Women’s Playlist for Power

Songs That Make Us Feel Unstoppable

I stand by the fact that your playlist should represent you and empower you in every step of your day. However, in the music industry, women have always been referred to as sexual, degrading objects to male singers which make them feel like the hot shot of all things music. Meanwhile, women, who do absolutely nothing to occur in such statements, use their platform differently. Women use their music platforms to boost women’s confidence by showcasing the ability to feel strong and have an own sense of way. Those music artists are the ones that are remembered and cherished in their business. Those are the people that I am going to deep dive into. Those artists, such as Alicia Keys, Aretha Franklin, and Hailee Steinfield, use their platform to create art that women can be inspired from and have more confidence in themselves. These songs should be on your Spotify playlist so you have the reminder of how unstoppable you are. 

“Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys 

“She’s on top of the world. Hottest of the hottest girls say / Everybody stands, as she goes by cause they can see the flame that’s in her eyes” 

Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” is a lasting anthem for anyone who is ever in a position of doubting their own strength. The symbolic lyrics paint a picture of a woman standing tall and radiating power and confidence. Keys’ strong vocals create such a touchful effect on the powerful message she is trying to get across. She created a song to allow women to hear that women can rise, walk their own path of life, and ignite the world with their brilliance. 

Confident” by Demi Lovato 

“What’s wrong with bein’ confident? 

Demi Lovato poses this question boldly throughout her song, flipping this criticism into a celebration of self-assurance. Lovato challenges the assumption of women being quiet and modest by asking what is wrong with confidence, as it is seen as a negative empowerment by men. Her answering in an unapologetic tone reclaims that confidence should not only be acceptable but necessary. 

Songs to Boost Your Confidence

“Respect” by Aretha Franklin 

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T/ Find out what it means to me.” 

Aretha Franklin transforms such a simple demand into a cultural anthem, creating some of the most famous lines of het time. Her commanding delivery makes a clear message that respect is not optional, it is essential! “Respect” has always been my feminist anthem since I was a kid, and being an adult, it has become even more empowering and my motivation for the day. Franklin embodies strength as she turns a personal demand into a universal call for equality. 

“Most Girls” by Hailee Steinfield 

“Some days you feel so good in your own skin / Cause you look greatest when you feel like a damn queen / Most girls are smart and strong and beautiful/  No two are the same.”

Hailee Steinfeld flips the insult “you’re not like most girls”,  that men use in an effort to make women feel ‘special’ or personally attacked, into a statement of pride that no two girls are the same. She celebrates the diversity and individuality of each and every woman. This song reminds me that there is no single definition of beauty or of strength as women are powerful with their uniqueness. The song overall recognizes that women have value and deserve celebration.

12 Ultimate Female Empowerment Songs

“You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore

“You don’t own me, I’m not just one of your many toys/ And don’t tell me what to do, don’t tell me what to say” 

Years before feminist anthems were exposed in the music industry, Lesley Gore’s “You Don’t Own Me” declares independence. Released in 1963, where men dominated the industry, the song was revolutionary as it rejected male control and affirmed women’s right to live life on their own terms and not be told what to do. Even today, it makes me feel bold and inspiring and a constant reminder in the resistance I have to tell others “no.” 

“Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara 

“And you don’t have to change a thing, the world could change its heart/ No scars to your beautiful, we’re stars and we’re beautiful / There’s a hope that’s waiting for you in the dark” 

Alessia Cara’s ballad is a love letter to those who feel unworthy because of societal beauty standards of women. With compassion and vulnerability, Cara is able to reassure listeners of their true beauty and that they shouldn’t conform to the ideals of men and society. It is about embracing who you are and directly speaking to self-acceptance and healing from the expectations.

Why These Songs Should Be In Your Playlist 

These songs are way more than just catchy songs. They are cultural reminders of women and their strength and worth in this men-dominated world. Alicia Keys’ resilience, Aretha Franklin’s demand for dignity, Demi Lovato’s unapologetic self-assurance, Hailee Steinfield’s positive outlook of individuality, Lesley Gore’s fearless independence, and Alessia Cara’s message of self-love all carry a shared meaning behind their songs. That meaning is that women are unstoppable! Music has the ability to shape how we view ourselves and these songs prove that when women take the mic, they can inspire confidence and respect. So the next time you need a reminder of how strong and independent you are, turn up that volume and sing your heart out, because these audiences are singing to you!

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