*These are my interpretations of these songs, others may interpret them differently.
God is a Woman- Ariana Grande
I can’t write a list like this without including Ariana. She’s empowering people through her music and being an overall badass. I don’t listen to a lot of pop, but this song is awesome. Her voice is incredible and her live performance of this song at the 2018 VMA’s with the recreation of the last supper is one of the best things I have ever seen
Sisters- Natalie Prass
This song is jazzy and chill and the perfect song to play during wine night with your girls. The name of the song pretty much gives it away, it’s all about the people close to you and appreciating them.
Your dog- Soccer Mommy
This song is upbeat and fun, but is about women not being treated like pets. Soccer Mommy is also a 20 year old upcoming artist who recently toured with Paramore. Her music is meaningful, relaxing and empowering.
Messiah- Madonna
Madonna is basically the definition of empowerment. I specifically love this song because it’s got great witchy vibes with just a slight touch of creepy (my bread and butter). She has always been empowered and strong; literally any of her songs could be on this list, but this happens to be the one I listen to the most and the one that immediately popped into my head when I started writing this list.
I’ll Do- David So
This song is a little different because it was actually written by content creator and jack-of-all-trades, David So. He wrote this song for the movie Gook, in which he played an aspiring R&B artist while living through the LA race riots. It’s a throwback to 90’s R&B and honestly, it’s sexy as hell. It’s the kind of song that makes me wish I could dance well, just so I could dance every time it comes on.
Again- Kehlani
I’m a sucker for a good acoustic song and Kehlani does them so well! This is another song I can’t help but sing along to because she does so much with her voice in such a simple way. She’s a Queer woman of color who is very open about her sexuality and expresses it through her music. She doesn’t avoid using female pronouns when singing about her partners. This song in particular gets me because of the imagery she uses and how poetic her lyrics are.
Girls/Girls/Boys- Panic at the Disco
I have to say that Brendon Urie is my all time celebrity crush and I am absolutely in love with everything he does. This song is about bisexuality and the struggles of people who feel they have to hide their attraction. It’s really insightful and powerful. Also if you want to see something truly wonderful, watch the music video *wink**wink*.
Sisters of the Moon- Fleetwood Mac
Fleetwood Mac: The Ultimate Feminist Witch band. They’re an iconic band because they’re unique and creative. This song is great when you feel like witchy vibes and strong women. Not to mention, Stevie Nicks is a badass.
Woman- Kesha
This song is very blunt and straightforward. It’s the perfect pump-up song because you can yell/sing it in your car (or at least, I do). It also feels like something Kesha needed to write after her experiences with sexual assault. It’s very therapeutic to sing along to and I can only imagine it was probably very therapeutic to write.
Volcano Girls- Veruca Salt
This is another great Girl Pwr song. It’s upbeat and fast-paced and honestly it feels like it should be the theme song for an all female superhero team. It wouldn’t be out of place in an episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Witch- the bird and the bee
Once again another creepy, witchy song. This one reminds me of the soundtrack for The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina; creepy with a touch of vintage. It feels very powerfully feminine and I get excited every time it comes on.
Straight Outta Vagina- Pussy Riot
I can no longer listen to this song while I’m driving because every time I do, I speed. It’s a great workout song because it never fails to get me pumped up. The music video is super weird, but honestly awesome. Pussy Riot is a russian protest punk band and some of the members were imprisoned in Russia for two years after a public protest performance. Now they tour and use their music to spread the message of equal rights and corruption in governments.
Keep Ya Head Up- Jhene Aiko (Tupac)
This song is really powerful. It’s about solidarity with black women and the struggles they face way too often like rape and unwanted pregnancy. Originally written by Tupac (R.I.P), Jhene Aiko’s cover is beautiful and really slows it down so you can hear the lyrics and appreciate what they mean.
Rebel Girl- Bikini Kill
Bikini Kill was one of the major bands during the 90s feminist punk movement, they helped define the Riot Girl movement. Rebel Girl was their biggest hit and a total anthem. It’s fast paced and perfect for yelling at the patriarchy.
Fake Happy- Paramore
I have to admit I am definitely biased when it comes to Paramore. They have been my favorite band since I was 8, I own every album they have ever put out and seen them in concert 3 times. Hayley Williams was my childhood role model. Their most recent album, After Laughter, is all about mental illness. “Fake Happy” is putting on a brave face for the sake of other people, despite how you’re feeling inside. Lyrics like “I’m gonna draw my lipstick wider than my mouth, and if the lights are low they’ll never see me frown,” are so heartbreaking yet relatable. Even though the lyrics are depressing, the instrumentals are still uplifting and hopeful. This whole album is perfect and Paramore continues to be my favorite band ever.