Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s: Ranking [2025]
You can still catch glimpses of the achievements of popular Western music artists from the 1980s, who left behind many great songs, in many places today.
They are still loved by many fans today, but aren’t you curious how they would rank by modern standards? We’ve compiled a ranking of popular Western music artists from the ’80s, so let us introduce it to you.
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1980s Popular Western Music Artist Rankings [2025] (71–80)
TrulyLionel Richie78rank/position
A tear-jerking love ballad, graced by a cleansingly beautiful piano tone, lush strings, and a vocal performance of stunning expressiveness.
It’s a track from Lionel Richie’s self‑titled solo debut album, released in 1982.
The lyrics vow eternal love, and Richie’s warm voice sinks deep into the heart.
The song topped the U.
S.
charts for two consecutive weeks, becoming a massive hit that marked the beginning of his solo career.
It was also included on the 1997 best‑of album “Truly: The Love Songs,” and continues to be cherished across generations.
It’s the perfect song for spending special moments with someone important or creating unforgettable memories.
ManiacMichael Sembello79rank/position
This is the song “Maniac” by American singer-songwriter Michael Sembello.
It became famous as part of the soundtrack for the film Flashdance.
It is included on the 1983 album Bossa Nova Hotel.
While the song is fast-paced and a high-energy dance number, it’s also a treasure trove of beautiful melodies.
Michael Sembello has a wild aura, yet his voice carries a delicate quality.
Let yourself be captivated by that contrast!
Smooth OperatorSade80rank/position
Sade is a British band that focuses on smooth soul and adult contemporary, earning extremely high praise from dedicated music aficionados.
Their catalog features many mature, sophisticated songs—perfect for autumn.
Among them, a standout recommendation is the classic Smooth Operator.
This track propelled their popularity worldwide and blends soul with smooth jazz to create a refined, adult atmosphere.
Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists from the 1980s [2025] (81–90)
LukaSuzanne Vega81rank/position
Suzanne Vega, a singer-songwriter who represents the Greenwich Village folk scene, is known for her literary, intellectual style and maintains a devoted following in Japan.
Among her works, there’s a classic that perfectly suits the sentimental mood of autumn, included on her April 1987 album Solitude Standing.
Its breezy, accessible folk melody is striking, yet beneath it lies a heart-wrenching story told from a child’s perspective.
This contrast between brightness and poignancy curiously matches the faint loneliness of autumn’s air.
The song was a major hit, reaching No.
3 on the U.
S.
charts.
It’s a perfect listen for a quiet autumn moment alone.
ShoutTears for Fears82rank/position
A duo consisting of Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith.
A single released in 1984, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
2 in the UK and No.
1 in the US.
With its exotic, sultry, reverb-drenched synthesizer sound and a catchy chorus introduction, it’s a track with a mesmerizing quality that sticks in your head after just one listen.
KokomoThe Beach Boys83rank/position
The Beach Boys are a band that has been active since the 1960s.
From rock and roll to experimental music, the breadth of their sound is immeasurable, and each era has its share of their classic songs.
Among their career highlights, the 1988 hit “Kokomo” is a track that evokes a tropical vibe.
You can really sense the depth of a band that has outlasted The Beatles by far.
Making Love Out Of Nothing At AllAir Supply84rank/position
“Making Love Out of Nothing at All” is a song released by Air Supply in 1983.
In Japanese, it is titled “Nagisa no Chikai.” It is one of Air Supply’s signature songs.
The track is notable for its striking piano intro and the soaring high notes in the chorus.
It has also been covered by various artists, including Bonnie Tyler.