Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists of the 1980s [2026]
You can still catch glimpses of the achievements of popular Western music artists from the 1980s, who left behind many great songs, in many places today.
They are still loved by many fans today, but aren’t you curious how they would rank by modern standards? We’ve compiled a ranking of popular Western music artists from the ’80s, so let us introduce it to you.
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Top Western Music Artists of the 80s Ranking [2026] (11–20)
With Or Without YouU215rank/position
The single that U2, the Irish rock band with the most Grammy wins in the world, released in 1987 is “With or Without You.” It became the band’s first song to reach No.
1 on the U.S.
charts, and it’s a simple ballad built on a four-chord progression.
The lyrics can be interpreted as a straightforward love song, but given that Bono, the band’s vocalist, is a devout Christian, they are also often read with a religious interpretation.
Waiting for a Girl Like YouForeigner16rank/position
This is a slow number from Foreigner, a US-UK mixed rock band of veteran musicians, included on their 1981 album 4.
Lou Gramm, whose soulful voice evokes the great British rock vocalist Paul Rodgers, sings with restraint as he delivers lyrics about feeling destined to meet a woman who has finally appeared before him and asking to confirm that feeling.
In the chorus, his emotional shouts are incredibly powerful, shaking the listener’s feelings to the core.
The floating, atmospheric sound that makes effective use of synthesizers is very characteristic of the 1980s, and the way it creates a sharp contrast with Lou’s vocals shows the band’s keen sense of style.
Purple RainPrince17rank/position
Prince, who etched his name in music history as a genius artist emblematic of the 1980s.
He debuted in 1978 with the album “For You” and went on to forge a unique style known as the Minneapolis Sound, fusing funk, rock, R&B, and pop.
He released a string of landmark albums—including “1999,” “Purple Rain,” and “Sign o’ the Times”—and showcased his multifaceted talent by handling everything from playing all the instruments to composing and producing himself.
He won seven Grammy Awards, an Academy Award, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, among many other honors.
With an innovative musicality that transcended genre boundaries, he has exerted immeasurable influence on subsequent generations of artists.
He is highly recommended for those who want to experience the work of an artist combining relentless musical curiosity with exceptional technical skill.
Another One Bites the DustQueen18rank/position
A song by the legendary British rock band Queen.
With its recurring bass phrase and catchy guitar chopping, it’s an unusual, Black-music-style number for Queen.
Released as a single at Michael Jackson’s suggestion, the track became a worldwide hit and one of Queen’s signature songs.
The ReflexDuran Duran19rank/position
A song by Duran Duran, the British rock band that helped ignite the New Romantic movement and the MTV boom in the 1980s.
With its bright, flamboyant style layered with luxurious choruses, it’s a number that centers on a band-driven sound while also featuring the characteristically New Romantic, pleasing synthesizer tones.
Let’s DanceDavid Bowie20rank/position
David Bowie, the world-renowned British artist who constantly kept an eye on the times and changed his musical style like a chameleon.
The work that made his name echo around the globe was released in March 1983 at the height of the disco boom, with funk maestro Nile Rodgers brought on as producer, resulting in an irresistibly groovy dance tune.
Yet beneath the surface lies depth as well—through the image of “wearing red shoes and dancing the blues,” it hints at people who conceal sorrow and feign joy.
The fact that he enlisted the then-unknown Stevie Ray Vaughan also speaks volumes about Bowie’s extraordinary eye for talent.
It’s a perfect track for a night when you want to dance till dawn at a party.
Top 1980s Popular Western Music Artists Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Never Gonna Give You UpRick Astley21rank/position
Rick Astley, the England-born singer who debuted as a solo artist in 1987 and quickly captivated audiences worldwide, is known for his distinctive deep baritone that contrasts with his sweet looks.
Together with the producer team Stock Aitken Waterman, he created dance-pop sounds that remain beloved as emblematic music of the 1980s.
His debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody, achieved an astonishing 15 million in sales, propelling him into the ranks of top artists.
In 1989, he was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, earning high acclaim around the world.
Since the 2000s, his smash hit Never Gonna Give You Up has regained the spotlight as the internet meme “Rickroll,” and in 2021 its music video surpassed 1 billion views.
Be sure to keep an eye on Rick, who continues to be active and is being rediscovered by younger generations.