1. Samantha Fox
Samantha Fox seemed to burst onto the scene in the ’80s with her striking good looks and powerful voice. Her hit “Touch Me (I Want Your Body)” became a worldwide sensation in 1986, and she quickly became a pop icon. Fox’s combination of sultry pop and glam rock made her stand out from other female artists at the time. She was a favorite on the charts and in the tabloids, where her bold image and unapologetic personality captivated fans.
But despite her early success, Fox’s career eventually stalled in the ’90s. While she did release a few albums throughout the decades, none achieved the same level of success as her ’80s hits. As the music scene evolved, Fox’s brand of pop seemed less relevant, and she quietly stepped out of the spotlight. Today, she’s still active in music and TV, but her heyday in the pop world has long passed.
2. Tiffany
Tiffany’s breakout moment came when she was just 15 years old with the smash hit “I Think We’re Alone Now” in 1987. The song was everywhere, and the young singer became the face of teen pop for a brief moment in time. Her fresh, innocent image paired with catchy pop tunes made her a favorite for fans across the globe. Her album, also called Tiffany, went platinum and solidified her place in pop history.
However, Tiffany struggled to maintain the same level of success as she entered the ’90s. As her teenage years passed, her music and image began to feel out of sync with the changing trends. Despite several attempts to reinvent her sound, Tiffany never regained the same massive audience. She has since transitioned to country music and performs on the nostalgia circuit, but her time at the top has long since ended.
3. Rick Astley
Rick Astley’s “Never Gonna Give You Up” was one of the most iconic hits of the ’80s, with its infectious melody and catchy lyrics. His smooth voice and slick dance moves made him an instant pop sensation. The track topped charts around the world, and the song’s timeless appeal still makes waves today, thanks to the viral “Rickrolling” meme. Astley’s debut album, Whenever You Need Somebody, was a massive success, and he seemed poised for a long career in pop music.
However, after his early ’90s hits, Rick Astley seemed to disappear from the limelight. He famously retired from the music industry for several years, leaving fans wondering what had happened to the British pop star. Astley eventually made a return to music, but his comeback never quite reached the heights of his ’80s fame. Still, he’s remained beloved by fans, and his legacy is cemented by one of the most unforgettable pop songs of all time.
4. Dead or Alive
Dead or Alive, fronted by the unforgettable Pete Burns, became one of the most memorable bands of the ’80s with their hit single “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” With its high-energy beats, catchy chorus, and Burns’ eccentric appearance, the song became a global anthem. The band was known for its blend of new wave, dance-pop, and glam rock, and they quickly became a fixture on the ’80s music scene.
Despite their early success, Dead or Alive struggled to maintain momentum in the ’90s. Burns continued to experiment with his sound and image, but the hits dried up, and the band’s visibility waned. The band’s final major album came in the ’90s, and their once-revolutionary style seemed to have lost its edge in the changing music landscape. Burns would go on to gain some notoriety as a reality TV personality, but Dead or Alive’s heyday was short-lived.
5. Howard Jones
Howard Jones was one of the defining voices of ’80s pop with his melodic, synthesizer-driven hits like “No One Is to Blame” and “Things Can Only Get Better.” With his distinct voice and clever songwriting, Jones became an integral part of the new wave and synth-pop scene. His ability to blend catchy tunes with introspective lyrics made him a favorite in the music charts and on radio stations worldwide.
Despite his early success, Howard Jones found it difficult to maintain relevance as the ’90s approached. His sound, which once felt fresh and innovative, began to feel dated in the face of the grunge and alternative rock boom. Though he continued to release albums, none had the same impact as his earlier work. Jones still tours and has a loyal fan base, but his time in the mainstream spotlight was relatively brief.
6. Paula Abdul
Paula Abdul was everywhere in the late ’80s and early ’90s, with her infectious pop tunes and captivating choreography. Her debut album Forever Your Girl became a multi-platinum sensation, with hits like “Straight Up” and “Opposites Attract” dominating the airwaves. Abdul’s blend of pop and R&B, coupled with her dance prowess, made her one of the most famous pop stars of the time.
However, as the ’90s progressed, Abdul’s career hit a slump. Despite her earlier successes, she struggled to find her place in an ever-changing music landscape. A few albums came and went, but none matched the chart-topping hits of her earlier years. She eventually pivoted to television, where she became a popular judge on American Idol, but as a pop star, her reign had ended.
