For Beginners to Western Music: Recommended Western Music Groups – A Roundup of Popular Bands
Including pop, R&B, and idols, so-called boy bands and girl groups have a charm that’s different from bands, don’t they?
Because many of them have released massive hits that went down in music history, they might sometimes be shunned by rock fans.
But it’s also true that when you actually listen to the songs they performed, you often realize, “This sounds familiar,” and that in itself is pretty amazing.
So this time, we’re introducing Western music groups you should check out first—recommended even for beginners—spanning different eras.
You might even discover, “Oh, so they were the ones who sang that song!”
- [2025] Western Music You’ve Heard at Least Once — From Trending New Tracks to Timeless Classics
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]
- [Western Music] The appeal of male groups: from boy bands to R&B groups
- I Want to Be Healed from the Heart: Recommended Western Ballads Sung by Female Vocalists
- Cute recommended Western music bands
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- The 1970s were the golden age of Western rock! Recommended classics and hit songs
- [For Beginners] A Roundup of Classic Popular Soul/Funk Bands
- A popular song sung by a male Western music group
- Summary of representative Western funk artists and groups
- Summary of Western pop music: A comprehensive introduction to famous pop songs from overseas.
- Popular female Western music artists in Japan. Recommended famous overseas divas and singers.
- Recommendations for Western All-Female Bands—from Legendary Groups to Promising Newcomers
[For Beginners of Western Music] Recommended Western Music Groups: Popular Groups Summary (1–10)
No ScrubsTLC
Emerging from the United States in the 1990s, TLC is a female R&B group still beloved by many music fans today.
Perfect for listeners new to Western music, their signature track “Waterfalls” became a massive hit as soon as it was released in 1995.
From their debut, they captivated the public with powerful messages and lyrics championing women’s independence.
TLC’s influence remains immense in today’s R&B scene, and their fifth album, TLC, released in 2017, showcases fresh appeal.
In particular, songs like “No Scrubs” and “Unpretty” still sound fresh today, delivering a timeless groove.
TLC’s music offers a wonderful experience that can be recommended to listeners across generations!
I Want You BackThe Jackson 5
The Jackson 5, the group that featured the superstar of the century, Michael Jackson, are packed with timeless pop appeal that transcends generations.
In particular, ABC, released in 1970, is a classic where the brothers’ tight harmonies and the overwhelming vocal talent of a young Michael shine.
Likewise, the 70s dance number Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground) sets vocals atop an upbeat rhythm that naturally gets listeners moving.
Their bright, forward-looking energy is sure to offer a pleasant listening experience even to those new to Western pop.
If you trace the history of music, you can also sense the profound influence they’ve had on many artists.
You Can’t Hurry LoveThe Supremes
The Supremes are timeless gems of the Western music scene that transcend generations.
Known for churning out hits in the 1960s and for launching the career of the famed Diana Ross, their songs still resonate with countless listeners today.
In 1964, Where Did Our Love Go topped the charts, and they continued to dominate with a string of Top Ten hits that cemented their overwhelming popularity.
With dazzling stage costumes and refined performances, The Supremes radiated an unmatched presence.
As a group that can be considered the prototype of the girl group, their music has had a major influence on today’s pop scene.
They’re a fantastic group with a sound loved across eras—highly recommended even for newcomers to Western pop music!
[For Western music beginners] Recommended Western music groups: Popular groups roundup (11–20)
Bye Bye Bye*NSYNC
Formed in Orlando in 1995, *NSYNC are pop superstars who set the world ablaze from the late ’90s onward! With Justin Timberlake among its members, the group captivated the public with catchy melodies and dazzling dance performances.
In particular, their 2000 album “No Strings Attached” set a sales record of one million copies on its first day of release.
Among its tracks, “It’s Gonna Be Me” remains a massive hit that still resonates with fans today.
Even newcomers to Western pop will be charmed by their irresistibly pleasant sound and beautiful harmonies.
Work from Home (ft. Ty Dolla $ign)Fifth Harmony
Fifth Harmony, a group that shines uniquely in the music scene regardless of era, grew from their formation on The X Factor in 2012 into a beloved presence worldwide.
Their energetic hit “Worth It,” released in 2015, is still fresh in our memories for topping charts around the globe.
Their appeal lies in dynamic vocals paired with songs that deliver empowering messages for women.
When you listen to their vibrant music, its bright rhythms and pleasant melodies will naturally get your body moving.
Including Camila Cabello, who remained in the group until 2016, Fifth Harmony has etched their name into music history and continues to be loved by many fans today.
SuckerJonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are a trio of siblings who took flight from America to the world.
Sharing a childhood dream and delivering commanding harmonies, they thrill music fans.
While many of their songs feature poppy, catchy melodies, you can also hear rock-style, edgy performances, showcasing a wide musical range.
Since their 2005 debut, they’ve produced numerous hits, then unfortunately went on hiatus in 2013.
However, they reunited in 2019 and lit up the charts again with the album “Happiness Begins.” Their catalog is full of gem-like pop songs loved by people across generations—without a doubt, they’re a group I can highly recommend.
Back for GoodTake That
Since their 1990 debut, Take That has been a leading boy band brightening the UK pop music scene.
Their song “Back for Good” was a massive hit, topping the UK charts in 1995, and it still remains in many people’s hearts today.
From ballads to up-tempo dance numbers, they excel at crafting effortlessly listenable melodies.
While they may not be as widely known in Japan as in their home country, the music of the talented members of Take That continues to enjoy enduring popularity—so be sure to check them out.