Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s

Steady OnShawn Colvin

Shawn Colvin – Steady On

This is the title track from singer-songwriter Shawn Colvin’s debut album.

The album won a Grammy Award and marked the beginning of her brilliant career.

It’s said that the lyrics weave in her personal struggles and the path to recovery.

Her calm yet resolute voice pairs exquisitely with the delicate plucking of the acoustic guitar.

Gently urging you to “keep moving forward,” the song feels less like simple encouragement and more like a close friend quietly standing by your side during life’s toughest moments.

It’s a track with a mysterious power that can make your heart feel just a little lighter when times are hard.

You’re the Best Thing YetAnita Baker

You’re the Best Thing Yet

One of the defining R&B female singers, Anita Baker originally performed as part of a band starting in the 1970s.

She made her solo debut in 1983, releasing her first album, The Songstress.

Although her big commercial breakthrough came with her next album, Rapture, her musical style was already firmly established on her debut.

Her urban, mellow soul music—centered on live instrumentation and set apart from the digital sound of the ’80s—always sounds stylish no matter when you listen.

And I am telling you I’m not goingJennifer Holliday

Jennifer Holliday – And I am telling you I’m not going (1982)

Born from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, this song was released in 1982 as the debut single of American singer Jennifer Holliday.

With a voice forged in gospel, the lyrics hurl her feelings at her lover—“I’m not going anywhere!”—a cry that feels less like a song and more like a soul laid bare.

Many listeners have likely felt chills at her overwhelming expressive power.

It doesn’t come across as just another breakup song; it sounds like a fierce declaration of resolve that refuses to yield to adversity.

Perhaps some of you have memories of turning to this track to rally yourselves when faced with an inescapable reality.

I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE

Kylie Minogue – I Should Be So Lucky

Included on the 1988 album “Kylie.” Born in 1968.

A singer and actress from Melbourne.

This was her music debut single after working since childhood as a child actor.

Its danceable, pop, digital sound makes you want to move your body lightly—an upbeat track.

Marlene On The WallSuzanne Vega

Suzanne Vega – Marlene On The Wall

Included on the 1985 album “Suzanne Vega.” Born in 1959, she is a singer from New York State.

This is the debut single by a singer who also became very popular in Japan with hits like “Luka,” released in 1987.

The acoustic guitar sound characteristic of her style and her slightly lower-pitched vocals make for a striking track.

DannyTiffany

Tiffany “Danny”

Included on the 1987 album “Tiffany.” Born in 1971, she’s a singer and actress from California.

This was her debut single, released when she made her major-label debut at 16.

The album containing this song produced two number-one hits, but this track didn’t sell at all.

I don’t think it’s such a bad song, though.

I Could BeSinitta

Sinitta I Could Be – Radio Edit

Born into a musical family and active between the UK and the US, this is Sinitta’s memorable debut single.

Released in 1983, the track is pure synth-pop, packed with the spirit of the ’80s.

Its glittering sound and buoyant beat hint at the global hits she would later achieve.

“I could be that special someone for you.” You can picture a scene where that blend of confidence and anticipation is sent across the dance floor with a burning gaze.

With this song, Sinitta drew attention in the club scene and began her path to pop stardom.

Perhaps this single contains the raw gem that would later shine so brightly in her career.