Has life been getting you down?
Sometimes the world, or even just your husband, partner, or lover, can catapult you down to the darkest depths. Girl, you need to raise that vibration with some strong girl power vocals and kick-ass tunes to pulsate the negativity from your soul!
The best way to turn that frown upside down? Turn up your tunes with a playlist featuring the best women empowerment songs, and sing your heart out while putting your world right.
From Every Era
Spanning decades, these female leads have stepped out of line with vocals empowering women to be strong and stand up for themselves. Women have been echoing the same voice for equality across every dimension of life in this male-dominated society.
Being a woman means being powerful and assertive, and drawing from inner strength. Being a woman means being compassionate and strong-willed. Know that you are blessed with the wisdom of being of the “fairer sex.” Being a woman means backing up other women instead of tearing them down; it means being fragile but also fierce. Let’s celebrate being a woman and what it means to embrace your womanhood!
So, check out my playlist of the best women empowerment songs to get you through those tough work days, emotional lows, and times when life feels like a struggle. With ballads celebrating self-love, breakup, and over-it anthems, and songs making sure you know truly know your worth!
Sing your heart out and get your strong girl on with these powerful words.
100 Best Women Empowerment Songs
It was too difficult a task to try to define the greatness of these songs in any order, so we went with chronological, as that seemed the fairest. Let’s kick off this epic 66 best women empowerment song list with non-other than Lesley Gore’s 1963 smash hit “You Don’t Own Me.”
1 “You Don’t Own Me” by Lesley Gore (1963)
Album: Lesley Gore Sings of Mixed Up Hearts / 2.30 minutes.
Back in 1963, Lesley was telling men the world over how women were feeling with the huge hit “You Don’t Own Me.” Quickly becoming an anthem for young girls and women alike, who wanted to be in control of themselves, their life, and their future!
This song has held its own through the decades and is still intensely relevant today. Who knew that 50 years on, women would still be fighting for control of themselves?
2 “Ain’t No Use” by Nina Simone (1965)
Album: Pastel Blues / 3.01 minutes.
A song of a woman at the end of her tether with married life with her bitter and resentful husband, who just don’t treat her right. So much so that she’s ready to pack up, move on and take back her maiden name. Now that’s an empowering stance if we’ve ever heard one.
3 “Respect” by Aretha Franklin (1967)
Album: Respect: The Very Best of Aretha Franklin / 2.27 minutes.
What do women really want? Aretha’s been spelling it out for years. This 60s disco hit has had us swinging our hips and singing from our lips to one of the most empowering songs of all time.
Respect your lady, respect your house, and you will get all the good loving that comes from it. Aretha’s feminist vocals timelessly resonate with females everywhere.
4 “Just Because I’m a Woman” by Dolly Parton (1968)
Album: Just Because I Am Woman / 3.03 minutes.
“Just Because I’m a Woman” is a song that highlights the expectations of women being a virgin on their wedding night. How it’s totally fine for men to “play the field” until they find the one they want to marry. But for women, once they’ve “been had,” then they are seen as damaged goods.
It was inspired by her own marriage and the argument that ensued with her husband after he found out she was not a virgin on their wedding night. But here’s the kicker… Neither was he! Talk about double standards!
5 “I Am Woman” by Helen Reddy (1972)
Album: I Am Woman / 2.55 minutes. For more exceptional songs, check out our thoughts on the Best Helen Reddy Songs of all time.
This was the track that catapulted Reddy into the limelight and cemented her stance amongst that era’s most powerful women in music. A song highlighting the strength and resilience of women the world over.
Uniting and empowering women who are eternally connected in this forward march for women’s rights and recognition. It became the unofficial anthem for the Women’s Liberation Movement after its 1972 release. “I Am Woman” is also the title of a movie about Helen Reddy’s struggle in a male-dominated world and her rise to fame through it.
6 “The Pill” by Loretta Lynn (1975)
Album: Back To The Country / 2.35 minutes.
In 1965, when the law “banning birth control” was passed in the USA. The contraceptive pill revolutionized women’s prospects of being more than an “incubator” and housewife raising an endless soiree of kids.
Loretta Lynn’s 1975 country music hit was released a whole decade later and revels in women’s liberation and freedom of choice, as well as letting hubby know that times are changing.
7 “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor (1978)
Album: The Very Best of Gloria Gaynor / 3.18 minutes.
