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
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
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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 (1–10)
Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)Eurythmics
A duo that produced numerous hit songs in the UK during the 1980s.
The singer Annie Lennox, known for her trademark very short hair dyed in vibrant colors, is also recognized for her active involvement in social movements.
Her slightly fuller vocal timbre is powerful, expansive, and cool.
It offers a cool allure that differs from the glamorous atmosphere many associate with the ’80s.
Smooth Operator – Single VersionSade
For those unfamiliar, it’s easy to mistake it for a female singer’s name, but Sade is actually a British band fronted by female vocalist Sade Adu.
With a chic, urban vibe that blends elements of jazz into a modern sound and Adu’s mysterious vocals, they enjoy worldwide popularity.
Though their output is relatively sparse, as of 2020 they have released six albums—and every one of them has been a hit.
Bette Davis EyesKim Carnes
Kim Carnes is an American singer-songwriter known for her husky singing voice.
With a unique style that fuses pop, rock, and country, she brightened the music scene of the 1980s.
She shot to stardom with a 1981 release that spent nine consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Billboard chart and won both Record of the Year and Song of the Year at the Grammys.
Her wide-ranging musicality and profound lyrics are part of her appeal, and her duet with Kenny Rogers also drew attention.
As one of the defining female artists of 1980s Western pop, she continues to captivate many fans today.
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.