International Women's Day is a day to celebrate women all over the world! Here is a playlist full of empowering songs and some of my favorite songs by female artists.
"Woman"- Kesha (Rainbow)
It’s in the title, need I say more? This is a song that needs to be played loud and a song that needs to be sung out loud. This is the lighter side of the playlist, this is just a feel good song to play (and sing) with your friends.
"Adulting"- Beach Bunny (Prom Queen EP)
This Beach Bunny track has Lili Trifilio (vocals, guitar) singing about struggles as she goes into the adult world. Trifilio sings “cookie-cutter, marriage license, bachelor’s degree/Pressure pulsing got to stick to routine normalcy” in the second verse. This is what a lot of 20-something’s deal with. They want to chart their own path, but they also know what’s “expected” of them. However, the song is not all hopeless, as Trifilio sings “I’ll figure it out eventually” in the chorus
"Sit Still Look Pretty"- Daya (Sit Still, Look Pretty)
I loved this song because of its message when it first came out, and I still love it now. The lyrics have deep meaning but it’s still a fun pop song.
"This is Not A Love Song"- Small Talks (Until It Turns to Petals)
I chose this song because of the change of pace it shows for Small Talks. Much of their discography is filled with up beat indie tunes, but Cayley Spivey knows how to change the tone & still keep everyone’s attention. This song proves that.
"How to Socialize & Make Friends"- Camp Cope (How to Socialize and Make Friends)
This song makes you want to move. It’s upbeat. This song doesn’t have a women’s empowerment motive but it’s a song- and a group- that’s worth your time anyway.
"Trust My Lonely"- Alessia Cara (The Pains of Growing)
As if we didn’t know women don’t need a man to be complete! But this song is here in case someone in your life hasn’t gotten that message yet. But seriously, sometimes being alone can be better than being with someone, and Alessia Cara is here to remind us of that.
"bad idea!"- girl in red (chapter 2)
The only song on this playlist with the theme of regret. But still a necessary song all the same. We’re human, we make mistakes.
"Allison"- Soccer Mommy (Collection)
I chose this song because of how it represents the voice of Soccer Mommy, Sophie Allison’s name. As the opening track she’s all out on the line here with everything she has to offer. Asking to have your attention, but not demanding to have it.
"Lucky 88"- Speedy Ortiz (Twerp Verse)
An artist you may not have heard of before, but one you need to know. This song is the perfect introduction to them. After seeing time open for CHVRCHES this past summer this is the song that has stuck with me the most.
"Creepin"- Hayley Williams (Petals for Armor)
While her solo work is new to the scene her ability to create amazing songs is not. This song is tongue-in-cheek in a poised way, seen in the line “poor little vampire.” This is different from her work in Paramore but deserves your respect and attention all the same.
"Bury It"- CHVRCHES (Every Open Eye)
One of my favorite songs from their discography. It’s also fairly fitting for International Women’s Day. From “bury it and rise above” to “how about I throw my weight/and raise it overhead” many of the lyrics can be seen through the women’s empowerment lens.
"You Don't Own Me"- Pale Waves (Who Am I?)
This song calls back to the 2000s but has a modern pop-punk twist. Heather Baron-Gracie (vocals, guitar) sings about how she’s her own person; she’s going to do what she wants whether you like it or not. Baron-Gracie also calls to the standards women are expected to follow as she sings “Don't cut your hair too short/ ‘Cos it looks better long and straight/ Don't make the first move, no...Just learn to bite your tongue...Don't show too much skin” in the second verse. She’s pushing back at the norm girls are taught from a young age, and it’s something any gender identity should pay attention to.
"No Good"- Ashalnd (Wildfire)
Another up and coming artist that might not be on your radar. This was one of the first songs of theirs I heard and it has always stuck with me.
"Nightmare"- Halsey (single)
This song is the anthem for this day. It’s a lovely middle finger to the patriarchy. It’s a song to scream the words to when your angry. It’s a song that you turn up when it comes on the radio. It’s multifaceted, like Halsey herself.
"The Man"- Taylor Swift (Lover)
My favorite song of Lover for its message alone. As a young adult woman, this song only becomes more relatable the more you listen to it.