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 (21–30) who shocked the world
Can’t Stop the Feeling!Justin Timberlake
Justin Timberlake is an American entertainer who took the world by storm as a member of the pop group *NSYNC and has also thrived as an actor.
During the group’s heyday, their album “No Strings Attached” set a then-record by selling approximately 2.
41 million copies in its first week.
Since going solo in 2002, he has captivated global audiences with a sound that blends pop and R&B with funk.
From his landmark album “FutureSex/LoveSounds,” he scored three consecutive No.
1 hits on the U.
S.
charts.
His sexy, groovy vocals—backed by the prowess of a 10-time Grammy winner—are truly one of a kind.
He’s the perfect artist for when you want to immerse yourself in a sophisticated, urban sound.
If I Ain’t Got YouAlicia Keys
Alicia Keys, a multi-instrumentalist from Harlem, New York, continues to make an impact on the global stage.
Classically trained as a pianist, she effortlessly navigates a wide range of genres—rooted in R&B, soul, jazz, and gospel—while also embracing pop, rock, and hip-hop.
She made her debut in 2001 with the album Songs in A Minor, which became a massive hit, selling over 12 million copies worldwide.
Since then, she has won 17 Grammy Awards among numerous other accolades and has achieved total sales of over 90 million records to date.
She has also made her mark through collaborations with a variety of artists, including a chart-topping U.
S.
No.
1 with Usher.
Highly recommended for music fans who seek the perfect blend of a soulful voice and masterful piano.
BeautifulChristina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera, an American artist renowned for her multifaceted musicality and powerhouse vocals, masterfully navigates a wide range of genres including pop, R&B, soul, and Latin.
Since her 1999 debut, she has enjoyed global success—from her album “Christina Aguilera,” which sold 14 million copies worldwide, to “Back to Basics,” which reached No.
1 in 15 countries.
She has earned numerous accolades, beginning with the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, and including honors such as the Latin Grammy Award and Best Pop Vocal Performance.
Drawing on a childhood spent moving across countries, she continues to create expressive music infused with diverse cultural influences.
She’s highly recommended for those who resonate with powerful vocals and an artist who champions self-expression and social messaging.
Young and BeautifulLana Del Rey
Lana Del Rey, an American artist who continues to captivate the music scene with a cinematic and ephemeral worldview.
Rooted in alternative pop and baroque pop, her signature sound evokes Americana from the 1950s to the ’70s.
A music video she released online in 2011 went viral, and the following year she joined the ranks of global stars with her album Born to Die.
She has since released a string of acclaimed records and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year in 2019.
With visuals reminiscent of old Hollywood’s filmic beauty and songs that are melancholic yet romantic, she is highly regarded as an innovative artist who has opened up new expressive possibilities in contemporary pop music.
Highly recommended for those seeking a cinematic musical experience.
We Belong TogetherMariah Carey
Mariah Carey, an American singer, continues to captivate music fans around the world with her astonishing five-and-a-half-octave range and mastery of the whistle register.
She made her debut in 1990 with her self-titled album, Mariah Carey, establishing a unique style that blends R&B, pop, and gospel.
She has an outstanding record of achievements, including six Grammy Awards and twenty Billboard Music Awards.
In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she candidly recounted her tumultuous life, drawing significant attention.
Her songs, woven with overwhelming vocal power and expressive nuance, are characterized by sophisticated melodies and deep emotional expression, making them highly recommended for anyone seeking a voice that truly resonates.
I Hope You ChokeHarper
Harper, a young metalcore singer who debuted at age 12, made a stunning impact on the music scene with her debut single “Falling,” released in 2022.
Her music, which channels anger and defiant energy, has earned high praise from fans, with millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify.
With “I Hope You Choke,” released in January 2024, she further cemented her place in the music world.
She made history at Download Festival as the youngest performer ever.
She also showcases her versatility by covering a wide range of artists, including Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
Highly recommended for those drawn to powerful vocals and emotional expression.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced some of the great American singers, and since most of these artists are well-known in Japan too, I’m sure many of you recognized their names or songs.
However, this was just a list of 20.
There are still many more great artists out there.
At Rag Music, we feature articles by genre, so if you’d like to dive deeper into Western music, be sure to check them out!