This powerhouse break-up and wake-up tune was a disco sensation in the late 70s and is still a huge hit today. The theme is about moving on after having her heart broken by her partner. Only to mourn for him and have the realization dawn on her that she was way better off without him anyways!
Get your groove on with this classic song of self-expression and moving onwards and upwards from no good men.
8 “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan (1978)
Album: Epiphany: The Best Of Chaka Khan Vol 1 / 4.06 minutes.
Chaka Khan made this her debut song after leaving her band, and boy, did it shake the rooftops upon release! Celebrating the essence of every woman, everywhere, imploring us to be ourselves and love exactly who that woman is.
This song created so much smoke that Whitney Houston recorded her own version in 1993. With “I’m Every Woman (Whitney Houston)” finding as much success with it as Chaka did. No matter which version you prefer, this song has you singing along and feeling proud to be a woman.
9 “I’m Coming Out” by Diana Ross (1980)
Album: 20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection: Best of Diana Ross / 5.24 minutes.
A disco funk song headed with Diana’s powerhouse vocals that has been interpreted several different ways. Diana saw it as a ‘coming out’ after severing ties with Berry Gordy at Motown Records.
While it has also been serving as a theme song for the LGBTQ+ community. Giving strength to those discovering who they truly are, accepting themselves, and being proud of it!
10 “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton (1980)
Album: 9 to 5 and Odd Jobs / 2.47 minutes.
Dolly wrote this number for the film “Nine to Five.” An 80’s hit about three working women conspiring to take out their “sexist, hypocritical bigot” boss.
The song still strongly resonates today with being a “step on the boss man’s ladder.” How most amazing women work themselves into the ground, usually without the deserved recognition. All the while reminding us to keep dreaming and push forwards!
11 “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar (1980)
Album: Greatest Hits: Pat Benatar / 2.52 minutes.
We’ve all had that partner who breaks our hearts but is still kicking around long after the fact. “Hit Me with Your Best Shot” is a song radiating self-confidence and letting your ex-significant other know that you’ve grown up and grown strong. That you can handle whatever is thrown your way and handle it again and again.
12 “Bad Reputation” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (1980)
Album: Greatest Hits: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts / 2.48 minutes.
Rock’ n’ Roll queen Joan has happily stated that she “wore her ‘Bad Reputation’ as a badge of honor.” Being a girl in a male-dominated world, she shrugged off traditional gender roles and lived the life she dreamed of.
All the while being judged for her look and love of being an electric guitar-playing front woman. So girls, let’s all be like Joan, shrug off society’s shackles, and not give a damn. But looking hella fly whilst doing it!
13 “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” by Cyndi Lauper (1983)
Album: She’s So Unusual / 3.58 minutes.
Yeah, we do! This classic 80s hit shouts from the rooftops that girls wanna get out and let their hair down just as much as boys do, and that we are going to do! No matter our age or place in life, girls wanna break free of the daily bump and grind and get out to have some fun!
14 “Sisters Are Doing it for Themselves” by Eurythmics (Featuring Aretha Franklin) (1985)
Album: Aretha / 4.31 minutes.
The song title says it all. Annie and Aretha encourage women to get out of the hot kitchens and proudly stand on their own two feet to be who they want to be! Train as a doctor, become a lawyer. Girls, put your mind to it, and you can be whatever you want to be!
15 “Would I Lie To You” by Eurythmics (1985)
Album: Be Yourself Tonight / 4.28 minutes.
Next, in my rundown of the Best Women Empowerment Songs, Annie shows us what a strong woman is all about. No matter how cute and sexy that man might be. If he’s treating you badly, leave his ass, and don’t be looking back!
But also, don’t be lying about it. Draw on your courage, stand face to face, look him square in the eyes, and tell him exactly why he’s no longer worthy of your time or love. You’ve got this, sister!
16 “This Woman’s Work” by Kate Bush (1988)
Album: This Womans Complete Work / 6.28 minutes.
Written especially for the 1988 film “She’s Having a Baby,” from the expectant father’s perspective during a traumatic and scary birth scene. This epic track comes from underrated songstress Kate Bush.
Who, with her haunting piano and vocal style, not only sheds light on the trauma of bringing new life into this world. But also on the strength of women’s work in every aspect of life.
17 “Proud Mary” by Tina Turner (1988)
Album: All The Best – The Hits / 5.27 minutes.
