How could anyone talk about pop music’s history without reflecting on the 80s? Without mincing words, that phase defined the tone of today’s pop music to a very large extent. From a heterogeneous mix of sonorous sounds, reverberating dance steps, and never-seen-before costumes, pop music during the 1980s was the real deal which kept pop music lovers glued to the genre.
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To relive that superlative musical regime, we have compiled the top 10 most popular pop singers of the 80s.
1. Michael Jackson
Before making a transition into his solo career, Michael Jackson was formerly a band member of The Jackson 5. Just at the turn of the 80s, Jackson released his second sensational album Thriller. The album enjoyed great commercial success selling 32 million copies just within the first year of its release. On Billboard Hot 100, Jackson’s “This Girl is Mine” single peaked at the number two position. And just towards the close of the 80s, Jackson once again proved himself to be one of the greatest pop singers of the decade with the release of Bad album.
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2. Freddie Mercury
Freddie Mercury was one of the very famous musicians from the 80s. As a member of the Queen band, Mercury’s iconic vocal strength contributed to great pop tunes that filled this era with life and vigor. Together with his band, Mercury released six top-notch albums during this period. Mr. Bad Guy was one of those solo albums by Mercury that made the 80s delectable. The single “I was Born to Love You” from this album rose to the number four position on the South African Singles Chart.
3. Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston was undeniably one of the biggest singers in the multi-genre during the 80s. Houston possessed the voice and impeccable artistry which endeared her to many during this sensational pop era. In 1985, Houston served the world with her debut album titled Whitney Houston which led the Billboard 200 for a 14-week period. And could we possibly forget the singles “Saving All My Love For You,” “How Will I Know” and “Greatest Love of All?” To forever etch her name in music’s history, Houston won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female in 1986.
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4. Madonna
Pop music in the 80s would seemingly not have been complete without the contribution of Madonna — our very own the Queen of Pop. With four outstanding studio albums released between 1983 and 1989, Madonna impressed her name into the hearts of millions of people. Her debut album Madonna album was remarkably impressive, rising to number eight on the Billboard 200. And the “Like a Virgin” single from her second album was just a tremendous piece of art. With it, Madonna got her first number-one spot on the U.S. Billboard 200.
5. Prince
Prince is indeed one of the greatest artists of the 80s — including as a multi-instrumentalist and fashion trendsetter. In 1984, Prince released the magical and highly appraised album Purple Rain. Asides from the fact that the album peaked at the number one spot on Billboard 200, the accolades received for this work also had a lot to say about Prince’s unmatched artistry. The “Let’s Go Crazy” single was also exceptional in its performance, as it sat atop the Billboard Hot 100.
6. Billy Joel
Billy Joel’s unique infusion into what pop music represented in the 70s has continued to be a reference point for musicophile globally. Acclaimed as one of the top singers of today’s generation, Joel stepped into this dispensation with the release “Glass Houses,” containing “It’s Still Rock and Roll to me” – the single rose to number one position on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart. And just before letting the 80s swing away, Joel went on to release four additional albums.
7. George Michael
The phenomenal George Michael was no doubt awesome at serving the best of pop music during his time. Added to his earned accolade as the Best-selling artist of 1988, Michael also went on to win the Album of the Year award at the 1989 Grammy Awards for his Faith album. Reaching a sales volume of 25 million copies across the globe, it had a 12-week stay on Billboard 200’s number one spot. As a part of Wham!, Michael raised the popularity of pop music in the 80s with soul-filling singles like “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go,” “Last Christmas” and “Careless Whisper.”
8. Phil Collins
Phil Collins was the go-to man for the best of pop music during the 1980s. Between 1981 and 1989, Collins churned out four amazing solo albums to the delight of pop & rock lovers. He also won six Grammy Awards during this period. With singles like “In The Air Tonight,” “One More Night” and “Another Day in Paradise,” Collins elevated his admiration by fans around the world. His debut solo album peaked at number one on the UK Albums Chart, selling over 6.5 million copies in the US & UK.
9. Tina Turner
Tina Turner is the goddess behind the iconic “Better Be Good To Me” song. Turner is renowned for her fascinating comeback into music, as she positioned herself as a diva during the 80s. Her “What’s Love Got to do With it” single had an exceptional run, as it sped off to the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100. In 1987, Turner once again displayed her dexterity in what she does as she won her third Grammy Award for the song “Back Where You Started.”
10. David Bowie
For Bowie, the 80s proved to be one of his most successful eras as an artist. During the period, Bowie showcased his worth as a cross-genre singer and equally earned the right to be called one of the greatest pop singers of all time. His 1980, fastest-selling single, “Ashes to Ashes” was almost a great success, as it hit the number one position on the UK Single Chart. “Under Pressure” was also another spectacular song that echoed for a long time.