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

City Of AngelsThirty Seconds To Mars

Thirty Seconds To Mars – City Of Angels (Lyric Video)

They’re a rock band known for many intense, cool tracks, but this song is a very simple ballad.

The melody is as wonderful as ever, evoking a sense of nostalgia and carrying a dramatic feel.

It’s a masterpiece where beautiful piano and strings meet a delicate arrangement, elevated by powerful vocals.

Alwaysblink-182

blink-182 – Always (Official Video)

Pop punk became a worldwide craze around the year 2000, launching countless famous bands, and Blink-182 stood among the most iconic.

Catchy melodies, breakneck beats, and goofy antics—everything sat squarely at the heart of pop-punk culture.

But the band grew up with their fifth album, “Blink-182.” As heard in the featured track “Always,” they adopted a slightly darker, more laid-back sound influenced by new wave, setting themselves apart from the rest of the pop-punk scene.

Never MeantAmerican Football

American Football – Never Meant [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Indie rock that feels perfect for a slow afternoon.

The sound is so dazzling that it left me impressed, realizing rock can be this stylish.

It’s emotional without being loud—gentle tones that seep into the heart, with a touch of beauty.

Back HereBBMak

BB MAK, BACK HERE

A signature song by a hidden gem of a group that debuted in 1999, released two albums, and then unfortunately disbanded.

Neither album has so-called “filler” tracks; every song is easy to listen to and paints a gentle, pop world.

The beautifully clean harmonies are especially memorable.

Use SomebodyKings Of Leon

Kings Of Leon – Use Somebody (Official Video)

In the American rock scene over the past decade or so, Kings of Leon are unquestionably among the reigning champions.

They’re distinguished by a hot, rugged sound often called Southern rock, heavily influenced by music from the American South.

What catapulted the band to the top was the massive hit Use Somebody from the album Only By The Night.

In today’s music landscape, Kings of Leon may be the only band capable of delivering rock on such a grand, U2-like scale.

All I WantLCD Soundsystem

LCD Soundsystem – All I want

The post-punk revival/new rave that emerged in the 2000s was led by LCD Soundsystem.

Influenced by ’80s club music and rock, the band is often compared to New Order.

Their landmark work is This Is Happening.

In particular, All I Want is a masterpiece that evokes a nostalgic groove—something like a modern-day New Order.

War On WarWilco

Wilco – War on War

Wilco is an American alternative country band that has gained popularity by mixing elements of alternative rock with classic country.

Among their work, the album “Yankee Hotel Foxtrot” is regarded as a masterpiece.

It is often called a reaction album to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, which occurred about half a year before its release, and is seen as an album that symbolizes America after 9/11.

People often say music captures its era, and this work is the era itself.