[80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
When it comes to the Western music scene of the 1980s—often called the “golden age of pop”—it was an era that gave rise to countless artists and bands who scored mega-hits around the world, including in Japan.
With the advent of MTV and rapid technological innovation, the decade has a very glamorous image.
Among the Western music of the ’80s, this time we’re focusing on the debut songs of all-girl bands that burst into a male-dominated music scene.
Rather than vocal groups, we researched bands that played instruments as much as possible, and we’ll be showcasing, all at once, the memorable debut tracks of uniquely individual girl bands—spanning rock, pop, metal, and punk—regardless of genre or fame.
- Classic songs by foreign (non-Japanese) all-female bands. Recommended popular tracks.
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- A special feature on 1980s girl bands: trailblazing music and distinctive charm
- Recommendations for Western All-Female Bands—from Legendary Groups to Promising Newcomers
- Still Shining! Recommended Female Singers of 1980s Western Music
- [2026] Female-vocal Western music bands. Featuring many rock and metal bands too!
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Debut song by a 90s Western girls' band
- Club Hits: Dance music from Western artists that energized the dance floors in the 1980s
- [1980s] Debut Songs and Classics by Japanese All-Girl Bands
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Including global hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok
- [Golden Age of Rock] Debut Songs by Western Rock Bands of the 1970s
[Western music of the 80s] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands (21–30)
Aie a MwanaBananarama
In Japan, Bananarama is best known for their hit cover of “Venus,” but in their home country of the UK, they racked up ten Top 10 hits starting with “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s the Way That You Do It).” This debut single is a cover of a 1971 song, and the lyrics are in Swahili.
Just A GirlNo Doubt
While wearing the mask of girlishness and unleashing defiance against society, this song is the quintessential work of California’s No Doubt.
Released in September 1995 as the lead single from the album Tragic Kingdom, it captures Gwen Stefani’s candid anger at the constraints placed on women.
Sparked by being forbidden by her father to drive at night, the lyrics resonated with many women.
Blending ska punk and pop, the track reached No.
23 on the Billboard charts and No.
3 in Australia.
Featured in the films Clueless and Captain Marvel, it’s a go-to anthem for moments when you need a surge of girl power.
[80s Western Music] Debut Songs of Girl Bands (31–40)
Showing Out (Get Fresh at the Weekend)Mel & Kim
Mel & Kim are a British sister duo.
Produced by Stock Aitken Waterman, their debut single jumped straight to No.
3 on the UK charts.
The follow-up, “Respectable,” topped the charts not only in the UK but across many European countries.
I’d Rather JackThe Reynolds Girls
The Reynolds Girls are a British sister duo.
Their song “I’d Rather Jack” was crafted by Stock Aitken Waterman, and it’s a quintessentially catchy number from that producer team.
It became a major hit in their home country, reaching number 8.
HeartachePepsi & Shirlie
Pepsi & Shirlie, formed by Helen “Pepsi” DeMacque and Shirlie Holliman, who were backing vocalists for Wham!, scored a huge hit with their debut single “Heartache,” which shot to No.
2 on the UK charts and reached the top ten in other European countries as well.
SeductionSeduction
Seduction was active from 1988 to 1991—a very short-lived dance group.
However, most of the singles they released were hits on the dance charts, and in particular, “Two to Make It Right” became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Had a Dream (For the Heart)The Judds
The Judds are a country duo of sisters.
Their debut song was a moderate hit, reaching No.
17 on the country chart, but starting with “Mama He’s Crazy,” they achieved eight consecutive No.
1 singles.
They continued to release hit songs and became a popular group.