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

GREENS AND BLUESPixies

PIXIES – Greens and Blues (Official Video)

The vocalist is short, fat, and bald—the complete opposite of Japan’s visual-kei style.

But he’s many times cooler.

Fans will know that recently, the triple afflictions that plague this man were completed by adding one more: he’s now an old guy.

You could say the foundation of Nirvana’s songs lies in this band’s music.

AlivePearl Jam

Pearl Jam – Alive (Official Video)

Pearl Jam is one of the bands that represent the American rock scene.

They spearheaded the early-1990s grunge movement and have captivated many fans with their powerful sound and socially conscious lyrics.

Their 1991 debut album, Ten, was a massive hit, going 13x platinum.

Vs.

sold over 950,000 copies in its first week, breaking records at the time.

Beyond their music, their stance toward the industry—such as criticism of ticketing systems—also drew attention.

In 2017, they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Eddie Vedder’s distinctive vocals and the band’s heavy guitar sound are compelling.

Highly recommended for anyone looking for powerful, fiery rock!

If I Ever Feel BetterPhoenix

Phoenix – If I Ever Feel Better

Phoenix is a French rock band that debuted in 2000.

They emerged just as the gritty, distorted guitar-rock boom of the ’90s was fading, and stood out with their stylish sound.

Blending funk, disco, and Black-influenced rhythms with an effortlessly relaxed approach, they exude cool.

Their fresh rhythms and tones—unlike much of what came before—opened a new door for rock.

Another Brick In The WallPink Floyd

Pink Floyd – Another Brick In The Wall (HQ)

A British rock band counted among the “Big Five” of progressive rock, boasting worldwide fame as legends of the genre.

Their music fuses rock with elements of psychedelic rock, blues, and folk, while their literary and philosophical lyrics—exploring themes like human alienation and political issues—achieve a singular level of artistry.

Although pioneers of progressive rock, they are not virtuosos focused on showy technique; instead, they are known for a dreamy sound imbued with weightlessness and ennui that feels deeply comfortable.

For newcomers to Western music looking for progressive rock, this is the first band I recommend.

Killing In the NameRage Against The Machine

Rage Against The Machine – Killing In the Name (Official HD Video)

Alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, the standard-bearers of rap-rock are Rage Against the Machine.

With solid technique, they deliver high-energy performances of technically demanding songs, layering them with politically charged, radical messages rapped on top.

That unheard-of style absolutely floored the band kids of the time.

Guitarist Tom Morello not only sounds cool playing conventionally, but also uses techniques like kill-switch style playing to produce tones you wouldn’t think could come from a guitar, earning attention for his tricky approach.

He’s a virtuoso frequently featured in guitar magazines.

Blitzkrieg BopRamones

Blitzkrieg Bop

The Ramones are a band that epitomizes the American punk rock scene.

Formed in New York in 1974, their appeal lies in short, simple three-chord songs—around two minutes long—and an incredibly fast tempo.

Their debut album, “Ramones,” is renowned as a masterpiece that established the punk rock style.

Over the 22 years until their breakup in 1996, they remained highly active, performing an astonishing 2,263 live shows.

They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.

Their music influenced a wide range of genres, from New York punk to college rock, and is highly recommended not only for rock fans, but also for anyone curious about punk rock.

Ruby SohoRancid

Rancid – ‘Ruby Soho’ (Music Video)

Amid the melodic punk boom that had been gaining momentum since the late 1980s, the ska-punk band Operation Ivy—Rancid’s predecessor—was formed in 1987.

The band disbanded after just two years, and later in 1991, the legendary band Rancid was born with vocalist Tim Armstrong at its core.

From irresistibly catchy melodic punk to upbeat ska punk that perfectly suits the California coast, their songs are simply a joy to listen to! This is a must-hear band for all Japanese punk and melodic core kids! Their live performances are wild and full of highlights, so be sure to look them up on YouTube!