This song might not be an original, but let’s face it. Tina Turner made it her own with her sexy, inspired, soulful and energetic version, which set the crowds in an electric haze and hearts on fire of many.
18 “Express Yourself” by Madonna (1989)
Album: Like A Prayer / 8.02 minutes.
Take advice from the queen of pop, and “Don’t go for second best baby!” Know your worth. Value yourself and be with a man (or woman) who is your equal, not someone who’s sub-par to your own brand of fabulous.
Madonna’s hit is all about embracing your femininity and also independence, and it just screams girl power! There’s no women empowerment songlist complete without it.
19 “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue (1992)
Album: The Very Best of En Vogue / 4.53 minutes.
Listen to these powerful lyrics… En Vogue wrote this after witnessing unfair and unpunished racism and brutality and added double standards and female equality into the tune as well.
Don’t judge us by what we wear. Don’t judge us by the bodies we are born with. Basically, just don’t judge. Free your mind from the bounds of skin color and gender, and the world will become a better place for it.
20 “Rebel Girl” by Bikini Kill (1992)
Album: Pussy Whipped / 2.43 minutes.
This is feminist punk rock at its finest. “Rebel Girl” is a kick-ass tune of women empowering other women, supporting them no matter what. Screw the haters and the people who live to dish out the bad labels. It’s time to rally behind your neighborhood queen and get your girl crush on!
21 “Unpretty” by TLC (1992)
Album: Fanmail / 4.38 minutes.
Is your man telling you to change the way you look, and making you feel “Unpretty”? Saying get a nose job, a boob job, fix that weave? If this is the case, then lady, it’s time to get yourself a new one! Someone who’s gonna love you for the unique human woman that you are!
Take a page outta TLC’s book and know that no matter what you are told to’ fix’ on the outside. It won’t help, as this man has put the insecurities deep in your mind.
22 “Hero” by Mariah Carey (1993)
Album: To Infinity / 4.18 minutes.
It wouldn’t be a proper girl’s night out down the karaoke bar without hearing this tune being belted out at least three times. Everyone has the ability to be a hero, not just a select few. You’ve just got to look inside and have the courage to become something more with your inner strength!
This heartfelt ballad could have become another broken-hearted tale. However, Mariyah takes it up a notch and creates a world-renowned, inspirational masterpiece that remains her most performed song to date. Remember, ladies; not all heroes wear capes.
23 “Hand in my Pocket” by Alanis Morrisette (1995)
Album: Jagged Little Pill / 3.42 minutes.
“Hand in my Pocket” is a song all about the contradictions of life, yet is written in a positive rather than negative light. She’s looking on the brighter side of life, even when things seem to go wrong. “Cause what it all comes down to, is that everything is gonna be fine, fine, fine.”
With one hand in her pocket, and the other always busy doing something else and slowly moving forward. We should take a page out of Alanis’s book and relax, let life guide us a little. Because it’s usually guiding us towards bigger and better things!
24 “Just a Girl” by No Doubt (1995)
Album: Tragic Kingdom / 3.29 minutes.
Another song headlining the woes of double standards that continue to exist between men and women. No Doubt is a body popping, foot thumping mix of ska, punk, and pop, with Gwen’s zealous lyrics highlighting the frustrations of being “Just a girl” in a man’s world.
Not only does this number force you to get your groove on. It’s a must have on your girl power tracklist.
25 “You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette (1995)
Album: Jagged Little Pill / 4.09 minutes.
Alanis kicks the door down to allow us to feel everything after being messed around by a covert crap boyfriend. This song is a straight-up, no holds barred break up and wake up song after getting kicked to the curb. Based on a girl happy in her relationship who is then blind-sighted by a breakup, only to find out she’s been replaced.
“You Oughta Know” takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions as you tune into her lyrical vibes portraying violence, rage, pain, longing, jealousy, and sadness. So when you are feeling the pangs of a broken heart, get some angsty Alanis blasting on your speakers and shout your pain away.
26 “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls (1996)
Album: Spice Girls Greatest Hits / 2.54 minutes.
Who embodies girl power to the max? The Spice Girls, of course! The pity party is over, ladies; get this song blasting for a boost of spicy confidence and sing along out loud!
27 “Bitch” by Meredith Brooks (1997)
Album: Blurring The Edges / 4.13 minutes.
