[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!
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[Western Music] A roundup of male singers active in the ’80s (61–70)
Livin’ in the LimelightPeter Cetera
Originally known as an art-rock group, Chicago transformed into a ballad-oriented band in the 1980s, with Peter Cetera at its center.
However, for this solo debut single, he deliberately chose a rock direction, resulting in a hard, guitar-focused tune.
Take On Mea-ha
It’s a masterpiece that could be called a monument of 80s synth-pop, distinguished by its shimmering, sparkling synthesizer tones! This memorable track was the debut single released in 1985 by Norway’s a-ha, a landmark song that catapulted the group to global stardom.
Their debut album, Hunting High and Low, which includes this song, also achieved international success, reaching No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts with a boost from heavy rotation on MTV.
Evoking the radiant spirit of the 1980s, this work captivates with its catchy melody and soaring high vocals, and can also be enjoyed as a coming-of-age anthem about taking a positive, proactive approach to love.
The Boy Who Came BackMarc Almond
Marc Almond, who served as the vocalist for Soft Cell—a group that gained popularity as a singular, unconventional presence in the ’80s UK New Wave movement.
Speaking of Soft Cell, their sound was defined by then-cutting-edge synth-pop paired with Marc’s soulful vocals, and lyrics that, while conveying a sense of literary sophistication, also took on provocative themes.
Marc’s solo debut single, “The Boy Who Came Back,” released under his own name in 1984, stands apart from electro sounds: led by a briskly strummed acoustic guitar backing, it’s a pop song marked by a catchy main piano motif and the memorable beauty of Marc’s voice.
That said, it still exudes Marc’s distinctive sultriness and an unmistakable decadence, making it a pop song that perfects the individuality of a cult star rather than a conventional pop idol—so quintessentially Marc, and absolutely brilliant.
Karma ChameleonCulture Club
A British band that blazed through the 1980s with the vocalist Boy George’s cross-dressing cosplay, making them pioneers of the visual kei style.
Although they were often seen as gimmicky at the time, their songs—heavily influenced by Black music—are also highly regarded for their quality.
Say You Say MeLionel Richie
With his overwhelming vocal performances, Lionel Richie dominated the 1980s.
His vocals are exceptionally outstanding.
together foreverRick Astley
If I had to name an artist from the ’80s who left a strong impression, it would be Rick Astley.
The gap between his looks and his voice was incredible and really shocked me.
His singing voice is excellent, and many of his songs are catchy, pop numbers that are very easy to sing along to, so I especially recommend him.
Less Than ZeroElvis Costello
Elvis Costello is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom.
Early in his career, he was known as an “angry young man,” a punk-style musician who put aggressive messages front and center.
As he grew older, his musical style gradually evolved, and he transitioned into a mature singer who brilliantly performs masterpieces of love ballads such as “She” and “Smile.” His debut release was the single “Less Than Zero,” issued in 1977.