![[Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the 1980s](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/7flrKMGfwjw/maxresdefault.webp)
[Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the 1980s
When we think of the overseas music scene in the ’80s, it was an era that drew major attention to genres like New Wave and hip-hop as digital sounds began to be incorporated.
Of course, the pop scene also flourished, and it was a time when many legendary artists—whose popularity still hasn’t faded—made their mark.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of male singers who were active in the international music scene of the ’80s.
From artists everyone knows to acclaimed singers who might be less familiar to younger generations, we’ve picked out a diverse lineup—so be sure to find your new favorite!
[Western Music] Summary of Male Singers Active in the 1980s (1–10)
Can You Stand The RainNew Edition
When discussing the R&B ballads that defined the music scene of the 1980s, New Edition’s “Can You Stand the Rain” is indispensable.
With emotionally rich lyrics and an excellent melodic line in perfect harmony, this song gently portrays the depth of a couple’s bond and has continued to be loved by many.
In particular, the contrasting charms of Johnny Gill’s and Ralph Tresvant’s vocals are striking, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
It’s truly a warm track that’s perfect for a rainy day!
Laughter in the RainNeil Sedaka
Neil Sedaka, who was active in the 1970s.
He’s an American-born singer and also a songwriter.
Amazingly, he kept turning out hit songs from the late 1950s—so impressive! Massive hits like “Diary” and “Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,” too.
Although he went through a slump for a while, he made a brilliant comeback in the 1970s with hits like “Laughter in the Rain” and “Bad Blood” on Elton John’s label! He’s also a Grammy winner.
Sedaka’s songs have been covered by many artists and continue to be loved.
He’s definitely an artist I’d recommend to anyone who wants to listen to nostalgic pop!
Give Me Your LoveBryan Adams
Bryan Adams is a singer-songwriter who represents Canada, scored global hits especially in the 1980s, and remains an active, full-throttle performer in the 2020s.
His de facto debut single, “Give Me Your Love,” is a ballad included on his self-titled debut released in 1980, when Adams was just 20 years old, and in Japan the phrase was also used as the album’s Japanese title.
Looking at the album as a whole, the inclusion of such a calm, beautiful ballad among the straight-ahead, youthful rock numbers you’d expect from a 20-year-old rock ’n’ roller reveals Adams’s outstanding talent as a songwriter.
The falsetto-laced melody is wonderful, and the simple yet moving guitar solo is clearly something that appeals to Japanese tastes.
Listening to it in light of Adams’s later career, in which he produced a string of hit ballads, may lead to new discoveries.
SailingChristopher Cross
Christopher Cross is a singer-songwriter best known for his massive hit “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do).” With his sweet, gentle high tenor, he became one of the defining singers of AOR.
His debut work was the 1979 album Christopher Cross.
The featured video is for the album track Sailing—a calm ballad that feels as if you can see the ocean shimmering.
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael
Included on Wham!’s 1984 album Make It Big.
Born in 1963.
A singer-songwriter from London.
This single was featured on the duo Wham!’s second album, which he was a member of.
In the UK, it was released as his solo single.
I think it’s one of the defining hit singles of the 1980s.
Ride Like the WindChristopher Cross
If you’re a fan of AOR, you’ve surely heard of Christopher Cross, the American singer-songwriter.
His self-titled debut album, released in 1979 and a massive hit, is also known in Japan by the title “The Man from the South.” The album and one of his signature tracks, “Sailing,” enjoyed great success, including winning a Grammy in 1981.
His clear, soaring high-tenor voice is truly exquisite, and he’s very popular in Japan as well.
His debut single “Ride Like the Wind,” given the Japanese title “Kaze Tachinu,” is not only marked by his overwhelmingly beautiful vocals and lush choral work, but also features strings and a hard-driving guitar solo, incorporating the disco-influenced sound that was booming at the time—very cool indeed.
If you’ve only ever listened to softer, mellow songs like “Sailing,” you might be in for a surprise!
I Don’t Have the HeartJames Ingram
The poignant classic “I Don’t Have the Heart” by Allan Rich and Jud Friedman.
Delivered by James Ingram at the end of the 1980s, this ballad earned high praise from many listeners and critics.
Its lyrics, expressed through warm, heartfelt vocals, capture the struggle of not wanting to hurt someone you love while being unable to go on loving them.
With James Ingram’s delicate voice, it’s a track that deserves renewed attention amid today’s revival boom.
Be sure to check it out.