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

I Will DareThe Replacements

I Will Dare

The grunge movement erupted in the ’90s and took the world by storm.

With its gritty sound, growling vocals, and stark contrasts between quiet and loud, it became a global phenomenon.

One of the acts that had a profound influence on that grunge scene was The Replacements, particularly their landmark album Let It Be.

Released in 1984—nearly a decade before the grunge explosion—the album exudes the scent of grunge in many of its moments.

I Wanna Be AdoredThe Stone Roses

The Stone Roses – I Wanna Be Adored (Live In Blackpool)

A rock song that represents The Stone Roses, an artist who has influenced countless musicians.

The gently drifting, floating guitar sound even feels like a forerunner of today’s post-rock.

The vocals are, of course, wonderful, but in this track the guitar takes center stage; it gives the impression that the guitar is supporting and empowering the protagonist, who repeatedly declares a desire to be worshiped.

With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

An iconic song by U2, the rock band that represents Ireland.

This was also the first track by U2 to reach number one on the US charts.

Not just the vocals, but the guitar, bass, and drums—every element is a lean collection of sounds; in short, it’s a simple and downright cool ballad.

Aerosmith’s Greatest Hits 1973-1988Aerosmith

Aerosmith – Walk This Way (Audio)

Released in 1980, the classic album Greatest Hits is a defining record of Aerosmith’s early career.

Certified 12x Platinum in the United States, it distills their signature songs into one collection.

Marked by Steven Tyler’s powerful vocals and memorable guitar riffs, it features a host of tracks that colored many listeners’ youth.

With timeless favorites like Dream On and Sweet Emotion, the album offers a full taste of rock’s allure.

It’s also a great entry point for Western music and perfect for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the world of Aerosmith.

I Want It That WayBackstreet Boys

Backstreet Boys – I Want It That Way (Official HD Video)

In Japan, many people say this song got them into Western music, and it’s a classic by the Backstreet Boys that has influenced listeners worldwide.

It features a cool, rock-tinged melody and vocals that are both powerful and rhythmic.

It’s a stylish track that’s perfect for a date, too.

40/40Carpenters

Yesterday Once More

This is a two-disc compilation album packed with the charm of the Carpenters, the American pop music group emblematic of the 1970s.

It features 40 tracks woven together by Karen Carpenter’s warm, heartfelt vocals and Richard Carpenter’s masterful arrangements.

Released in Japan in April 2009, it became a major hit, reaching No.

3 on the Oricon chart.

Timeless classics like “(They Long to Be) Close to You” and “Rainy Days and Mondays” gently sing of love, everyday joys, and, at times, tender heartache.

It’s an ideal pick for anyone seeking soothing melodies or looking for a welcoming introduction to Western pop music.

Concrete AngelGareth Emery

Gareth Emery feat. Christina Novelli – Concrete Angel [Official Music Video]

Gareth Emery excels at beautiful melodies.

Among his tracks, this is a classic that many DJs have remixed.

It sits somewhere between EDM and uplifting, featuring a sound where the melody unfolds solidly while still keeping an easy-to-dance rhythm.