Classic Western albums: must-listen recommendations you should hear at least once

The GrudgeTool

TOOL – The Grudge (Audio)

The rock scene of the ’90s and ’00s was the heyday of heavy rock.

Many bands sold out, but Tool chose to remain firmly rooted in the underground.

If you listen to their landmark album Lateralus, you’ll understand their power: the ritualistic repetition of phrases, dizzying structures packed with odd time signatures, and an relentlessly heavy sound and shouts.

Unlike bands that turned into entertainers on MTV, they even refuse the spotlight at their live shows, to the point where the audience can’t even see their faces.

They are as underground as it gets, yet possess an overwhelming presence.

Diane YoungVampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend – Diane Young

In the late 2000s, the New York indie rock scene—centered in Brooklyn—drew significant attention.

A band that epitomized Brooklyn was Vampire Weekend, and their third album was Modern Vampires of the City.

Their music, simple and even endearing as if returning to the era of the Velvet Underground, became a major hit, especially among young people.

They are a band that seems to embody the breadth and openness of New York’s art world, and the album is a classic.

Wake UpArcade Fire

Arcade Fire – Wake Up (Official Audio)

Funeral is the debut album by the Canadian band Arcade Fire and one of the finest records of the 2000s.

At a time when heavy and dark bands were in vogue, Arcade Fire played a kind of chamber pop that felt somewhat nostalgic, earning them immense popularity.

In particular, the song Wake Up became their signature track and is still performed at every live show.

The Beatles / 1967-1970The Beatles

THE BEATLES – the Beatles (1967-1970) mix I

A compilation album of the Beatles’ classic tracks from 1967 to 1970 returned in a new form in November 2023.

These songs, brimming with the essence of the Beatles, resonate deeply with listeners.

From tracks like “Strawberry Fields Forever” and “A Day in the Life,” which incorporate experimental elements while conveying universal messages, to many more—this is a collection where you can feel the band’s musical evolution, including nine newly added songs.

Why not listen to the voices imbued with the spirits of John Lennon and the others, and let yourself be carried back to memories of your youth?

HelloAdele

Adele – Hello (Official Music Video)

This is a classic song by Adele, a timeless female singer who captivates the world.

After her Grammy win, she had released fewer tracks, but this song from her long-awaited new album drew exceptional attention and perfectly showcases her full charm at its very best.

Stand By MeBen E. King

Ben E. King – Stand By Me (Official Audio)

This is a classic by Ben E.

King that became explosively famous after being used in a movie.

Many people in the younger generation recognize the chorus, and the song is popular across a wide range of ages.

It’s characterized by a relaxed, jazz-like feel and a cool, striking vocal performance.

LassoPhoenix

Phoenix – Lasso

Phoenix, the band that represents modern-day France.

Their method of fusing simple guitar rock with synth sounds is by no means novel, yet their music is highly accessible despite its complex song structures, earning strong acclaim from both critics and listeners.

Their breakout work is Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

The title plays on Mozart’s name, and while the music shimmers in a way that evokes Paris’s golden age, it also makes extensive use of irregular time signatures.

Thanks to the album’s success, they rose to the point of being selected as headliners at Coachella, the massive American rock festival.