Top 10 Best Singers of the 1980s

He had the best selling album not just of the 80s but of ALL TIME. He created the most groundbreaking music video of ALL TIME - thriller and the most groundbreaking dance called the moonwalk which looks like he is walking backwards. Who can forget his amazing songs like Billie Jean, Beat It, Bad, Man In The Mirror, Dirty Diana and Smooth Criminal? Michael was a phenomanal singer, dancer, songwritter and entertainer. He had it ALL. He was also the greatest humanitarian. He gave away ALL his money from his BAD tour to charity. He is the most generous celebrity the world has seen as well as the most humble thoughtful and kind. Michael Jackson was too good for this world. People were so jealous of his success and talents that the slandered and ruined his reputation saying He molested children when Michael Jackson will never do such a thing He loved children. Years later those children came out saying they lied because their parents wanted money. The media also slandered him saying He ...more
In my opinion, Michael Jackson is the king of all music and music history. He has created new genres of music, shown not to be afraid of your past or what someone has done to you, and how to heal the world. Michael's legacy will forever live on, and show what a great and outstanding person, Michael Jackson really was. Even through the controversy, Michael got past them, as the innocent man he was and will forever be. Thank you, Michael Jackson, for healing the world,and me and making it a better place.
If we are talking 'singing voices' then Whitney Houston is easily number 1! But if we are talking all round greatness, there really is absolutely no question laugh out loud. No competition at all. He's the greatest entertainer ever and the most famous person of all time
He was the best! Freddie mercury might have had a better voice, but Michael jackson always made the best use of his voice, and he danced and changed everything. We wouldn't have had any of this if it weren't for him

Oh come on. Seriously? Michael Jackson sounds like Mickey Mouse compared to Freddie Mercury. How is Jackson number one? Obviously - once again - his fans have been sharing this page on MJ forums. They do that all the time.
Although he was more 70's, Freddie is still a legend! He was the Elvis of the 70's and was so talented. Sadly he died before I was born, and I didn't get to live in his generation.
MJ was great, but this list is about "singers", and in singing Freddie Mercury was much much better than MJ. Sure MJ was a godd entertainer, a great dancer, an innovator, a good singer, but if we just see "singing skills" Freddie wins that competition.
Dude, he was so good people now a days don't appreciate music that was actually good he was kinda more 70's but still good so sad that he died.

Great power, control, and conviction in Tony Hadley's voice. In the 1980's he was hot: tall, handsome, with amazing vocal talent.
At the moment Tony is 14th. Reality others may have been commercially better, but not vocally.
I think he is one of the best. His voice still sounds natural, powerful and confident.
I was afraid that this man wasn't on the list, for me, he's the voice!





You may not think he has a good singing voice, but his way of rap-yelling influenced the whole death metal genre, and is still unique to this day.

This man has a voice like no other. Everything I have ever heard him sing, and I own all of Journey's albums as well as Perry's Street Talk, has been amazing. One of the very best things I can think of happening is for him to rejoin Journey. To attend one of their concerts would be a dream come true, and I would very much like to hear a new album... or two... or ten. He was a very important factor in turning Journey into something special. Journey with Steve Perry is a combination that is perfect in every way.
My opinion on this will never ever change, Steve Perry is the best singer I have ever heard. He is capable of so much emotion, and you can hear the passion he has in every note. He is amazingly talented, and has an insane range. Listening to certain songs, like the earlier ones from Infinity and Evolution, often leave me breathless. He never ceases to amaze me, even when I have heard all of his songs several dozen times.
Seriously, Steve Perry is the best singer EVER! Maybe you are unaware, HE IS JOURNEY! He has amazing range, and has such power with his voice. However, the most unique thing about his singing is the passion he puts into it, no one can compare with that.
Steve Perry is an AMAZING singer, no one can compare to him. He can hit high notes like no one else. He is outstanding in everyway. I love him. I love listening to Journey and his Solo albums. I'm only 17 and I respect him in every way.

Axl Rose is the best of course! His unique voice CAN NOT be accurately imitated by anyone, his dances, He can really move and does snake dance and other dances so smoothly
I'm not even a true fan of GnR but his unique sound and style deserve attention.

His voice is second to none. Freddie mercury had an amazing, powerful voice it didn't have the purity of GM's. Plus can you see anyone else able to pull off 'somebody to love' at Freddie's tribute concert and not sound awful in comparison to the original artist?!
There were so many great singers in the 80s, but GM's is probably the must under appreciated.
Incredible range and emotion-filled highs and lows. Amazing!
One of the best vocalists in history!
The dumb troll who posted below has no idea what he's talking about. Simon is straight

Greatest singer of all time... most iconic head voice, most iconic vibrato, and purest tone of any singer to ever pick up a microphone. Oozing stage presence, she was just really a icon. There isn't one female pop singer that doesn't state whitney as one of, if not their biggest influence.
I love her so much, she was the greatest!
She is amazing!

Never gonna give you up

Try and sing 'take on me'. Ever wondered why one of the most popular songs of all time is not a Karaoke classic. Because it's impossible to sing 'well' unless your name is Morten Harket. Oh yes, then try and sing 'summer moved on' and hold 'that' note. Bloody impossible.
He also holds (or did at one time) the record for the longest held recorded note sung in a song. His range and performance skills are excellent. He's still making great music in and out of a-ha.
Singer from the Norwegian band A-ha, the voice behind "Take On Me". He has a beautiful, soothing voice, and a very expansive voice range. It's hard not to love it.
He's great and has a beautiful voice. And I think I'm hardly the only one to find him handsome, besides everything else!

She had such a beautifull voice and all her songs have meaning behind them. My favourite songs are 'La Isla Bonita' and 'Like a Prayer'. They both have very good background stories which fit the music perfectly. When you look at her then and look at her now she has changed quite a lot.

Unique and genuine performer with a real heart being given to her audience.
Go to one of her show and then explain why she's not number 1.
In my opinion she should be higher on list..
Was the best woman singer of 80's.


Hetfield's voice back then was indeed awesome... One of the contributing factors in Metallica's success, I suppose...

Honestly, I can see why some artists are ahead of Jon. Others... not so much. I guess I can't complain that he's #25, but still, I think he could probably reach #20
Should be a lot higher
Best singer ever!
Good to see Dave Gahan on the list. Depeche Mode are often overlooked on "Best of" lists but they have made an enormous contribution to electronic music and Gahan has a distinctive voice.
Omg this guy in concert was something to see. He loves making music and he is a gift to the world!
His charismatic performance and deep baritone push him over the top.
He great because his voice touch me and
Make me feel relaxed.

Sting had a range like no other. He could sing any song he wanted to.

Prince has more talent than any other artist in history. He sings, dance, writes, composes, and also the master of over twenty seven instrument. It's obvious why they call him the purple yoda, he's truly a master of the force.
Even though I'm more of a Michael Jackson fan, I love Prince's music. R.I.P.
How is he not at least at #2, you guys have no culture.
Very distinguished and life style.

I think Kurt and his band Nirvana was more towards the 90s than the 80s