My Top Ten Girl Power Anthems

Happy Snow Day Everyone!

I don’t about you all but I am still jammin’ to Beyonce’s latest album which made me think about music with a message. Music is moving and I always love a good song that has more than a catchy beat. Music has inspired movements such as James Brown, who made black beautiful, The Beatles who aspired to peace, or most recently Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’s anthem for marriage equality “Same Love”. I find reading books or articles awesome and hearing people speak can be really moving but there is something special and unifying about a song that has a social message.

I am compiling my very own feminist playlist. With themes of girl power, equality, stereotypes, and overall female centered, these songs should have you inspired in both the mind and the body! Check it out and let me know what you think! Also please comment with songs you would add 🙂 Rock, shake, drop, sing on friends!

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10. I am Woman – Helen Reddy

You might recognize this song from the movie Sex in the City 2 when the ladies sing karaoke during their vacation. It is an older song which makes is even more daring and strong to me! Belt this one out- lyrics on screen!

9. Run The World (Girls) – Beyonce

I can’t make a playlist and not put this one on. Set this as an alarm on a big day when you need to run shit and basically be a boss and you will be strutting your way out the door!

8. Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys

You, yes you, are on fire. Keep your head up, conquer your fears, and control your destiny! Great for your walk to class or an interview, etc.

7. Can’t Hold Us Down – Christina Aguilera

Not only is this a killer throwback, but Christina addresses some real issues. I also love that she tells us to “Shout out loud” 🙂

6. Just a Girl – No Doubt

Gwen brings out a sassy and sarcastic side in this song as she expresses her frustration with being labeled “just a girl”. Turn it up and rock on! You are more than just a girl (or boy for that matter)!

5. Express Yourself – Madonna

My feminist playlist wouldn’t be complete without Madonna. This Queen of Pop tells us not to go for second best! Also kind of a hilarious music video.

4. None of Your Business – Salt n’ Pepa

These three liberated ladies have created some awesome hits. I had a hard time choosing between this one and “Let’s Talk about Sex” but I went with this one because it stresses that you can do as you please! It’s your body, your business, no one else’s!

3. Basta Ya – Jenni Rivera

I have to always shout out to my love of musica latina! This song is about a girl who has had enough. Translated, “Basta Ya” literally means “enough is enough”. I like this live performance because you can see how powerful she is in the room. Jenni shined in an especially male-dominated music scene. She was a symbol of women empowerment for many! Give it a listen 🙂

2. What’s Love Got To Do With It – Tina Turner

I chose this song not because it has especially feminist lyrics but because of Tina and her story. She was physically and emotionally abused by her husband and business partner Ike Turner for about 20 years. When she finally decided to stand up and split from him it was a huge risk to her career, but it was necessary. She struggled at first to make a hit but then came out with this song and boom! Tina was back! Props to Tina for always being a strong female and making it through her roughest times.

1. Independent Women pt. 1 – Destiny’s Child

The name says it all. I love this song and I especially love that this is something I grew up on. It gives me hope for future generations. Hopefully we can continue and grow in music that empowers women!

 

Hope you enjoyed and make a playlist of your own!

Besos!