Wanting to feel empowered? How about listening to some fierce women singing some fierce songs about BEING a woman? Sounds good to me. Here are my top 10 songs that highlight and embrace the importance of women!
10. “Hey Girl”—Lady Gaga feat. Florence Welch
This is a match made in Heaven. Not only is Lady Gaga an amazing and talented artist, but the addition of the Florence + The Machine front-woman took the cake on this tune. Coming off of Gaga’s album Joanne, this calming song centers around the two women deciding to mutually respect and support each other, rather than tear each other down. This is a song meant for besties, share this to remind one another that you will always be there for them!
9. “I Am Woman”—Helen Reddy
“I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!” That infamous line will always be a mantra for the women of the world. This track, released in 1972, is a light-hearted melody filled with important lyrics geared toward the importance of women. Reddy describes the various qualities embodied in women that shape the world and who we are. If there is a karaoke night coming up for you, this is a perfect solo or group choice of song. If you need any pointers, just check out the girl gang perform in the Sex and the City 2 movie.
8. “Love Galore”—SZA feat. Travis Scott
This song climbed its way to charts, and soulful singer SZA has been the artist everyone’s talking about. Her debut album, Ctrl, addresses the emotions and actions that are associated with being a young woman in today’s society. Track 2 on the album, “Love Galore,” depicts the feelings that come with being played by someone, but the immediate bounce back. Though regretting putting effort into this person, SZA doesn’t sweat it and asserts that “it’s about love.” So forget about the boys, grab your girls for a night out and play this one for sure.
7. “Doo Wop (That Thing)”—Lauryn Hill
Lauryn Hill completely changed the game when her solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, was released. The album is devoted to finding oneself and the importance of doing so. One of the most popular songs from that album, “Doo Wop (That Thing),” is an upbeat and passionate ode to self-respect in a world filled of objectification. This is a sing at the top of your lungs type of song when you’re feeling yourself, so embrace it my darling’s and do your thing.
6. “I Will Survive”—Gloria Gaynor
Now this song is a personal favorite that has been a part of my life since I was young. My mother and I have sung this song repeatedly over the years, as it does serve as an anthem for all ages. From the melodic beginning to the powerful end, this song will take you on a journey that ends with one word: strength. Whenever this song plays, I know that I can take on whatever challenge life throws at me and I will prevail. This song also has a wider meaning with college kids, who survive a lot of things by the way—from stressful semesters, to worrying if we have an extra package of ramen in our dorm.
5. “No Scrubs”—TLC
TLC is regarded as one of the best artists in music history—and holds the title of being the number one bestselling girl groups in America. They took the 90s by storm and gave us the amazing hit listed above. In this catchy and timeless gem, the girls proclaim their independence, as well as showing their self-worth. They make it well known that they will not be wasting their time with any “scrubs,” that don’t acknowledge their status as strong women. This one definitely needs to be added to the car playlist on the way to the next girls’ night!
4. “You Don’t Own Me”—Lesley Gore
“You don’t own me, I’m not just one of your many toys.” This song broke barriers for the time period in which it was released. In 1964, women were still held to tight societal standards that limited them. Lesley Gore used her music as a platform to state that women were more than just an accessory to men. This song has been used in various movies and television shows that incorporate women’s rights—such as The Handmaid’s Tale. An updated version/cover of this song was released in 2014 by the singer Grace, and was used in the soundtrack of the film Suicide Squad.
3. “Girl”—Destiny’s Child
One of the other best girl groups around did us “girls” everywhere a favor by releasing this one. The comforting tone, as well as the beautiful melody, makes us all want to grab a tub of ice cream and have a chat with our girls. The song centers around two girls telling their best friend that they know she is trying to be strong and hold back her hurt feelings, but that she deserves better than the man that is doing her wrong. “Girl” is a reflective song that gives us the ability to take a step back and look at what’s going on in our lives, and know that our best girl friends will be there to help us out.
2. “***Flawless”—Beyoncé feat. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
This song brings out the feminist in all of us, thanks to Queen Bey. Coming off of her self-titled album in 2013, Bey declares that women are “flawless” in any type of form and we should all embrace our fierceness. One of the more inspiring parts comes from the featured artist, a Nigerian writer, who broadcasts the societal gender inequalities. This song is not only a perfect song to blast while you are getting ready, but it also highlights how to embrace womanhood. And we can’t forget the most famous line, “I woke up like this.”
1.“I’m Every Woman”—Chaka Khan
This has to be one of the best songs that embraces what it means to be a woman. Chaka Khan makes it impossible not to sing and dance along to this catchy hit that has served as a feminist favorite for years. Khan tells us all that women can be anything they want to be, and can execute it better than anyone. Another version of this song was done by no other than Whitney Houston, who also captures the essence of happiness and independence. Whatever version you choose, add this to the girl power playlist for sure.
Of course there are many songs that aim to show the importance of women, but these are just a few of my favorites! I hope you ladies will listen to these and remember how special you truly are, and how you can do anything you can possibly imagine! Dream big, live colorfully, and conquer the world girls!