In the words of Meredith, “I’m a bitch – I’m a lover – I’m a child – I’m a mother – I’m a sinner – I’m a saint – I do not feel ashamed – I’m your Hell – I’m your dream – I’m nothing in between – you know you wouldn’t want it any other way.”
Being a woman is difficult! We feel all sorts of everything; we have layers (like an onion) and mood swings galore. Meredith kicks ass with this song, man-splaining just how complicated we women really are. And that we are in no way, shape, or form sorry for it either! Take that!
28 “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain (1997)
Album: Greatest Hits / 3.55 minutes.
Sometimes us girls just need to get all dolled up for a night out with our besties, and leave everything else behind! Get your hair done, wear what makes you feel good, and be who you wanna be! No judgment here!
29 “Celebrity Skin” by Hole (1998)
Album: Celebrity Skin / 2.43 minutes.
Courtney Love took a swing at Hollywood and hit her mark dead center with “Celebrity Skin,” her most successful song. With no-nonsense lyrics, some have called her out as a hypocrite. Is she?
We don’t think so! She’s simply a woman who knows exactly who she is, a bonafide hot mess of an artist who isn’t afraid to announce it to the world. Let’s all be like Courtney and give the middle finger to Hollywood’s exhausting beauty standards.
Or let’s all be like Doja Cat, who covered this hit but, apart from changing some of the lyrics. Left this rock anthem as it should be, even emulating Courtney’s gritty voice and 90s grunge vibe. “Celebrity Skin (Doja Cat version)”
30 “Stronger” by Britney Spears (2000)
Album: Oops… I Did It Again / 3.23 minutes.
After a series of crazy life experiences, Britney bounced back with this girl power anthem. Stating that she’s stronger than yesterday, her loneliness ain’t killing her no more, and that she’s better off alone. Honestly, we couldn’t agree more! Dust yourself up and straighten that crocked crown Britney, and we’ll all follow in suit!
31 “Independent Women” by Destiny’s Child (2000)
Album: Survivor / 3.41 minutes.
Destiny’s Child hit us hard with this chart-busting tune that sat at number one on Billboards Hot 100 for 11 weeks! This song revels in women’s independence and ability to make good money, support themselves, and live a great life carved out on our own terms.
The song was penned for the 2000 hit movie “Charlie’s Angels” and empowered strong and successful women everywhere to keep on doing what they are doing. The line “Put your hands up” is an ode to the feminist movement, but yo, did you know this was part one? And there’s actually a part two to the song!?
32 “Survivor” by Destiny’s Child (2001)
Album: Survivor / 4.14 minutes.
Destiny’s Child dissolves the blues with another confidence boosting girl grit anthem. Telling their ex just how much more success has been found since leaving behind the EX-cess baggage. Lets these girls whip your sadness into shape and move on from what’s holding you back!
33 “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera (2002)
Album: Stripped / 4.06 minutes.
Next. on my list of the Best Women Empowerment Songs, I bring you a great tune for when you are working that punching bag like a pro. Aguilera’s fighter will get you thinking about that certain someone who betrayed you at some point in your life. Might have been a close friend, work colleague, or lover.
If the experience allowed you to grow in grace and be stronger, then hopefully, you can be just like Christina! Forgive them for their wrongdoings, and even send thanks for making you wiser, faster, and stronger.
34 “Beautiful” by Christina Aguilera (2002)
Album: Keeps Getting Better: A Decade of Hits / 4.02 minutes.
Christina hits this list again with her smash hit ballad beautiful, a tale of resilience against harsh, negative words from others. Beautiful no matter what they say, and beautiful in every way, hell yes, Christina, we are all of that and more! Remain strong and listen to your sweet, loving inner voice, and she reminds you how amazing you are.
35 “This One’s for the Girls” by Martina McBride (2003)
Album: Martina / 4.03 minutes.
Martina celebrates all the girls, and whether you are a fresh eighteen year old or rocking in your 80s, this song resonates. Focussing on the vulnerabilities of women in every stage of their lives, from young teens embarking on the journey that is high school.
To young career women trying to find their feet and make their mark in the world. To middle age women missing and yearning for their youth to return. Her song is all about loving yourself, at whatever stage of life, and to love with every fiber of your being without holding back.
36 “Phenomenal Woman” by Olivia Newton-John (2005)
Album: Stronger Than Before / 5 minutes.
Do you know how some women just have “that certain something” about them that captivates both men and women alike? Well, Olivia shares how to be just like that!
