There’s a reason why we love to belt out our favorite songs performed by female artists: So many of them celebrate girl power! There’s nothing better than when powerhouses like Christina Aguilera or Beyoncé reject stereotypical notions about women and declare how society should be. We’ve rounded up the top seven tunes that best empower us ladies to feel confident, independent and happy, so turn up the volume and check them out!
1. “Run the World (Girls)” – Beyoncé
The title is self-explanatory, but to get the full effect of Queen Bey’s message, you need to see the music video. As she declares a tribute to all the women “on [their] grind,” she and her army of female dancers bust a move before the swarm of nervous-looking, shield-wielding men standing there. “Who are we? What we run?” It’s basically one big cheer, and Beyoncé is the spirit leader.
2. “Can’t Hold Us Down” – Christina Aguilera (feat. Lil’ Kim)
Though Christina Aguilera is known more for producing sultry, jazzy songs that deal with themes like love, she occasionally comes out with a female-empowering tune like “Can’t Hold Us Down.” The hip-hop song is a direct criticism of the double standards women have to deal with in society. By rejecting the notion that “all women should be seen, not heard,” Aguilera proposes that we ladies “shout out loud [and let] them know we’re gonna stand our ground!”
3. “I Am Woman” – Helen Reddy
If you’ve never heard of this song, it’s likely because it was released in 1971, but it was actually a hit at the time because of the women’s movement that was going on. Fun fact: the ladies of Sex and the City sing this song karaoke-style in the second film when they’re in Abu Dhabi (so you may have actually heard it!). Reddy, an Australian pop singer, describes the frustration and pride she has felt in relation to her journey as a woman seeking equality. “Yes, I am wise, but it’s wisdom born of pain,” she reflects. “I’ve paid the price, but look how much I gained.”
4. “Try” – Colbie Caillat
Colbie Caillat starts this song with what seems like an order: “Put your makeup on, get your nails done, curl your hair, run the extra mile, keep it slim.” It’s everything that gets implanted into young women’s heads. But Caillat is rejecting these ideas! To prove it, she sheds all of her makeup throughout the music video —fake eyelashes, foundation, metallic eyeliner and all.
5. “One Girl Revolution” – Superchick
Superchick, whose heyday was in the early 2000s, is probably long forgotten in your mind, but their songs sent powerful messages to women. “I’ll be everything that I want to be, I am confidence and insecurity, I am a voice yet waiting to be heard.” This catchy song gets in your face. The ladies of Superchick want you to break free and stand up for your beliefs.
6. “Independent Women” – Destiny’s Child
This song focuses on the fact that women shouldn’t need a man to lean on in order to have nice things or be happy. Though you may not have understood what it meant to be an independent woman when this song first came out (likely because we were in elementary school), the song still probably stuck with you. We mean, how awesome is it to listen to this song while strutting down the street?
7. “She Works Hard for the Money” – Donna Summer
Okay, this song isn’t exactly current, but this ’80s jam still sends a great message. Women everywhere work very hard – some raise kids, some balance multiple jobs, some have to do both – and all of them deserve respect. So, as Summer puts it, “you better treat her right!”
Honestly, songs that promote girl power are the best. They make us happy and all-around proud to be women. Which is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!