Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
This time, we’re introducing male solo artists from Western music! Rather than a simple roundup, we’ve selected popular artists from each genre—hip-hop, rock, R&B, soul, and jazz.
In addition to their backgrounds, we explain in detail what makes them musically outstanding, covering techniques and musicality.
It’s put together so even longtime fans can enjoy it, so be sure to check it out!
- A popular, up-and-coming male singer-songwriter in Western pop music
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists [2025]
- Male Western music artists who are good at singing
- Debut songs by male Western artists from the 2000s
- Western Music Ranking Popular with Men [2025]
- A male Western music vocal artist with an appealing husky voice
- Recommended male artists and singers in Western music from the 1970s
- [Western Music] A roundup of male singers who were active in the ’90s
- Top Western Music Rankings Popular with People in Their 50s [By Generation]
- Commercial Songs by Male Western Artists: CM Songs, Commercials, and Popular Track Rankings [2025]
- Hype songs sung by male artists that are recommended for Gen Z
- [Latest] Quick Guide to Trends in Western R&B Music [2025]
- The world's greatest male vocalist! Exploring the appeal of American male singers
Must-listen! Recommended! Featured Western male solo artists (41–50)
Despacito ft. Daddy YankeeLuis Fonsi
Luis Fonsi is a singer-songwriter who represents Puerto Rico.
He specializes in classic Latin music and has collaborated with many famous reggaeton artists.
His biggest hit is Despacito ft.
Daddy Yankee, a song that became an enormous worldwide smash.
Latin music and reggaeton can sometimes feel less approachable compared to other genres.
If you feel that way, why not step into the world of reggaeton and Latin music through Luis Fonsi’s songs?
Watermelon SugarHarry Styles
One Direction, the British boy group that captured the attention of women around the world, remains popular even now, despite announcing an indefinite hiatus.
Harry Styles was a central member of the group and is currently active as a singer-songwriter.
While many singers come from idol backgrounds, he is a true talent whose musicality is widely recognized.
If you stopped listening after One Direction, why not follow Harry’s solo work going forward?
StrongerKanye West
Kanye West, a rapper who’s popular among many heads in Japan as well, now performs under the stage name Ye.
I think his appeal lies in his sampling choices.
Sometimes he samples from genres you’d never imagine, and other times he uses samples with almost no alterations—many people probably feel there’s a boldness to his selections.
His massive hit “Stronger” also samples Daft Punk.
His music blends classic elements with a unique edge—be sure to check it out!
Rap GodEminem
Eminem is a rapper whose overwhelming skills have earned him respect from heads all around the world.
He’s hugely popular in Japan as well.
Among rappers worldwide, he stands out for his exceptional skill, and his 2013 release “Rap God” set a Guinness World Record at the time for fast rapping.
His skills remain sharp today, and he continues to sound the alarm against trends that downplay technical ability in modern hip-hop.
If you’re someone who just loves highly skillful works, be sure to check him out.
MONTEROLil Nas X
Lil Nas X is a rapper who stands out strikingly in the modern hip-hop scene.
He rose to global fame with the 2019 hit “Old Town Road,” a masterpiece that mixes country music and hip-hop, and he’s now active at the forefront of the genre.
Known for a distinctive musicality and performance style that set him apart from typical rappers, he’s also famous for having strong support beyond hardcore hip-hop heads.
His lyrics and melodies are edgy, yet somehow incredibly addictive—a rapper with a uniquely captivating charm.
Think DifferentNujabes
Nujabes, known for his unique musical style that fuses jazz and hip-hop.
His music resonates deeply with listeners through melodic, emotive sampling and the use of live instruments.
The 2003 album “Metaphorical Music” is highly regarded as one of his signature works.
Nujabes’s music drew worldwide attention as a forerunner of the “lofi hip hop” genre and influenced many artists.
In particular, his contribution to the soundtrack of the anime Samurai Champloo played a major role in bringing his music to a global audience.
With its soothing beats and memorable melodies, his music is recommended for those who want to relax and unwind.
Malagueñas (1)Antonio Chacón
Antonio Chacón, the god of flamenco.
Among all cantaores, he is the only one honored with the title “Don.” Flamenco boasts a history of over 500 years, yet no one else has ever received this distinction.
Befitting that title, his vocal ability is on a different level from other cantaores.
Maintaining a rich, full tone while delivering flamenco’s distinctive ornamentation is extremely difficult, but Chacón accomplishes it brilliantly.
His melismas, in particular, are breathtaking—more intricate and precise than those of other cantaores.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor the full allure of flamenco.