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)
Time Flies… 1994-2009Oasis
Time Flies.
.
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1994–2009 by Oasis, a band synonymous with British rock, is a must-have best-of album for any music fan.
With the astonishing feat of all 24 tracks having reached the UK Top 10, this collection is the perfect way to trace the band’s legacy.
Iconic songs like Wonderwall and Don’t Look Back in Anger have continued to be loved by millions around the world.
The album offers a stellar selection that captures the essence of rock, letting you immerse yourself in Oasis’s stirring sound while sensing the atmosphere of the era.
It’s a work that can be recommended both as an introduction to Western rock and to longtime fans alike—from accessible tracks for beginners to deeper cuts for those who want to dive in.
If you want to follow the path of the legendary British rock stars, pick up this album and set off on a grand musical journey.
You’re sure to find moments filled with the joy of discovering new music.
Greatest HitsBon Jovi
If there’s one album that’s perfect for getting into Western music, you can’t leave out Greatest Hits by Bon Jovi, the hard rock band that represents America.
Released in 2010, this album is a tightly packed collection of their appeal—truly the best selection—making it a gem that can be enjoyed by everyone from beginners to devoted fans.
Bon Jovi has been delivering hit after hit since their debut, and this album not only exudes the confidence of seasoned veterans but also adds a fresh twist with four brand-new tracks.
Even if you’ve only heard a few of their songs on TV or in movies, this album will make it easy to step into the world of Western music.
Why not take your first step into the world of rock with Bon Jovi’s superb rock sound?
Greatest HitsQueen
Greatest Hits is a best-of album by the British rock band Queen, released in 1981.
The album compiles Queen’s hit songs released between 1974’s Seven Seas of Rhye and 1980’s Flash, and in some countries it also includes the collaboration track Under Pressure with David Bowie.
With sales of over 25 million copies, it is Queen’s best-selling album and one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Distilling the essence of Queen’s appeal, this album is an excellent introduction to Western pop and rock music.
Best Of Volume 1Van Halen
Van Halen’s Best Of – Volume I is a perfect album for diving into Western rock.
You can enjoy their distinctive fusion of hard rock and heavy metal, and if you’re especially attuned to guitar riffs, the tapping on Eruption will blow you away.
Their music is fiery and energetic, instantly stirring a surge of adrenaline.
Another draw is that you can savor both Sammy Hagar’s and David Lee Roth’s vocal styles on a single record.
Though released in 1996, its quality delivers a freshness that transcends time.
It’s a powerhouse classic that can turn even newcomers into instant fans.
Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits 1973-1988Aerosmith
As a perfect introduction to the appeal of Western rock and pop, I highly recommend Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits.
Released in 1980 and hugely popular in the United States, this album distills the band’s signature songs that colored so many youths’ formative years.
Its melodic yet powerful guitar riffs and Steven Tyler’s dynamic vocals are truly stirring.
Packed with classics, it features many tracks that are instantly accessible even to those new to Western music.
It’s a record that conveys both the depth of a band with a long rock career and a timeless universality that resonates across generations.
A definitive album worthy of the title “best,” it lets you fully immerse yourself in the world of Aerosmith.
Billy The BestBilly Joel
Packed with Billy Joel’s classic hits, the historic masterpiece Greatest Hits is the perfect album for anyone making their debut with Western pop music.
From the much-loved in Japan Piano Man to the unforgettable melody of Just the Way You Are, you can enjoy many of his biggest songs.
The versions released in 1985 and 1997 both showcase Billy Joel’s musical evolution and have been embraced across generations.
Many of these tracks are familiar from TV and commercials, so you’ll likely find a favorite right away.
Discover a new sense of wonder through music.
The Beatles / 1967-1970The Beatles
The Beatles / 1967–1970, a collection of masterpieces that color the band’s dramatic later years, is filled with messages that resonate beyond words.
Since its original release in 1973, it has appeared in many variations and continues to enrich the musical experiences of listeners today.
In those voices lives the timeless spirit of The Beatles, instantly inviting listeners on a journey through a world of captivating sound.
The 2023 edition offers a chance to savor a refreshed vision of The Beatles’ universe.
Whether you’ve known them for years or are discovering them now, immerse yourself in the world of this album.