A popular, up-and-coming male singer-songwriter in Western pop music
Regardless of race—white, Black, or otherwise—era, or place of origin, don’t you find male singers in Western music incredibly captivating?
One of the unique joys of Western music is hearing distinctive vocal styles—tones and phrasing that Japanese singers could almost never produce—brimming with individuality.
So this time, we’ve put together a wide-ranging selection of popular male singer-songwriters from Western music, mixing both classic and contemporary artists.
There may still be plenty of artists you haven’t discovered yet.
Be sure to give them a listen!
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Popular and up-and-coming male singer-songwriters in Western music (1–10)
I’m Not The Only OneSam Smith
Sam Smith is a British singer-songwriter known for moving vocals and heartfelt lyrics.
Their 2014 debut album, In the Lonely Hour, received widespread acclaim and won multiple Grammy Awards.
Featuring hit songs like Stay with Me and I’m Not the Only One, the album marked a turning point in their career.
Influenced by artists such as Amy Winehouse and Adele, their musical style uniquely blends pop, soul, and R&B.
In 2019, they came out as non-binary and have also been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
With rich emotional expression and a soul-stirring voice that gives voice to deeply held feelings, their music is recommended for those seeking profound connection.
Space OddityDavid Bowie
David Bowie, who continued to exert a profound influence on the music scene for half a century from the 1970s, made his debut with David Bowie in 1967 and became known as a pioneer of glam rock, constantly pursuing new musical directions.
In 1975, he broke new ground with Young Americans, a sound he dubbed “plastic soul.” In the 1980s, he scored his biggest hit with the landmark album Let’s Dance, and in 1988 he formed the hard rock band Tin Machine, effortlessly crossing genre boundaries.
In January 2016, two days after his 69th birthday, he passed away to much sorrow, but his innovative music continues to live on in the hearts of many.
Move On UpCurtis Mayfield
Curtis Mayfield, a singer-songwriter who epitomizes Chicago’s soul music scene.
He entered the music industry in the 1960s as a member of The Impressions, drawing attention with soul numbers infused with humanitarian messages.
After making his solo debut in 1970, he scored a massive hit in 1972 with the soundtrack album for the Black film “Superfly.” As a guitarist, he created an innovative sound with his distinctive tuning, influencing countless musicians.
Mayfield’s delicate high-tenor voice and lyrics that incisively depict social issues continue to captivate listeners to this day.
He is one of the Black singer-songwriters we must never forget, and is highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of soul music.
Popular and noteworthy male singer-songwriters in Western music (11–20)
Bad DayDaniel Powter
Daniel Powter is a Canadian singer-songwriter and a piano man known for his piano-and-vocal performance style.
He debuted in Europe in 2005, and his first single became a hit in places like Germany, Ireland, and Italy, reaching No.
1 in the United States for five consecutive weeks.
He won the Juno Award for New Artist of the Year in Canada that same year and was nominated for a Grammy the following year.
His appeal lies in emotionally rich, approachable melodies and lyrics, with many pop-leaning songs.
His music was also featured on the TV show American Idol, bringing him further attention.
He’s a recommended artist for anyone seeking moving lyrics and a warm, soothing voice.
Heart of GoldNeil Young
Neil Young, a Canadian singer-songwriter who has continued to exert a profound influence on the music scene from the 1960s to the present.
He debuted in 1968 as a member of Buffalo Springfield and launched his solo career in 1969, releasing a string of classic albums such as Harvest.
His achievements are immeasurable, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1995.
Spanning genres from folk to rock and country, his distinctive high tenor vocals and distorted guitar sound have inspired countless musicians.
He is also deeply committed to environmental activism, and his willingness to address social issues through music continues to captivate many fans to this day.
A Song For YouLeon Russell
Leon Russell, the legendary musician who had an enormous impact on the American music scene.
In the 1960s, he rose to prominence as a session musician, performing alongside a stellar lineup including George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones.
He made his solo debut in 1970, releasing the album “Leon Russell.” The track “A Song for You” became a classic covered by many artists.
In 2011, he achieved the remarkable feat of being inducted into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Though rooted in Americana, his wide-ranging musicality—spanning rock, blues, and gospel—continues to captivate fans of Western music.
Walk on the Wild SideLou Reed
Born in 1942 in New York, Lou Reed was a singular talent who revolutionized the history of rock.
In 1965, he formed The Velvet Underground, whose experimental sound had a profound influence on later generations.
Making his solo debut in 1972, he achieved commercial success with the album Transformer, a landmark of glam rock.
Known for his literary lyrics about New York’s underworld and his distinctive vocal style, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, and his relentless pursuit of musical exploration continued until his passing in 2013.
He is a one-of-a-kind artist, highly recommended for those drawn to an underground aesthetic.