[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 who were active in the ’80s (41–50)
Holding Back The YearsSimply Red
It hit No.
1 in the U.
S.
in 1986—this was their breakthrough.
Simply Red kept scoring hits with the soulful vocals of their red-haired frontman, Mick Hucknall.
In Japan, there was quite a buzz around Gota Yashiki joining the band as their drummer around the time of another hit, Stars.
In 1989, they reached No.
1 in the U.
S.
with their cover of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes’ If You Don’t Know Me by Now.
Mick is great at soul covers, too.
The up-tempo Money’s Too Tight (to Mention) and The Right Thing are also excellent tracks.
Can We Spend Some TimeSURFACE
Surface’s classic “Can We Spend Some Time” pours deep love into a smooth, comforting R&B groove.
With emotions that quietly swell and seep into your heart, this 1988 release radiates a timeless allure.
Its lyrics, tender and bittersweet in their celebration of precious moments with a loved one, are sure to grip listeners.
It’s a ballad steeped in the atmosphere of the ’80s, yet it still feels strikingly fresh and emotionally resonant today.
We Are The WorldUSA For Africa
This is the song “We Are the World” by USA for Africa, released in 1985.
USA for Africa, which featured a lineup of prominent artists such as Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and Stevie Wonder, was a charity project aimed at relieving the famine in Africa, a major social issue at the time.
It remains a beloved song around the world to this day.
Is This LoveWhitesnake
Whitesnake’s “Is This Love” continues to captivate countless listeners with its soul-stirring melody and lyrics that highlight tenderness.
Featured on the 1987 album “Whitesnake,” the song remains beloved and timeless.
This classic, where uncertainty and hope in love intertwine, portrays in fine detail the emotional fluctuations in love that anyone can relate to.
Be sure to check out this ballad that has lingered in many hearts across generations.
Goody Two ShoesAdam Ant
The “New Romantic” movement that swept through the UK in the 1980s had a huge impact on Japanese artists and so-called visual-kei bands.
Adam Ant, whom we’re introducing here, is the frontman of Adam & the Ants, considered emblematic of that scene.
Adam also debuted as a solo artist in 1982, and his solo debut track, “Goody Two Shoes,” was not only a UK number one but also a breakout hit in the United States.
The snappy guitar backing, brilliant horn section, bouncy beat, and poppy melody still sound great today.
Ozawa Kenji even makes bold use of it in one of his own songs, so if you’re interested, check it out.
Key LargoBertie Higgins
From the very opening of the music video, the crisp white jacket, boldly open neckline, and impressive mustache give off a wonderfully suave vibe.
This is “Key Largo,” the 1981 debut single by singer-songwriter Bertie Higgins, who rose to prominence during the AOR boom that was hugely popular in Japan.
He may not be as widely known as big names like Boz Scaggs, Bobby Caldwell, or Christopher Cross, but “Casablanca,” a track from his debut album Just Another Day in Paradise released in 1982, became famous in Japan when Hiromi Go covered it under the Japanese title “Aishuu no Casablanca.” As you can see in the MV, “Key Largo” is a breezy, romantic number that perfectly suits a summer beach setting.
As an aside, Higgins is said to be a descendant of the great German poet Goethe! With such a unique background, be sure to pay attention to the lyrics as well, where you can sense Higgins’s literary flair.
Moon DanceBobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin is a multi-musician best known as the creator of the worldwide 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” On that track, he completed everything—including the instrumental parts—using only his voice through multitrack recording.
His debut work is the album “Bobby McFerrin,” released in 1982.
The song I’m introducing is “Moon Dance,” a track from that album.
This cool, jazz-tinged piece was originally by Van Morrison.