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)
Take My Breath AwayBerlin29rank/position
This is the award-winning ballad that served as the love theme for the 1986 blockbuster film Top Gun, honored with an Academy Award.
It was performed by the American band Berlin, with the composition handled by disco maestro Giorgio Moroder.
Teri Nunn’s passionate, soulful vocals leave a strong impression.
The bittersweet yet burning emotions of falling in love—so overwhelming you can hardly breathe—resonate warmly alongside the majestic synthesizer tones.
Released in June 1986, the song reached No.
1 on the U.S.
singles chart.
It’s sure to make a romantic evening with someone special even more dramatic.
Uptown GirlBilly Joel30rank/position
This song features a lively melody strongly influenced by 1960s doo-wop.
Billy Joel skillfully portrays a universal love story in which a working-class young man falls in love with a woman from high society.
Set to a bright, cheerful tune, the piece depicts a romance that transcends social class and was released as a single from the album An Innocent Man in September 1983.
It reached No.
1 in the UK and became a major hit, selling approximately 975,000 copies.
In 1984, it was nominated for an MTV Video Music Award and received high praise as a sophisticated pop tune.
Its upbeat rhythm and hopeful message encourage a positive outlook on love.
Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists of the 1980s [2026] (31–40)
Blue MondayNew Order31rank/position
Overcoming the tragedy of their predecessor band and steering toward the dance floor, the British rock band New Order released this track in March 1983.
A groundbreaking dance tune running over seven minutes, it revolutionized the club scene.
In contrast to its mechanical, cool beat, the lyrics portray confusion and heartache over mistreatment by someone they once trusted.
Some may remember it being used in a Sunkist commercial.
Often hailed as a bridge between ’70s disco and ’90s house, this song seeps deep into the heart on nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts, its stylish, melancholic sound resonating all the more.
One More NightPhil Collins32rank/position
A renowned ballad from the first album released after Phil Collins, formerly the drummer of the British progressive rock group Genesis, went solo.
The sound and vocals evoke a dim, shadowy space that, true to the title, conjures the night—so striking that it invites comparison to Miles Davis’s equally nocturnal “’Round Midnight.” The lyrics, with their plaintive repetition of “one more night, one more night…,” are simple yet piercing.
Although Phil went on to rack up numerous hits with catchy, pop-savvy tunes after this number, he is in fact a master of heartfelt ballads as well, as shown by “Take a Look at Me Now,” which he performed for the film Against All Odds.
On a night when you’re alone with a bittersweet ache, give this song a listen, too.
Let’s GrooveEarth, Wind & Fire33rank/position
Earth, Wind & Fire are iconic figures in funk and disco music.
While they were hugely active in the 1970s, they also produced hit songs in the early 1980s.
Speaking of their 1980s work, their biggest hit of that era is likely “Let’s Groove.” The sound mixes their signature funk with electronic music, making it incredibly compelling.
If you’re a fan of Black music, be sure to check it out.
Crazy TrainOzzy Osbourne34rank/position
When it comes to Black Sabbath, the band is often regarded as the origin of heavy metal.
After leaving Black Sabbath, vocalist Ozzy Osbourne formed his own band and released the album “Blizzard of Ozz” in 1980.
The track “Crazy Train” from this album is not only one of his signature songs, but also a classic packed with the appeal of hard rock, including its guitar solo.
Total Eclipse of the HeartBonnie Tyler35rank/position
Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart” masterfully fuses a husky voice with the allure of a dramatic ballad.
This song is a signature masterpiece for Bonnie, beloved by fans around the world.
Under producer Jim Steinman’s direction, grand musicality and delicate emotion blend together, resonating deeply with listeners.
Though a ballad, it carries a powerful energy, showcasing Bonnie’s passionate vocals.
It truly stands as a monumental 1980s Western pop ballad.