An American singer who shocked the world
In Japan, when people say “Western music,” I think they usually mean American music.
In fact, from a commercial standpoint, the American music scene is the largest in the world.
This time, I’ll be introducing American singers.
Rather than simply featuring artists who scored massive hits, I’ve selected those who had a major impact on the music scene.
As a result, you’ll also get to learn about the history of American music.
I’ve selected tracks from a variety of genres—soul, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, hard rock, and more—so please take your time and enjoy.
American singers who shocked the world (1–10)
Billie JeanMichael Jackson
Michael Jackson is an artist well known by many people in Japan as well.
As the King of Pop, he set numerous hit records around the world.
Even teenagers have probably at least heard his name.
What makes Michael Jackson so captivating, above all, is his catchy performance.
His upbeat musical style and dance performances instantly grab listeners’ attention.
He has a large catalog of songs, so why not give some of the lesser-known albums a listen?
Can’t Help Falling In LoveElvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the great American singer known as the King of Rock ’n’ Roll, is familiar to many people in Japan as well.
He is recognized as the best-selling solo artist in history, with record sales reaching 500 million worldwide.
His music is crafted to be highly catchy, supporting that level of popularity, and is characterized by a style that appeals to both children and adults.
If you want to experience his musicality, you should listen to rockabilly, the genre he excelled at the most.
24K MagicBruno Mars
Bruno Mars, the Hawaii-born singer-songwriter who’s hugely popular in Japan as well.
If you’re anywhere from your teens to your forties, you’ve probably heard his songs at least once.
His appeal lies in his foresight.
Even while standing at the forefront of the scene, he doesn’t prioritize sales by making catchy tunes; instead, he consistently digs into the genres he truly wants to pursue.
As a result, the musical styles he explores often become trends a few years later, and the now-popular genre of city pop was something he had already released back in the 2010s.
Sexual HealingMarvin Gaye
In today’s Black music scene, genres like R&B, slow jams, and hip-hop are mainstream.
Among them, R&B and slow jams are said to have their roots in soul music, and Marvin Gaye—who sings “Sexual Healing”—is known as someone who helped pave the way for the completion of R&B.
He was a great singer who supported the New Soul movement of the 1970s and continues to influence many artists today.
Be sure to check him out.
Straight Outta ComptonN.W.A
When discussing the American music scene, the presence of hip-hop is indispensable.
And when discussing hip-hop, the presence of N.
W.
A is indispensable.
Known as a legendary group in West Coast hip-hop—aka the “Wesside”—they laid the groundwork for modern gangsta rap.
Given the era, younger heads accustomed to today’s trap might find it a bit jarring, but the fiery vibes will hit you right in the chest.
Definitely give them a listen.
Fly Me To The MoonNat King Cole
Nat King Cole is one of the most famous singers in American standard jazz.
While there are many other great artists in the jazz scene, he had a unique strength: his vocal quality.
His voice was one of a kind throughout history—extremely low.
It wasn’t just low; it also had extraordinary warmth and depth, a sound that could enchant anyone who heard it.
In order to maintain that voice, he smoked excessively and ultimately passed away from lung cancer, but his soul—having chosen song at the cost of his life—continues to shine in the jazz world today.
Feeling GoodNina Simone
Nina Simone, the American-born singer famous as “the greatest singer the US let slip away.” She had a long career, and in her later years she moved around the world while being based mainly in France.
That’s why she’s known as “the greatest singer the US let slip away.” Her greatest appeal is, above all, her extraordinary expressive power.
Even among American singers, her depth is unmatched, and she has influenced many artists, including Lauryn Hill.