[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 (’81–’90)
Endless LoveLionel Richie with Diana Ross
Included on the soundtrack of the 1981 album Endless Love.
It was the theme song for the film of the same name released that year.
The musician was born in 1949 and hails from Alabama.
Just before leaving the Commodores, he released a duet single with Diana Ross.
This song remains highly popular today and has become a standard.
SuedeheadMorrissey
Included on the 1988 album Viva Hate.
He is a British musician born in 1959.
It was the first single from the album released after The Smiths broke up, created in collaboration with producer Stephen Street.
The songs from this period were notable for their lyrical pop melodies.
Solsbury HillPeter Gabriel
Included on the 1977 album “Peter Gabriel.” This was his solo debut single; he’s best known for the U.
S.
number-one hit “Sledgehammer,” released in 1986, and was formerly the lead vocalist of Genesis.
It’s a track marked by a light, airy acoustic guitar sound and a catchy pop melody.
Soft and WetPrince
Included on the 1978 album “For You.” Born in 1958, a singer-songwriter from Minnesota.
This was his debut single, released when he was about 20.
The song didn’t do well commercially.
Listening to it, I feel the production was quite innovative—perhaps ahead of its time.
He wouldn’t start scoring hits until the 1980s.
The Other WomanRay Parker Jr.
Included on the 1982 album The Other Woman.
This was the debut single released after the breakup of Raydio, the R&B band he belonged to—he’s also known for the theme song of the film Ghostbusters.
The track suddenly climbed to No.
4 on the U.
S.
charts and became a hit.
It’s a cool number with a brisk rhythm and a poppy melody.
Don’t Mean NothingRichard Marx
From the 1987 album Richard Marx.
Born in 1963, a singer-songwriter from Chicago.
Recognized by Lionel Richie and Kenny Rogers, he worked with them before making his solo debut, and this was his debut single.
It’s a track where hard rock sounds mesh well with a pop melody—proof of his impressive talent.
[Western Music] A roundup of male singers active in the ’80s (91–100)
You and IRick James
Included on the 1978 album ‘Come Get It!’.
This is his debut single, later used by MC Hammer as the sample for ‘U Can’t Touch This,’ titled ‘Super Freak.
‘ It’s a danceable, pop-tinged R&B track with a sound that’s pleasing to the ear.