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 (31–40)
Hand on Your HeartKYLIE MINOGUE
Kylie Minogue is a globally popular singer-songwriter and actress from Australia.
She made her debut as a singer in 1987, and her 1988 release “Lucky Love,” buoyed by the Eurobeat craze of the time, became a major hit in Japan.
In the early stages of her career she enjoyed idol-like popularity, but later grew into a bona fide artist, and as of 2020 she continues to thrive as a top performer.
Take My Breath Away – Love Theme from “Top Gun”Berlin
Despite their name, the band is from California.
Starting with the hit of their major-label debut, Pleasure Victim, released in 1982, they gained popularity not only in the United States but also in Japan.
Their song Take My Breath Away, featured in the film Top Gun, is likely something everyone has heard at least once.
The beautiful voice and melodies of their sole female member and vocalist, Terri Nunn, are well worth a listen.
Touch Me (I Want Your Body)Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox, a captivating figure who lit up the pop scene of the 1980s.
She transitioned from glamour model to singer and scored a worldwide hit with her 1986 debut single.
Centered on dance-pop, her energetic and catchy songs earned widespread popularity and multiple chart entries.
During her modeling days, she won Page 3 Girl of the Year for three consecutive years.
She also received high acclaim in music, selling over 20 million albums.
She’s an artist who combines a powerful voice with sexy allure—highly recommended if you want to fully savor the vibe of ’80s pop.
The Way You Love MeKaryn White
This is the landmark debut single released in 1988 by American singer Karyn White.
The sound crafted by era-defining hitmakers L.A.
Reid and Babyface still hasn’t lost its shine even today.
Riding an effervescent New Jack Swing beat, her powerful, soulful vocals are absolutely captivating! With lyrics that exuberantly declare, “I love the way you love me!” and celebrate the joy of being in love, just listening makes your heart leap and your body start to move.
This track brimming with positive energy might just make your feelings for that special someone burn even brighter.
The Power of LoveJennifer Rush
The smash hit “The Power of Love” by the world-renowned diva Céline Dion was originally released by Jennifer Rush in 1985.
Many people of a certain generation likely remember it not as the ballad Céline Dion made famous in the ’90s, but as a quintessential ballad of the ’80s.
Although Jennifer isn’t as widely known as Céline, her clear, beautiful voice is truly remarkable, and she’s a songstress who deserves renewed appreciation.
Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 80s Western Music (41–50)
When I Think Of YouJanet Jackson
She is an American singer and dancer who dominated the pop music scene of the 1980s.
She signed with A&M Records in 1982, launching her music career, and quickly rose to stardom with the albums Control and Rhythm Nation 1814.
Her innovative sound—blending R&B, funk, disco, and more—paired with socially conscious lyrics captured the hearts of many young listeners.
She has won numerous awards, including five Grammys, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Her sophisticated stage performances and powerful vocals continue to captivate audiences to this day.
9 to 5Dolly Parton
For Dolly Parton—an icon of country music and the songwriter behind Whitney Houston’s classic “I Will Always Love You”—the 1980s were a time when she moved closer to pop music.
Hits like the theme song for the Jane Fonda–starring film “9 to 5” topped the charts.
It’s no surprise that Taylor Swift, who also transitioned from country to pop, has openly said she listened to Dolly’s music.