Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
The 1980s saw dramatic changes—from technological advances to the birth of MTV—and produced many massive hit songs that made music history.
At the same time, a wide range of genres flourished, from new wave and soul to disco and pop, and it was also an era that saw the rise of many leading female singers.
This article highlights female Western artists who colored the era, focusing on those who debuted in the 1980s while also including artists who had been active since the 1970s.
Enjoy it together with the hit songs these women sang in the ’80s!
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s
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- [1990s] Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers in Western Music
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists of the 1980s [2026]
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- 80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
- 1970s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 80s Western Music (11–20)
Heaven Is A Place On EarthBelinda Carlisle
As an American songstress who colored the music scene of the ’80s, Belinda Carlisle actually began her musical career as a drummer in a punk band.
She then made her major debut in 1978 as the lead singer of The Go-Go’s.
After leaving the band in 1984 to start her solo career, she released her solo debut album, “Belinda,” in 1986.
The songs included on her 1987 album “Heaven on Earth” achieved great success, with 19 Top 40 hits in the United States.
Her powerful yet warm voice and her vocal ability to master a wide range of genres—from pop to punk—continue to captivate many people.
Giving You the Best That I Got – Single VersionAnita Baker
A female R&B singer from the United States who epitomized the 1980s.
Although she released relatively few works, the many classic songs that supported the Black Contemporary sound popular in the ’80s are still loved in 2020.
Her urbane, sophisticated sound and Anita’s vocals are nostalgic for those who know the era well, and likely sound fresh to younger music fans.
Running Up That HillKate Bush
Kate Bush, a pioneering figure in art rock who brought a fresh breeze to the UK music scene, made her debut in 1978 at just 19, captivating many listeners with her distinctive voice and poetic lyrics.
Her signature song, Wuthering Heights, is a gem inspired by Emily Brontë’s novel.
The 1985 album Hounds of Love remains highly acclaimed as one of her defining works.
In 2013, she was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her contributions to music.
Her innovative musicality and deeply insightful lyrics are perfect for fans with an artistic bent.
Time After TimeCyndi Lauper
A global songstress who took the world by storm with a powerful, soaring voice that seems to energize you just by listening, along with her distinctive fashion.
In fact, before her solo debut she made a major-label debut with a band that failed and disbanded, enduring many hardships—she’s a late-blooming star.
Her vocal ability and positive attitude—effortlessly handling everything from exhilarating pop tunes to tender ballads—continue to be loved across generations.
The fact that she’s a great admirer of Japan is also a welcome point for Japanese fans.
Total Eclipse of The HeartBonnie Tyler
She is a Welsh-born female singer with a long career dating back to the 1970s, known for her distinctive husky vocals.
Although she enjoyed only moderate hits in her early years, her 1982 album The Speed of Night became a massive success, propelling her to the top tier of artists.
While the song Total Eclipse of the Heart, written by Meat Loaf’s composer Jim Steinman, is famous, it’s interesting that Holding Out for a Hero is actually more popular in Japan.
Don’t Wanna Lose YouGloria Estefan
Gloria Estefan, who reigns as the Queen of Latin music.
Born in Cuba and raised in Miami, she scored global dance hits mainly throughout the 1980s.
She debuted in 1985 as the lead vocalist of Miami Sound Machine and quickly rose to stardom with pop music infused with Latin elements.
In 1988, she achieved her first number-one hit and went on to receive numerous awards, including Grammys.
Although she suffered serious injuries in an accident in 1990, she made a miraculous comeback, leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Her songs, woven from Latin rhythms and catchy pop melodies, are highly recommended for anyone who loves to dance.
Only in My DreamsDebbie Gibson
An American songstress who took the world by storm as a teen pop star in the late ’80s.
She released her debut album, “Out of the Blue,” in 1987 and quickly rose to fame.
Singles like “Only in My Dreams” and “Shake Your Love” successively reached the Billboard Top 5.
She also earned a Guinness World Record as the youngest artist to achieve a Billboard No.
1 single with “Foolish Beat,” leaving a brilliant legacy.
With her musical talent on piano and keyboards and her poppy, catchy tunes, she captivated many fans.
Debbie Gibson’s bright, refreshing vocals are a perfect encapsulation of the ‘80s pop vibe.
If Anyone FallsStevie Nicks
Let me introduce Stevie Nicks, a member of the rock band Fleetwood Mac.
After joining the band in 1975, her powerful vocals quickly earned her star status.
She also launched a solo career in 1981 and has produced many hit songs.
In 2019, her achievements were recognized with induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Why not take this opportunity to enjoy the voice of this legendary singer?
I’ve Seen That Face Before (Libertango)Grace Jones
If you’re going to talk about New Wave in the ’80s, you can’t leave out Grace Jones.
She’s a Jamaican-American singer who wields a powerful, low-register voice.
One of her signature songs is Pull Up to the Bumper, released in 1981, which received high acclaim not only in the United States but also in the United Kingdom.
And of course, Grace Jones is also well known for leveraging her tall stature to work as a model and an actress.
Fast CarTracy Chapman
Tracy Chapman is a folk singer known for her powerful messages and rich, soulful voice.
She debuted in 1988 and achieved worldwide success with her self-titled album, Tracy Chapman, released the same year.
Her songs, which sharply address social issues, drew significant attention and earned her multiple Grammy Awards.
In 1995, she released the album New Beginning, which became another major hit.
Chapman’s music is characterized by a simple yet deeply resonant strength.
Her lyrics carry strong social messages, and her warm, expressive voice is part of her appeal.
She’s an artist recommended not only for fans of folk and blues, but for anyone seeking music that truly speaks to the heart.