Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s
In the 1980s, female artists made striking debuts on the global music scene.
Their debut songs have transcended time and continue to resonate with many people today.
From powerful rock vocals to delicate ballads, their first tracks radiate a wide range of charms.
Along with dazzling stage outfits, they showcased strong individuality and brought a fresh breeze to the music world.
Here, we present a selection of brilliant debut songs that captivated music fans around the world in the 1980s.
The excitement from back then is sure to well up in your heart once more.
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Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s (1–10)
I Want TomorrowEnya
This is the landmark first solo single by Enya from Ireland.
It was newly composed for a BBC documentary and released in 1987.
Her ethereal, multi-layered vocals sound like the opening of a grand story.
The mysterious choral lines and synthesizers weave a sonic world that draws you in.
The lyrics—said to be themed around an ancient queen—carry a strong wish for tomorrow and a sense of exhilaration toward the unknown.
That mingled feeling of hope and anxiety when stepping into a new world—this majestic, beautiful melody seems to gently stay close to such a wavering heart and give it courage, doesn’t it?
Love IsAlannah Myles
This is the landmark debut single released in 1989 by Canadian artist Alannah Myles.
Issued ahead of her global smash hit “Black Velvet,” it showcased her powerful appeal to the music scene.
With a blues-based, hard-edged rock sound, it stood apart from the glitzy pop of the time.
Riding a straightforward guitar riff, her husky voice boldly sings about “what love is,” leaving a strong impression.
Her vocals feel like they strike you not with reason but with soul, perhaps perfectly capturing both the intensity and purity that love can hold.
I Should Be So LuckyKYLIE MINOGUE
Included on the 1988 album “Kylie.” Born in 1968.
A singer and actress from Melbourne.
This was her music debut single after working since childhood as a child actor.
Its danceable, pop, digital sound makes you want to move your body lightly—an upbeat track.
Debut songs by Western female artists from the 80s (11–20)
And I am telling you I’m not goingJennifer Holliday
Born from the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, this song was released in 1982 as the debut single of American singer Jennifer Holliday.
With a voice forged in gospel, the lyrics hurl her feelings at her lover—“I’m not going anywhere!”—a cry that feels less like a song and more like a soul laid bare.
Many listeners have likely felt chills at her overwhelming expressive power.
It doesn’t come across as just another breakup song; it sounds like a fierce declaration of resolve that refuses to yield to adversity.
Perhaps some of you have memories of turning to this track to rally yourselves when faced with an inescapable reality.
Buffalo StanceNeneh Cherry
Neneh Cherry, who hails from Sweden, burst onto the scene in 1988 with her debut single “Buffalo Stance,” a track that shocked the world.
Its powerful hip-hop beat interlocks with a catchy synth melody that sticks in your head after just one listen.
The lyrics, boldly declaring “I don’t need a man who’s just after money,” embody a tough, independent way of life that refuses to pander to anyone, capturing the hearts of many.
The music video, where she confidently sings and dances despite being pregnant at the time, also left a strong impression.
Even now, that powerful message—the desire to be yourself, unbound by anything—still feels inspiring, doesn’t it?
The Way You Love MeKaryn White
This is the landmark debut single released in 1988 by American singer Karyn White.
The sound crafted by era-defining hitmakers L.A.
Reid and Babyface still hasn’t lost its shine even today.
Riding an effervescent New Jack Swing beat, her powerful, soulful vocals are absolutely captivating! With lyrics that exuberantly declare, “I love the way you love me!” and celebrate the joy of being in love, just listening makes your heart leap and your body start to move.
This track brimming with positive energy might just make your feelings for that special someone burn even brighter.
More Than You KnowMartika
For Martika, an American who began her career as a child actor, this is her memorable debut single.
When the song was released in 1988, she was still just 19! The sparkling synth tones and her cute vocals are a perfect match, aren’t they? The lyrics portray a very straightforward, passionate love, and it makes you think how wonderful it would be to express your feelings so directly.
It’s a track that lets you ride that dance beat and feel the exhilaration of a budding romance.