Lovely Western music

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

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

You still hear people say things like, “I listen to Japanese rock bands, but I’m not so good with Western music,” even today, when it’s easier than ever to listen online to music from any era and anywhere in the world from the comfort of your home.

There are many reasons for this, but it seems some people feel a hurdle simply because the lyrics aren’t in Japanese.

So this time, we’ll introduce recommended Western rock bands for those who are thinking of getting into Western rock.

From legendary big names to bands lighting up the 2020s, we’ve picked a diverse lineup to enjoy!

[A Guide to Western Rock] Recommended Western Bands, Popular Bands (111–120)

RemedyThe Black Crowes

The Black Crowes – Remedy

RemedyThe Black Crowes

Formed in Atlanta, USA, in 1984, The Black Crowes are a hard rock band influenced by blues and Southern rock.

They gained popularity for their powerful live performances following their 1990 debut album, Shake Your Money Maker.

Chris Robinson’s distinctive vocals and the elements of Southern hard blues rock are particularly compelling.

Their 1992 album, The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion, reached No.

1 on the Billboard 200, with four tracks topping the Album Rock Tracks chart.

In 2000, they broadened their activities by releasing a collaborative album with Jimmy Page.

Although they disbanded once, the brothers reunited in 2019.

Highly recommended for those who love a powerful rock sound.

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My Name Is ThunderThe Bloody Beetroots + JET

My Name Is Thunder (OFFICIAL VIDEO) The Bloody Beetroots + JET

My Name Is ThunderThe Bloody Beetroots + JET

Two bands have become one: The Bloody Beetroots + Jet.

Speaking of The Bloody Beetroots, their distinctive masks resemble the Marvel character Venom.

Their sound is electro with a distinctly punkish vibe.

Jet, meanwhile, is an Australian rock band so well-known that any music fan would recognize them, famous for their garage-tinged sound.

This time, the two bands have teamed up.

What kind of chemistry will spark from this collaboration?

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London CallingThe Clash

The Clash – London Calling (Official Video)

London CallingThe Clash

An English punk rock band counted among the “big three” of punk alongside the Sex Pistols and The Damned.

Their politically and socially charged lyrics and explosive onstage performances electrified the youth of the time.

By incorporating diverse styles—reggae, dub, gospel, folk, R&B, rockabilly, jazz, ska, and calypso—and establishing a unique identity on the landmark album London Calling, they sent shockwaves through the scene, showcasing an evolution that set them apart from being just another punk band.

Highly recommended if you’re looking for Western punk rock, they’re an accessible band for beginners.

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FoolsThe Dodos

The Dodos – “Fools” (Official Music Video)

FoolsThe Dodos

The Dodos, released on the prestigious American label Polyvinyl.

They’re a duo consisting of acoustic guitar and drums.

That said, I’m not sure it’s accurate to call this “folk.” A wide variety of genres are blended together, and the way they shape it all into something unmistakably pop with just acoustic guitar and drums feels so good—what a fantastic band.

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F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.The Fall of Troy

The Fall of Troy “F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.” (Official Music Video)

F.C.P.R.E.M.I.X.The Fall of Troy

The Fall of Troy is an indie band from the US.

They incorporate plenty of unusual song structures and odd time signatures, and are often categorized as prog or math rock.

That said, their vocal melodies remain decidedly catchy, and—though this might be a misleading way to put it—I find them very much “to Japanese tastes.” I recommend them for their pleasantly over-the-top style and choruses with a strong sense of speed.

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ClayThe Garden

The Garden – “Clay”

ClayThe Garden

The Garden is a garage-punk band led by twin brothers, recognizable by their praying mantis motif.

I wrote ‘garage punk,’ but their songs incorporate a wide range of approaches beyond that, making it clear they’ve absorbed a lot of music into their band.

The sound stays mischievous and menacing throughout, so if it’s your thing, you’ll really love them.

I love them.

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The Kids Aren’t AlrightThe Offspring

The Offspring – The Kids Aren’t Alright (Official Music Video)

The Kids Aren't AlrightThe Offspring

A pop punk band from the United States.

They are signed to Sony BMG and Columbia Records.

The core members are Dexter Holland, Noodles, Greg K.

, and Pete Parada.

During their indie era in 1994, they released Smash.

This album became the origin of the punk boom at the time.

Afterwards, they produced legendary hits such as All I Want and Hit That.

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