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.
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 50s [2025]
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Western music artists popular among people in their 60s: Ranking [2025]
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
- Ranking of Western Music Artists Popular Among People in Their 40s [2025]
- Most Popular Western Music Bands Ranking [2025]
- Classic and hit Western pop songs from the 1970s
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- Nostalgic or fresh? Great Western pop masterpieces and hit songs from the 1980s
- [For people in their 60s] Western songs that get the crowd going at karaoke: Ranking [2025]
- Western music artists ranking popular among people in their 20s [2025]
Top Western Music Artists of the 1980s Ranking [2025] (21–30)
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie22rank/position
David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.
The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.
Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.
The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.
It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.
The Final CountdownEurope23rank/position
They are a pioneering and hugely popular Nordic metal band that had a massive hit in the 1980s.
The image of Nordic metal as “melodic tunes and high-pitched vocals” owes much to their success.
They reunited in the 2000s and are still active today.
Last ChristmasWham!24rank/position
When it comes to Christmas songs, many people probably think of “Last Christmas” first.
It’s a 1984 track by Wham, a pop act emblematic of the ’80s, and it’s been covered and loved by many artists in Japan as well.
The sound is like gently falling snow.
Why is it that, even though it’s a heartbreaking song about lost love, we still feel like humming along? The understated yet powerful drumming is also captivating.
An unfading, timeless classic—it touches the heart no matter when you listen.
Saving All My Love For YouWhitney Houston25rank/position
A passion hidden within a relaxed tempo.
This track is a song packed with Whitney Houston’s charm.
Though it explores the complex theme of an extramarital affair, her powerful vocals deeply move listeners.
Released in August 1985, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the work that earned Whitney Houston her first Grammy Award.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a long autumn night, reminiscing about someone dear.
Take My Breath AwayBerlin26rank/position
This is the award-winning ballad that served as the love theme for the 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun, honored with an Academy Award.
It was performed by the American band Berlin, with the composition handled by disco maestro Giorgio Moroder.
Teri Nunn’s passionate, soulful vocals leave a strong impression.
The bittersweet yet burning emotions of falling in love—so overwhelming you can hardly breathe—resonate warmly alongside the majestic synthesizer tones.
Released in June 1986, the song reached No.
1 on the U.
S.
singles chart.
It’s sure to make a romantic evening with someone special even more dramatic.
Uptown GirlBilly Joel27rank/position
This song features a lively melody strongly influenced by 1960s doo-wop.
Billy Joel skillfully portrays a universal love story in which a working-class young man falls in love with a woman from high society.
Set to a bright, cheerful tune, the piece depicts a romance that transcends social class and was released as a single from the album An Innocent Man in September 1983.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and became a major hit, selling approximately 975,000 copies.
In 1984, it was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award and received high praise as a sophisticated pop tune.
Its upbeat rhythm and hopeful message encourage a positive outlook on love.
Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne28rank/position
When it comes to Black Sabbath, the band is often regarded as the origin of heavy metal.
After leaving Black Sabbath, vocalist Ozzy Osbourne formed his own band and released the album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980.
The track “Crazy Train” from this album is not only one of his signature songs, but also a classic packed with the appeal of hard rock, including its guitar solo.