[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] Summary of Male Singers Active in the 1980s (1–10)
GirlfriendBobby Brown
Bobby Brown made his debut in 1983 as a teenager with the R&B group New Edition, but left in 1986.
He then found success as a solo artist and became well known among fans of ’80s R&B.
His second album, Don’t Be Cruel, released in 1988, was a massive hit, selling over 10 million copies worldwide.
His commemorative solo debut track, Girlfriend, which he released at the age of 17, is a wonderfully mellow number with an urban vibe that feels quintessentially ’80s.
While his performance—confidently singing about an adult world—seems a bit beyond his years, it’s also marked by a youthful innocence in his voice that’s the unique charm of a teenage singer.
Savor that rare brilliance that can only shine during this brief moment in time.
Johnny Can’t ReadDon Henley
Included on the 1982 album “I Can’t Stand Still.” Born in 1947, a musician from Texas and the drummer of The Eagles.
This single was released from his first solo album during The Eagles’ hiatus.
The keyboard tone that runs throughout is striking.
I think it’s a cool track brimming with pop sensibility.
Hi, How Ya Doin’?Kenny G
Included on the 1983 album G Force.
Born in 1956.
A saxophonist from Seattle.
This is his debut single; he would later become famous in 1987 with the hit Songbird.
Although uncredited, it was made with Barry Johnson on vocals.
[Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the ’80s (11–20)
Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley
No matter how you slice it, this song is the epitome of the ’80s—the bubbly vibe is absolutely top-notch.
Riding the disco-to-Eurobeat boom of the time, “Never Gonna Give You Up” became a massive hit in Japan as well.
Released in 1987 by British singer Rick Astley, it was both his debut single and his signature song.
His debut album, “Whenever You Need Somebody,” which includes the track, was also a worldwide success.
For those who remember the bubble era well, this song is probably etched in memory as something inseparable from the atmosphere of that time.
Listening again now, Rick’s deep, soulful vocals—especially striking given that he was only 21—are incredibly captivating, and the contrast with the song’s meticulously crafted, irresistibly catchy pop sensibility is brilliant.
Starting around 2007 in the internet age, the music video became widely used as a so-called bait-and-switch meme known as “Rickrolling,” which amusingly led to a renewed appreciation of Rick’s vocal talent.
Spread a Little HappinessSting
It sometimes happens that a member of a famous group makes their solo debut by contributing a song to a movie soundtrack, and this track is one such example.
It plays over the ending of the film Brimstone and Treacle, which has not been released in Japan, and Sting also appears in the movie.
Love Lifted MeKenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers was a singer from the United States.
A heavyweight in country music, he was regarded as a national icon in America.
“Lady,” released in 1980, became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the U.
S.
charts.
His solo debut was the 1976 album Love Lifted Me.
The featured video is the track of the same name from that album.
His husky, rugged voice is a perfect match for country music.
Maybe I’m AmazedPaul McCartney
Paul McCartney, whose name appears in the Guinness Book of Records as “the most successful composer in popular music history.” In the 1960s, he was active as the bassist, vocalist, and keyboardist of the legendary band The Beatles, and in 1970, right after the band’s breakup, he released his first solo debut album.
The featured video is for the album track “Maybe I’m Amazed,” a masterpiece love ballad that is a staple of Paul’s live performances.