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The Most Empowering Songs for Women of 2018

The 10 Most Empowering Songs

By Grace LynchPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
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image from vulture.com

These are ten songs that will define women in 2018.

10. "Girls Like You" - Maroon 5 ft Cardi B

Image from Billboard.com

Kicking off our list are one of two male inclusions to actually make it onto the list. For me it's less about Maroon 5's actual song, although it has a strong and empowering message, and more about the song's accompanying music video. The music video includes many inspiring women from different industries in the world including Gal Gadot (actress, Wonder Woman), Aly Raisman (Olympic Gymnast) and Trace Lysette (actress, Transparent). The video is very inclusive with women of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and industries and is a brilliant watch. Of course this list couldn't be complete without mentioning Cardi B who is quite possibly the biggest breakout star of 2017 and role model to many young women.

9. "F.R.I.E.N.D.S" - Marshmallo & Anne Marie

Image from bigtop40.com

This is easily the most relatable song of 2018 for me. Women in general often find themselves in a position where a male friend begins to expect more from their relationship despite it being nothing but platonic. With a strong message and a hypnotic beat F.R.I.E.N.D.S is not only a song with a message but a song that will get everyone onto the dance floor. FYI, that is the face every woman makes when a platonic friend wants to be more than friends.

8. "Nameless, Faceless" - Courtney Barnett

image from youtube.com

I have to admit that I stumbled across this song by accident and whilst Barnett's voice isn't the strongest on this list and the song isn't as catchy I have to admit the words in the chorus cut deep. During her opening verse she reaches out to the misogynists in the world asking if they have anything better to do with their time and offering them a hug. She quotes Margret Atwood in her chorus with the words "Men are afraid women will laugh at them... Women are scared men will kill them." This song is something that many women can relate with lyrics that refer to the everyday dangers of being female.

7. "What I Need" - Hayley Kiyoko ft Kehlani

Image from vulture.com

Hayley Kiyoko, also known as lesbian Jesus, teams up with queer icon Kehlani in this wonderfully gay collaboration. A song about knowing what you want from a relationship, it's applicable to any type of partnership whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not. Upbeat enough to dance to and an anthem for Pride, this song is certainly inspirational.

6. "IDGAF" - Dua Lipa

Image from rollingstone.com

Whilst I argued that Cardi B was the biggest breakout star of 2017, Dua Lipa is my favourite breakout star of that year. An excellent voice, catchy music and inspiring lyrics, what's not to love about Dua Lipa? Invoking an 80s style and modernising it, "IDGAF" is a song about moving on from damaging relationships and learning to be strong without a partner. Dua Lipa is most certainly an empowering artist.

5. "Sober" - Demi Lovato

Image from hollywoodlife.com

Let me just say I was shooketh when Demi Lovato unexpectedly dropped this song on us all, and what a beautiful and real song it is. Demi Lovato is someone who has struggled publicly with addiction and has never shied away from discussions on mental health but this song is so raw and personal, it takes my respect for her to a whole new level. A song that you will most certainly cry over, Sober empowers not only women but anyone who can relate to this incredible track. We can only hope that Demi is on her way to recovery once again.

4. "Fall in Line" - Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato

Image from breatheheavy.com

Christina Aguilera has one of the biggest voices in the business and so finding someone who can match that power and energy couldn't have been easy, but Demi Lovato sure made it sound easy. This song is possibly one of the most underrated songs of the year and it's music video was full of powerful metaphors. Incredible vocals aside, "Fall In Line" is a song targeted at ensuring young girls fight to be seen as equal to men rather than objects for them. A song that resonates and catches your attention, it definitely deserves more credit than it received.

3. "God Is a Woman" - Arianna Grande

Image from pitchfork.com

It has been such an honour to watch Arianna Grade transform into the international superstar that she is. A credit to all young women and role model for sure, Arianna Grande handles herself with grace and maturity that is inspiring. Her music is no different. Unashamed and controversial "God Is a Woman" is a direct and brave reference to sex rather than blasphemy. The music video uses imagery that puts even Taylor Swift's music videos to shame and the song itself feels liberating.

2. "Queen" - Jessie J

Image from ratedrnb.com

One of the most underrated singers of all time, Jessie J's voice is incredibly powerful and her songs often target the issue of body image."Queen" is no different, referring to the negative effect of plastic surgery, societies expectations of women's bodies and self-love. Jessie J is seen standing alongside multiple women of different ages, ethnicities, and body types as she declares them all Queens in their own right. This song is empowering to the max and if you haven't heard it I suggest you get on it.

1. "Make Me Feel" - Janelle Monae

Image from pitchfork.com

I have been obsessed with this song since its release. Channeling her inner Prince, Janelle Monae explores the themes of freedom and sexuality and embraces her own bisexuality. The music video features both a male and female love interest and the beat of the music is funky enough to get anyone dancing. Janelle Monae has outdone herself with track, inspiring the entire LGBTQ+ community and teaching people to embrace their sexuality.

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About the Creator

Grace Lynch

A film and media student with a love of travel and all things Disney.

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