[80s Western Music] Debut Songs by Male Artists
The 1980s are often associated with a dazzling, glamorous image, and you can see that reflected in the hit charts of the time.
Here in Japan as well, it’s said to be the era when Western music shone the brightest, and compilation albums of hits from that period remain steadily popular even now in the 2020s.
In this article, we focus on the debut songs of male artists from that radiant 1980s Western music scene.
Our lineup centers on singers who debuted in the ’80s, including those who built careers in bands before launching solo debuts during the decade.
Please enjoy everything from the massive hits that defined the ’80s to lesser-known hidden gems!
- Legendary Western rock masterpieces and hit songs of the 80s
- A Collection of Classic 80s Western Ballads with Male Vocals
- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- [Western Music] A roundup of male solo singers who were active in the ’80s
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- 80s Western pop hits featured in commercials. A roundup of nostalgic CM songs.
- Love songs in Western music that were hits in the 1980s. World-famous classics and popular tracks.
- [J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the 1990s
- Debut songs by female Western artists from the 1980s
- Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists of the 1980s [2026]
- A roundup of debut songs by male Western artists/singers from the ’90s
- [80s Western Music] A roundup of debut songs by girl bands
- Debut songs by male Western artists from the 2000s
[80s Western Music] Debut Songs by Male Artists (31–40)
Desert MoonDennis DeYoung
Dennis DeYoung, the former frontman of Styx, made his solo debut in 1984.
It was an immediate hit, reaching No.
10 on the Billboard chart.
In Japan, Hiroko Taniyama covered the song for some reason, and it became a minor hit.
DeYoung later returned to Styx but left again, and he is now active as a solo artist.
Naughty NaughtyJohn Parr
There are plenty of so-called one-hit wonders in America—what we in Japan call ippatsu-ya—and John Parr is considered one of them.
That said, in addition to his massive movie theme hit “St.
Elmo’s Fire,” his debut single also reached No.
23 on the Billboard chart, so he was actually quite popular.
Too Late for GoodbyesJulian Lennon
Julian Lennon drew major attention when he debuted as an artist—the son of the legendary John Lennon.
This debut single even reached No.
5 on the Billboard chart, and he appeared in TV commercials in Japan.
However, perhaps because his strong resemblance to his father became a stumbling block, his subsequent career has been relatively low-key.
Only for LoveLimahl
Perhaps due to his looks, Limahl enjoyed idol-like popularity.
After leaving Kajagoogoo, he made his solo debut with this song.
Later, he was chosen by Giorgio Moroder to perform the theme song for the film The NeverEnding Story, which brought him his big break.
I Keep Forgettin’Michael McDonald
Michael McDonald rose to fame as a member of The Doobie Brothers, but he had already been active as a session musician before that.
On this debut track as well, his associates—TOTO members Greg Phillinganes, Steve Lukather, and Jeff Porcaro—provide the backing.
[80s Western Music] Male Artists’ Debut Songs (41–50)
Moon DanceBobby McFerrin
Bobby McFerrin is a multi-musician best known as the creator of the worldwide 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” On that track, he completed everything—including the instrumental parts—using only his voice through multitrack recording.
His debut work is the album “Bobby McFerrin,” released in 1982.
The song I’m introducing is “Moon Dance,” a track from that album.
This cool, jazz-tinged piece was originally by Van Morrison.
I.G.Y.Donald Fagen
Donald Fagen’s solo debut album, The Nightfly, was recorded in exactly the same manner as during his Steely Dan days, and it became a landmark in rock history, jacket art included.
This track, I.G.Y., was released as a single from the album.
Keisuke Kuwata has also covered it in concert.