Recommendation of Western Rock: Recommended Foreign Rock Bands, Popular Bands

SometimesMy Bloody Valentine

Sometimes My Bloody Valentine

Are you familiar with the music genre known as shoegaze? Coined in the UK in the 1990s, it’s a subgenre of alternative rock characterized by whispery vocals delivering shimmering melodies amid a flood of noise-laden guitars that make heavy use of spatial effects.

I’ll skip the details of its etymology and development here, but among the bands labeled shoegaze, the most famous is My Bloody Valentine.

Also known by the nickname “My Bra,” the band was formed in Dublin in 1984 around the genius Kevin Shields, and with two albums released from the late ’80s to the early ’90s, they secured their place in music history.

After a long hiatus, they announced their return in 2007, finally toured Japan, and in 2013 released their first new album in 22 years.

The sound world crafted on MBV’s 1991 release Loveless—an ecstatic, Eden-like realm woven from swirling walls of sound—has been cited as an influence by many Japanese musicians and bands.

Even if you’ve only ever seen the name “My Bloody Valentine,” this is the perfect chance to dive in!

Built To LastMêlée

Mêlée – Built To Last (Video)

Mêlée is a rock band formed in 2000 in Orange County, California.

Their music stands apart from typical pop-punk, placing emphasis on piano and melodic sensibility.

They released their debut album, Everyday Behavior, in 2004, and a single from their 2007 sophomore album, Devils & Angels, became an international radio hit.

Their carefully crafted melodic pop, influenced by Elton John and Coldplay’s Chris Martin, has even been featured in film and TV soundtracks.

They’re a recommended listen for fans of pop rock and indie rock.

Kickstart My HeartMötley Crüe

Mötley Crüe – Kickstart My Heart (Official Video)

Mötley Crüe is a representative band of the LA metal scene that became a huge sensation in the 1980s.

In Japan, when people think of metal, many picture spiky hair, leather stage outfits, and flashy live performances, and it’s said that they were the ones who did all of that first.

They’re also known for having lots of scandals involving drugs and alcohol.

Bizarre Love TriangleNew Order

New Order – Bizarre Love Triangle (Official Music Video) [HD Upgrade]

New Order is a band formed in Manchester, England, that represents the post-punk/new wave scene.

Heavily incorporating synthesizers and drum machines, they are also considered a techno-rock band.

In 1980, after Ian Curtis, the vocalist of the post-punk band Joy Division, took his own life, the remaining members honored their promise that they would not continue under the same name if even one member were missing, and formed New Order.

They released “Ceremony,” the last new song performed with Ian during the Joy Division era, as New Order’s first single.

Although bassist Peter Hook left the band in 2012, New Order continues to be active today.

How You Remind MeNickelback

Nickelback – How You Remind Me

Nickelback is a Canadian rock band.

They’re a nationally beloved group that’s popular in Canada, and they’ve visited Japan many times for headlining tours and Summer Sonic, making them a well-loved band there as well.

Their greatest hallmark is powerful yet catchy, narrative-driven melodies that make you feel every song is a good one.

With a classic four-piece lineup of vocals, guitar, bass, and drums, their backing sound captures a raw, live band feel that makes them approachable for longtime rock fans too.

(You Can Still) Rock In AmericaNight Ranger

(You Can Still) Rock In America

Night Ranger is a rock band based in San Francisco.

Formed in 1979, they gained attention in the 1980s and became popular for their distinctive sound that fused hard rock and arena rock.

Characterized by powerful vocals and a guitar-driven style, they produced hit songs such as “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” and “Sister Christian.” They also contributed tracks to movie soundtracks, showcasing a wide range of activities.

Although they disbanded briefly in the late 1980s, they reunited in the 1990s.

They’re recommended not only for hard rock fans but also for anyone drawn to the grand scale of arena rock.

CloserNine Inch Nails

Nine Inch Nails – Closer (Director’s Cut)

Nine Inch Nails is a band that stands out for its exceptional dedication to sound production.

Their rich tonal palette defines their individuality, and their approach offers a distinct twist on the typical band sound that’s a key part of the appeal.

At the same time, the intense worldview layered over those meticulously crafted sounds is addictive, making it easy to see why they’re celebrated as legends in the United States—an absolutely top-tier band.