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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- 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 (21–30)
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?
9 to 5 (Morning Train)Sheena Easton
Sheena Easton, the Scottish songstress, is one of the defining female singers of the 1980s.
She debuted in 1980, and the following year topped the Billboard Hot 100 with “9 to 5 (Morning Train).” She also won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist.
Versatile across genres from pop to soul to disco, she performed a James Bond theme song as well.
A multi-talented artist, she has also worked as an actress and appeared in Broadway musicals.
With her powerful voice and dazzling stage presence, Sheena’s music is highly recommended for anyone who wants to savor the sound of the ’80s.
The WarriorPatty Smyth
She’s the female singer known as the face of Scandal, the rock band that emerged from New York’s club scene.
They made their debut with a mini-album in 1982, and many will remember “The Warrior,” which lit up the U.S.
charts, as a defining rock anthem of the ’80s.
After the band broke up, she went solo, earning a Grammy nomination for her 1992 duet with Don Henley, “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough.” There’s even the astonishing story that Van Halen approached her to join the band—testament to her overwhelming vocal prowess.
Her husky voice, blending power and delicacy, is a must-hear not only for longtime rock fans but for anyone who loves great vocals.
CambodiaKim Wilde
A female singer from London, England, and one of the defining pop icons of the 1980s.
She’s also popular in Japan, and some may fondly remember her appearance in a soft drink commercial with the Masami Tsuchiya–produced track “Bitter is Better.” Although her popularity waned at one point, she made a strong comeback with her 1986 hit cover of the Supremes’ “You Keep Me Hangin’ On,” and as of 2020 she continues to be active.
Love Is A BattlefieldPat Benatar
Pat Benatar shone as a quintessential rock queen of the 1980s.
With her powerful vocals and edgy sound, she was a pioneering female rocker who had a major impact on the music scene.
Since her 1979 debut, she has released a string of hits and achieved the remarkable feat of winning the Grammy Award four years in a row.
Trained as an opera singer, her vocal ability is exceptional, and her versatility—spanning not only rock but also blues and jazz—is a key part of her appeal.
Her partnership with her husband, Neil Giraldo, is also a major element that underpins her musical style.
Cruel SummerBananarama
As one of the quintessential pop groups of the 1980s, Bananarama captivated music fans around the world.
Formed in London, they drew attention with their distinctive sound that skillfully blended pop, new wave, and synth-pop.
They broke through in 1984 with the album “Bananarama,” producing a string of hits with catchy melodies and harmonies.
Their influence remains strong to this day, as evidenced by being named Group of the Year at the 2018 Classic Pop Readers’ Awards.
They’re a highly recommended artist for anyone who loves energetic performances and 80s pop.
Call MeBlondie
A group that represents the new wave movement, fronted by the charismatic lone female vocalist Debbie Harry.
In the mid-1970s, during their early years, they were considered part of the so-called New York punk scene, but after the massive 1979 hit of their classic Heart of Glass, they gained worldwide popularity as an innovative band that flexibly incorporated cutting-edge sounds.
Although they disbanded in 1982, they reunited in 1997 and, as of 2020, are still active.
Debbie, known for her striking blonde hair and red lips, later also found success as an actress.