An American singer who shocked the world
In Japan, when people say “Western music,” I think they usually mean American music.
In fact, from a commercial standpoint, the American music scene is the largest in the world.
This time, I’ll be introducing American singers.
Rather than simply featuring artists who scored massive hits, I’ve selected those who had a major impact on the music scene.
As a result, you’ll also get to learn about the history of American music.
I’ve selected tracks from a variety of genres—soul, jazz, R&B, hip-hop, hard rock, and more—so please take your time and enjoy.
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- Must-listen! Recommended! Spotlight on male solo artists in Western music
- [Film Music] Theme songs from Western movies: those unforgettable classics and popular tunes
- [Western Music Collection] Compilation of Car Commercial Songs [2026]
- Nothing but masterpieces! Love songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
- Masterpieces by male artists known for their captivating high notes. Recommended popular songs.
- A roundup of the greatest Western blues artists in history
- Recommended for Gen Z! Classic love songs sung by female artists
- [2026 Edition] Must-Know Popular Female Singers from the United States
- [US] Great Hip-Hop Classic
- A roundup of great soul music singers and artists
American singers (21–30) who shocked the world
We Belong TogetherMariah Carey
Mariah Carey, an American singer, continues to captivate music fans around the world with her astonishing five-and-a-half-octave range and mastery of the whistle register.
She made her debut in 1990 with her self-titled album, Mariah Carey, establishing a unique style that blends R&B, pop, and gospel.
She has an outstanding record of achievements, including six Grammy Awards and twenty Billboard Music Awards.
In her 2020 memoir, The Meaning of Mariah Carey, she candidly recounted her tumultuous life, drawing significant attention.
Her songs, woven with overwhelming vocal power and expressive nuance, are characterized by sophisticated melodies and deep emotional expression, making them highly recommended for anyone seeking a voice that truly resonates.
I Hope You ChokeHarper
Harper, a young metalcore singer who debuted at age 12, made a stunning impact on the music scene with her debut single “Falling,” released in 2022.
Her music, which channels anger and defiant energy, has earned high praise from fans, with millions of streams on YouTube and Spotify.
With “I Hope You Choke,” released in January 2024, she further cemented her place in the music world.
She made history at Download Festival as the youngest performer ever.
She also showcases her versatility by covering a wide range of artists, including Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran.
Highly recommended for those drawn to powerful vocals and emotional expression.
In conclusion
This time, we introduced some of the great American singers, and since most of these artists are well-known in Japan too, I’m sure many of you recognized their names or songs.
However, this was just a list of 20.
There are still many more great artists out there.
At Rag Music, we feature articles by genre, so if you’d like to dive deeper into Western music, be sure to check them out!