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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Ranking of Popular Western Music Artists of the 1980s [2026] (71–80)
Every Rose Has It’s ThornPoison71rank/position
A signature ballad by Poison, one of the defining rock bands of the 1980s that gained popularity not only in their home country of the United States but also in Japan, armed with flashy looks and catchy melodies.
With an unforgettable tune and lyrics that resonate, it masterfully captures the pain of heartbreak and the complexities of love.
Released in October 1988, the song was included on their second album, “Open Up and Say…
Ahh!,” and became the band’s only number-one hit in the U.S.
It has been highly praised by media outlets such as Guitar World and Rolling Stone and is considered a landmark of ’80s hair-metal ballads.
It’s a recommended track for times when you want to heal the pain of a breakup or look back on memories with someone special.
I Just Called To Say I Love YouStevie Wonder72rank/position
Stevie Wonder is one of the artists who helped build the New Soul boom of the 1970s.
Despite being blind, he is a well-known genius with exceptionally high-level piano skills and a uniquely powerful vocal presence.
Among his works, the one that’s especially perfect for autumn is “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” It’s a classic wrapped in a gentle melody that suits the season perfectly.
Sunglasses at NightCorey Hart73rank/position
Hearing the distinctive synth phrase in the intro will make many people squint with nostalgia! Born in 1962 and hailing from Canada, Corey Hart was a singer who rose to popularity in the ’80s alongside fellow Canadian Bryan Adams.
His debut single, “Sunglasses at Night,” released in 1983, was a hit that reached No.
7 on the U.S.
charts.
Built around that intro phrase mentioned above, the song is peak ’80s—from Hart’s sultry, soaring vocals that match his sweet looks, to the expansive chorus melody and the hard-edged guitar.
Even the title, taken literally as “Sunglasses at Night,” is spot on.
We recommend enjoying a bubble-era style drive—say, racing alone down the highway at night—while listening to this track!
I Can Dream About YouDan Hartman74rank/position
It reached No.
6 on the U.S.
charts in 1984.
In the film “Streets of Fire,” starring Diane Lane and Michael Paré, it’s presented as a number performed late in the story by the Black doo-wop group the Sorels.
Dan was originally a musician specializing in soul and dance styles and was talented enough to have been a member of the Edgar Winter Group.
He has also provided many compositions, and his most famous work as a composer is “Living in America,” sung by James Brown in the film “Rocky IV,” which reached No.
4 in the U.S.
Careless WhisperGeorge Michael75rank/position
As one of the defining talents of the 1980s pop scene, the first name that comes to mind is George Michael.
Hailing from London, he released his solo debut album Faith in 1987 after his work with Wham!.
It topped the US Billboard 200 and produced numerous hit songs.
He boasts a glittering list of accolades, including two Grammy Awards, five BRIT Awards, and four MTV Video Music Awards, and he is the only artist in history to have won Songwriter of the Year three times at the Ivor Novello Awards.
His appeal lies in his sophisticated sound that spans pop, R&B, and soul, as well as his exceptional creativity in writing, composing, and producing his own work.
Highly recommended for those seeking a high-caliber artist.
Power of LoveHuey Lewis & The News76rank/position
Huey Lewis and the News is a popular American rock band.
Their song “The Power of Love,” released in 1985, is well-known for being the theme song of the film Back to the Future.
In Japan, it became familiar to many because it was used in a Honda Integra commercial featuring Michael J.
Fox.
I Love Rock ‘n’ RollJoan Jett & The Blackhearts77rank/position
Released in January 1982, this rock anthem cemented the popularity of American rock band Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
It was a massive hit, dominating the U.S.
singles chart at No.
1 for seven weeks.
The powerful guitar riff and rousing handclaps contain the kind of rock magic that gets your body moving before you even think about it.
The track is a single from the classic album “I Love Rock ’n’ Roll,” and some may remember it being featured in the film “10 Things I Hate About You.” Unconditional love for rock ’n’ roll and the joy of connecting with people through music—those pure feelings come straight to the heart, carried by a powerful vocal.
Why not give it a listen on a morning when you want to start your day on a high note?
Naughty NaughtyJohn Parr78rank/position
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.
Right and a Wrong WayKeith Sweat79rank/position
Keith Sweat, a quintessential R&B singer of the 1980s, explores the complexities of love and relationships in his classic song.
Featured on the album “Make It Last Forever,” the track was released in 1987 and became a pioneer of the New Jack Swing sound.
With soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, it questions the true meaning of love and teaches the importance of respecting your partner.
It’s a perfect song to listen to on a long autumn night with someone special.
Ideal for those struggling with romance or looking to strengthen their bond with a partner.
CelebrationKool and The Gang80rank/position
With the staccato cutting guitar in the intro and that familiar melody played by the signature synthesizer, this is a smash hit by the iconic ’80s group Kool & The Gang.
While driven by a dance beat, the song features dramatic developments and flavors, making it a track that’s perfect both for dancing and for losing yourself in listening.
It’s an irresistibly danceable number that still carries the lingering vibes of the ’70s funk boom.
