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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Top 1980s Western Music Artists Ranking [2025] (41–50)
Don’t You Want MeThe Human League43rank/position
This is a bittersweet love song by The Human League, a synth-pop band emblematic of the ’80s.
Sung as a male–female duet, it portrays the misalignment of two people who once loved each other.
The man’s earnest feelings and the woman’s cooling heart intersect in a perfectly balanced tension.
Sparkling synthesizer tones and the mechanical beat of the Linn LM-1 drum machine enhance the sweet-and-sour flavor of young love.
Released in November 1981, it spent five consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the UK charts.
A massive hit during the Christmas season, the song also topped the UK’s year-end single sales.
It’s a must-listen not only for those troubled by love, but also for anyone nostalgic for ’80s music.
Can’t Take My Eyes Off YouBoys Town Gang44rank/position
Released in 1982, this popular ’80s disco number was covered in Japan under the title “Kimi no Hitomi ni Koishiteru.” The original, a solo single by Frankie Valli, was rearranged as a disco track and became a massive hit.
Its disco-driven vocals capture the thrill of a romance about to begin and really lift the mood.
It’s a beloved song that has been covered by many artists in Japan.
Straight from The HeartBryan Adams45rank/position
He became a worldwide big name with the huge success of 1984’s Reckless, but even before that he had already started attracting attention as “the Bruce Springsteen of Canada,” showing signs of an impending breakthrough.
Although this song is almost unknown in Japan, it reached No.
10 on the U.
S.
charts in 1983.
Pour Some Sugar On MeDef Leppard46rank/position
This song features an ear-catching guitar riff and an unforgettable chorus that delivers a refreshing sensation, as if blowing away the summer heat.
It’s included on the 1987 album Hysteria and achieved major success, peaking at No.
2 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
The lyrics symbolically depict a sensual experience, sparking the listener’s imagination.
Combined with Joe Elliott’s powerful vocals, it’s a track that lets you fully savor the liberating feeling of summer.
It’s perfect for listening to on a hot summer night while driving with friends.
Ideal not only for classic rock fans but also for anyone looking for energetic music.
The Boys Of SummerDon Henley47rank/position
Speaking of numbers that evoke the tail end of the 1980s summer, you can’t leave out this song by Don Henley.
Released in 1984, this piece, which sings of nostalgia for a bygone love and youth, reached No.
5 on the U.
S.
Billboard Hot 100.
Its lyrics, filled with memories of summer days spent surfing and of a former lover, are sure to resonate with many.
It’s best enjoyed as autumn deepens; play it during a sunset drive, and you’ll be able to bask in a pleasant nostalgia while savoring the lingering afterglow of summer.
FootlooseKenny Loggins48rank/position
This dynamic dance tune, marked by energetic guitar riffs and a vibrant rhythm, stands as an iconic anthem of the 1980s.
Created by American artist Kenny Loggins, the track brims with a refreshing sense of exhilaration that perfectly captures the spirit of its era.
Released in January 1984, it drew immediate attention as the theme song for the film of the same name, and it went on to receive nominations for both the Academy Awards and the Grammys.
Its powerful melody, aligned with the film’s storyline, and its liberating sound have made it a timeless classic that continues to energize dance floors around the world.
The irresistibly poppy sound is perfect for lifting your mood or igniting a party scene.
Experience this track packed with the irresistible appeal of disco music—guaranteed to get your body moving.
Jessie’s GirlRIck Springfield49rank/position
Rick Springfield is a musician from Australia.
He’s a man with two sides—musician and actor—and it’s no wonder, since the phrase “sweet, handsome face” suits him perfectly.
His song “Jessie’s Girl” is another classic, with a shining white Stratocaster.