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.
- [Definitive Edition] Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Disco
- Nothing but classics! A nostalgic collection of ’80s Western ballads
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Western Music] A Recommendation of the Lady of Soul: Wonderful Female Soul Singers
- [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)
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.
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?
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.
I’m in the Mood for DancingThe Nolans
The Nolans are an irresistibly cheerful pop group formed by sisters from Ireland.
They began their career in the mid-1970s, captivating audiences with friendly disco sounds and sparkling choral work.
The song that cemented their name was the worldwide hit “I’m In the Mood for Dancing,” released in 1979.
In Japan, it became affectionately known as “Dancing Sister” and achieved explosive success.
They are also known for their strong ties to Japan, having won the Grand Prix at the Tokyo Music Festival in 1981 with “Sexy Music.” Their seamless sibling harmonies and performances that lift your spirits just by watching have never lost their shine.
If you want to immerse yourself in the glittering Western pop of the ’80s, why not give their music a listen?
All Cried OutAlison Moyet
Alison Moyet is a British singer-songwriter known for her bluesy, powerful voice.
Drawing on expressive skills honed in punk and blues scenes, she moved through the synth-pop duo Yazoo before making her solo debut with the 1984 album Alf.
In the pop landscape of the time, her rich contralto voice stood out with overwhelming presence and won global popularity.
Her signature songs include Love Resurrection and Is This Love?, all soulful classics that resonate deeply.
She has sold over 23 million records worldwide and won BRIT Awards in 1985 and 1988, underscoring her proven talent.
She’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to revel in a powerhouse, emotionally rich vocal performance.
Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 80s Western Music (21–30)
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.