chance, making it a treasured presence for fans paying tribute to Michael Jackson.
It’s an album that deserves a place in music history and one we hope anyone starting to explore Western pop will pick up.
The Beatles / 1962-1966The Beatles
The Beatles’ music has continued to captivate the world.
In particular, the compilation album The Beatles / 1962–1966, commonly known as the “Red Album,” which gathers songs from their early to mid period, is perfect as an introduction to Western pop.
Ever since its 1973 release, this album has allowed listeners to relive the Beatles’ journey—essentially a story tracing their evolution.
It has played a role in conveying the Beatles’ magic to new listeners and expanding their fan base.
Decades later, the 2023 expanded track list and remixed edition further elevate the sound quality with 12 additional tracks and new stereo mixes.
It’s a timeless best-of album that we recommend both to those just discovering the Beatles and to everyone who deeply loves their music.