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 (21–30)
GloriaLaura Branigan
Laura Branigan, a New York–born singer whose powerful, husky voice enlivened the music scene of the 1980s.
After a long period working as a backup vocalist, she became an overnight star when “Gloria,” a single from her 1982 debut album Branigan, set a record by staying on the U.S.
charts for an extended run.
Her expressive ability to cover Italian songs in English—rebuilding them with even more passion than the originals—is truly breathtaking.
She is also known for her 1984 hit “Self Control” and for contributing to the soundtrack of the blockbuster film Flashdance.
Though a Grammy-nominated talent, she tragically passed away in August 2004 at the age of 52.
Her dramatic, full-throated vocals are the kind of voice that those who want to feel passion deep in their hearts should hear.
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.
Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 80s Western Music (31–40)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Toy SoldiersMartika
Among the female Western pop singers who brightened the 1980s, Martika—who has Latin roots—holds a special place.
Catapulted to stardom with her 1988 debut single, her voice is brimming with a pop sensibility while remaining richly soulful.
Her signature song reached No.
1 in the U.S.
and became a worldwide smash.
She continued to release buzzworthy work, including collaborations with Prince.
In 2004, Eminem sampled one of her tracks, drawing renewed attention.
Martika’s music blends pop, dance, R&B, and rock, making it perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the sounds of the ’80s.