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 1980s Popular Western Music Artists Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Last ChristmasWham!22rank/position
When it comes to Christmas songs, many people probably think of “Last Christmas” first.
It’s a 1984 track by Wham, a pop act emblematic of the ’80s, and it’s been covered and loved by many artists in Japan as well.
The sound is like gently falling snow.
Why is it that, even though it’s a heartbreaking song about lost love, we still feel like humming along? The understated yet powerful drumming is also captivating.
An unfading, timeless classic—it touches the heart no matter when you listen.
Back in BlackAC/DC23rank/position
Even now, past the 2020s, AC/DC—an Australian rock band boasting record-breaking sales—remain in full force.
Their unwavering musical identity and pure rock ’n’ roll spirit continue to set listeners’ hearts ablaze in any era.
Released in 1980, their masterpiece album Back in Black made history with an astounding 50 million copies sold worldwide, and its title track is truly one of AC/DC’s signature numbers—a quintessential killer tune.
Angus Young, one of the central Young brothers in the band, penned the legendary guitar riff—simple yet tinged with a bluesy flavor—that has been quoted countless times in various contexts.
Brian Johnson, who joined with this album, delivers electrifying shouts; Malcolm Young’s burnished, no-frills rhythm guitar locks in with an ultra-tight rhythm section.
It’s no exaggeration to say this track embodies everything that is the essence of rock.
Play it as loud as you possibly can!
Eye Of The TigerSurvivor24rank/position
Eye of the Tiger, the classic by Survivor used as the theme song for the boxing-themed film Rocky.
Released in 1982, the song became a global hit with its fiery lyrics and melody, and won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance.
With its motivating melody and lyrics, it’s perfect to listen to before heading to work, taking an entrance exam, or sitting for a test, don’t you think?
Summer Of ’69Bryan Adams25rank/position
Bryan Adams is a rock singer from Canada.
He made his debut in 1980, and in his early years he gradually gained popularity with a harder rock-oriented style.
Then in 1984, he shot to stardom with the massive success of the album Reckless.
From this album came a string of hit songs, including Run to You, Heaven, and Summer of ’69, achieving the remarkable feat of topping the U.S.
charts.
His voice, with its sandpaper-like husky texture, radiates a unique charm that combines power and romance.
Excelling in both rock and ballads, Adams is the perfect artist for anyone who loves classic arena rock.
The Final CountdownEurope26rank/position
They are a pioneering and hugely popular Nordic metal band that had a massive hit in the 1980s.
The image of Nordic metal as “melodic tunes and high-pitched vocals” owes much to their success.
They reunited in the 2000s and are still active today.
Saving All My Love For YouWhitney Houston27rank/position
A passion hidden within a relaxed tempo.
This track is a song packed with Whitney Houston’s charm.
Though it explores the complex theme of an extramarital affair, her powerful vocals deeply move listeners.
Released in August 1985, it reached No.
1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became the work that earned Whitney Houston her first Grammy Award.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to on a long autumn night, reminiscing about someone dear.
AngelAerosmith28rank/position
Aerosmith is a rock band that boasts high name recognition in Japan.
Even people in their teens or twenties have probably at least heard the name.
They’ve produced numerous classics, including the theme song for the movie Armageddon, but among them, a number that’s especially perfect for autumn and highly recommended is Angel.
It’s a rock ballad: while it’s wrapped in a bright melody, it’s characterized by a sense of fragility and poignancy.