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.
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American singers who shocked the world (1–10)
Purple RainPrince
Prince, a singer-songwriter who was hugely active in the 1980s as a counterpart to Michael Jackson, was known as an artist of exceptional skill and had a major influence on accomplished musicians like D’Angelo and Andy Allo.
Above all, Prince’s greatest appeal was his mastery of composition.
His songwriting ability was extraordinary, and he reportedly had an enormous vault of material; in his later years, he often arranged and released works that had not previously seen the light of day.
Move on UpCurtis Mayfield
Neo-soul, the music genre that influenced modern R&B, was born in the 1970s.
The four kings of neo-soul are said to be Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, and Curtis Mayfield here.
Unlike the other neo-soul singers, he based his sound on orthodox soul music.
Because of that, he served as a kind of bridge connecting the then-novel neo-soul to the broader American music scene.
A Song For YouDonny Hathaway
When discussing Black music, the presence of Donny Hathaway is indispensable.
He was one of the key figures who supported the neo-soul boom of the 1970s, and unlike many other Black artists, he was born into a wealthy family and studied classical music from a young age.
As a result, his soul music contains many classical elements, and you can sense a distinctive musicality when you listen to it.
He’s someone you can’t avoid if you want to understand the roots of Black music, so be sure to check him out.
American singers who shocked the world (11–20)
Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder, the legendary artist who helped fuel the neo-soul boom of the 1970s.
He’s a singer who is extraordinarily well-known in Japan as well.
He has left us with countless classics, but his greatest appeal is surely his free, unbounded musicality.
Besides Stevie Wonder, there are about three other famous artists who supported neo-soul, but even among them, Stevie’s musical approach was uniquely distinctive.
In fact, you can tell a song is his even when someone else is singing it.
His ever-evolving approach—changing styles while continuing to grow—sent shockwaves through the American music scene from the 1970s to the 1990s.
Hit ‘Em Up2Pac
When talking about West Coast hip-hop, the presence of Tupac is indispensable.
During the time he was active, there was a major conflict among gangs and hip-hop crews on the West and East Coasts, and he himself was assassinated as a result of being caught up in that strife.
However, even after his death, his popularity and influence have remained strong, impacting many rappers.
He is an artist you cannot avoid if you want to understand hip-hop, so beginners should definitely check him out.
End Of The RoadBoyz II Men
Boyz II Men are one of the most successful groups in the R&B scene from the 1980s to the 1990s.
If you know even a little about R&B in Japan, you’ve probably heard of them, right? Their biggest charm is, without a doubt, their exquisite harmonies.
Wanya Morris’s vocal power is extraordinary, but I think Boyz II Men shine the most when the four vocalists weave their harmonies together.
Their classic “End of the Road” is packed with everything that makes them great, so be sure to check it out.
UntitledD’Angelo
Suddenly, but do you know the genre called neo-soul? Neo-soul is a genre that blends soul music with funk, jazz, and hip-hop, and it emerged in the 1990s.
The person who created this genre is D’Angelo, and when he appeared on the scene, it sent shockwaves around the world.
It’s characterized by a highly sophisticated musicality, and for those who have mainly listened to R&B and slow jams, it will likely sound fresh.
Be sure to check it out.