[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)
Everything I OwnBoy George
Speaking of Boy George, he’s well known as the flamboyant, frontman of Culture Club, who scored hits here in Japan with his flashy looks and soulful low voice.
That said, many people might not be familiar with his work as a solo artist.
The song we’re featuring this time, Everything I Own, was the lead single from George’s 1987 solo debut album Sold, and it hit number one on the UK charts.
The song was originally released in 1972 by the American soft rock band Bread, and the version that became famous was the 1974 cover by reggae singer Ken Boothe.
George covered it as a reggae-inflected pop song; while it seems to have been panned in some quarters at the time, I personally think the sweet melody and vocals create a relaxed vibe that really works.
Even if you only know George from Culture Club—or don’t know Culture Club at all—I’d love for you to give it a listen at least once!
[Western Music] A roundup of male singers active in the 1980s (51–60)
Something in 4/4 TimeDaryl Hall
Hall & Oates are a quintessential blue-eyed soul duo, with more hit songs than you can count.
It was only natural for Daryl Hall, who wrote most of their songs, to make his solo debut.
As expected, this debut single is a pop tune with a soulful flair.
Desert MoonDennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung, the former frontman of Styx, made his solo debut in 1984.
It was an immediate hit, reaching No.
10 on the Billboard chart.
In Japan, Hiroko Taniyama covered the song for some reason, and it became a minor hit.
DeYoung later returned to Styx but left again, and he is now active as a solo artist.
I.G.Y.Donald Fagen
Donald Fagen’s solo debut album, The Nightfly, was recorded in exactly the same manner as during his Steely Dan days, and it became a landmark in rock history, jacket art included.
This track, I.
G.
Y.
, was released as a single from the album.
Keisuke Kuwata has also covered it in concert.
Boogie in Your ButtEddie Murphy
Eddie Murphy became a star on Saturday Night Live while still in his teens.
Given his many music-related bits, including impressions of famous singers, it was only natural for him to make his recording debut.
His debut single became a smash hit on the R&B charts, further boosting his popularity.
Love KillsFreddie Mercury
A song co-written by Giorgio Moroder and Queen’s Freddie Mercury when Moroder, having acquired the rights to the 1927 sci-fi classic Metropolis, produced a new soundtrack.
It leans more toward Moroder’s style, but it was a hit in the UK.
I Want Your SexGeorge Michael
The title is pretty straightforward and provocative, but if you’re told it’s a George Michael song, you can’t help but nod in agreement! A singer-songwriter and pop star of whom the UK can be truly proud, George Michael rose to fame as a member of Wham! and went on to release global hits after his solo debut.
This is a breezy dance-pop classic he released in 1987.
Issued as the lead single from his explosively successful solo debut album Faith, which came out the same year, it was also his first solo single since Wham!’s breakup.
What’s interesting is that the track is structured in three parts collectively titled “Rhythms,” and the version you hear as a single is the part known as “Rhythm One: Lust.” The album includes a version that connects two of the parts, while a fully integrated version containing all three can be heard on the 12-inch single and similar releases.