[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!
- A Collection of Classic 80s Western Ballads with Male Vocals
- Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]
- Recommended male artists and singers in Western music from the 1970s
- [Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the ’90s
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- [80s Western Music] Debut Songs by Male Artists
- Recommended Western music for men in their 60s: world classics and popular songs
- Western music artists popular among people in their 60s: Ranking [2025]
- A popular, up-and-coming male singer-songwriter in Western pop music
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2025]
- A roundup of debut songs by male Western artists/singers from the ’90s
- Western songs that men like: world classics and popular tracks.
[Western Music] A Roundup of Male Singers Active in the ’80s (21–30)
She’s Got a WayBilly Joel
Billy Joel is a singer-songwriter sometimes called the “Piano Poet.
” He has numerous hit songs, including “Just the Way You Are,” “Honesty,” “The Stranger,” and “Uptown Girl.
” With his approachable melodies and sound, Billy has many fans in Japan as well.
His debut work was the album Cold Spring Harbor, released in 1971.
The video features She’s Got a Way, a track from the album—a fine piece that already showcases Billy’s talents as a melodist.
Ganz WienFalco
Included on the 1982 album “Einzelhaft.” Born in 1957.
He is a musician from Austria who became instantly famous with the worldwide hit single “Rock Me Amadeus,” released in 1985.
He is committed to singing in German, and of course he sings this song in German as well.
If You Let Me StayTerence Trent D’Arby
Included on the 1987 album “Introducing the Hardline According to Terence Trent D’Arby.” A singer born in 1962 and originally from New York.
This was the first single from his debut album, released in 1987.
With a sound that incorporates a variety of musical genres, he was hailed as a genius from the outset, and the songs are all full of taste and style—I was really impressed.
If You Love Somebody Set Them FreeSting
Sting is a singer-songwriter from the United Kingdom.
He is known as the frontman of the British three-piece band The Police, and as a solo artist he has continued to release a string of hit songs.
The Police-era track Every Breath You Take is regarded as one of the defining songs of the 1980s.
Sting’s debut solo work was the 1985 album The Dream of the Blue Turtles.
The featured video is If You Love Somebody Set Them Free, a track from that album.
Piano ManBilly Joel
Billy Joel is a singer-songwriter born in the United States, who has excelled across a wide range of genres from pop to R&B.
He broke through in 1973 with the smash hit “Piano Man,” and has produced numerous classics such as “Just the Way You Are” and “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me.” His high musical artistry has been recognized with six Grammy Awards.
He has also commanded a massive stage presence, performing more than 100 concerts at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
In addition, he is dedicated to supporting music education.
His timeless songs continue to resonate in the hearts of many people today.
Caribbean Queen (No More Love On the Run)Billy Ocean
Billy Ocean is a British soul and R&B singer.
His soulful voice captivated countless listeners, but it was the disco boom of the ’80s when his music truly shone.
The boom, of course, reached Japan as well, and he was a legendary singer who helped shape the mood of the discos that young people flocked to night after night.
Can’t take my eyes off youBoys Town Gang
This is a quintessential dance track from the 1980s.
It was such a popular anthem that whenever it played in dance clubs—then commonly called discos—everyone would start dancing.
In Japan, it’s known by the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru,” and it remains enduringly popular today.