37 “Not Ready To Make Nice” by The Chicks (2007)
Album: Taking the Long Way / 3.57 minutes.
If you’ve been blighted by a friend or loved one, and all they do is keep harping on at you to make the effort to fix what broke. Yet the issue is with them and not you, don’t feel the pressure to cave in. Stand strong and drop them (like a hot potato) from your life.
The Chicks don’t mince their words, ever. ‘Not Ready To Make Nice” reminds us that it’s okay to feel what you feel, and not cave into someone else’s bullshit. Whether it’s a personal or political statement, stand your ground and hold fast. You’ve got this!
38 “Love Song” by Sara Bareilles (2007)
Album: Little Voice / 4.19 minutes.
This isn’t a love song, nor is it a break song. This epic song is Sara’s “middle finger” response to her record label executives, who told her that the only way she’d make it big was with another stupid, run-of-the-mill love song. Kudos to Bareilles as she showed them exactly what she made of, and that her talents rise far beyond this boxed-in stereotype!
39 “That’s Not My Name” by The Ting Tings (2008)
Album: We Started Nothing / 5.11 minutes.
There’s always that one person who always mispronounces your name. Even when you are wearing a name tag or you’ve corrected them multiple times! Well, get some Ting Tings blasting on your stereo and turn it up loud to drown the frustration right out!
To every woman who has ever been questioned as to who they are, what they think they are doing, and how that’s gonna work. The Ting Tings frontwoman, Katie, has got you covered.
40 “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé (2008)
Album: I AM…SASHA FIERCE / 3.13 minutes.
It’s something that happens the world over, women in relationships giving their all, but the man does not want to commit. They break up and eventually find a man who shows all the love and gives everything the girl wants, only to have the ex jealous and trying to win you back.
This is an empowering song telling us to know our worth. To value what it is you want in life, and not to be stuck in something that isn’t going to end in marital bliss. (If this is what you want!)
41 “Get Outta My Way” by Kylie Minogue (2010)
Album: Aphrodite / 3.38 minutes.
One of Australia’s finest exports, Kylie is on point with her girl (and gay) power anthem reminding men to take care if mistreating a partner. As they’ll no doubt disappear from the dancefloor enthralled in the attentions of another. Girl, get your groove on with this sassy song from a beloved disco queen.
42 “F**kin’ Perfect” by Pink (2010)
“Album: Greatest Hits… So Far!!! / 3.34 minutes.
“You’re so mean when you talk about yourself – you are wrong, change the voices in your head – make them like you instead.” Pink has been there, and so have most of us when our inner voice pipes up and starts to take over with all the negative thoughts. Making you second guess yourself and spiral downwards.
Pink shouts it from the rooftops (and so should we!) Girl, you are enough; we are enough; get out there and know your worth, and leave that inner critic in the dust.
43 “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson (2011)
Album: Stronger / 3.42 minutes.
Kelly Clarkson is the queen of kiss-off songs, and “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” is no different. This powerhouse anthem preaches the difference between being “alone” and being “lonely.” And oh boy, don’t we know the difference!
Feeling stronger after riding the emotional rollercoaster of heartbreak. Kelly reminds the world it’s okay to be single and to remember you can be alone without being lonely!
44 “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga (2011)
Album: Born This Way (Special Edition) / 4.20 minutes.
Lady Gaga is no shy, demure wallflower. She brings her empowering ‘A’ game with her smash hit “Born This Way.” Covering religious, racial, social, sexual, and gender equality in this 2011 banger which sees her tell the world to simply embrace being yourself!
45 “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé (2011)
Album: 4 / 3.56 minutes.
“Who run this mutha? Girls”. A rhetorical question has never been so empowering! That’s right, boys, us girls run this world.
Queen Bey gives a loud and proud shout-out to all of us who are out here hustling hard for paychecks and making bank off our own coattails. It’s been a recurring anthem for well over a decade now, and this kick-ass song celebrating all things women is never going to go out of style!
46 “Bad Girls” by M.I.A. (2012)
Album: Matangi / 3.48 minutes.
You’ve got to note the brilliant parallels when enjoying the music video, which we are living for! Not only does she redefine the term “Bad Girls” by stating it simply means strong, intelligent, modern, and non-traditional women. Striving to live an equally free life without being bound by the restraints created by men.
But the vibrant and empowering music video brings to light the fact that it’s still illegal for Saudi women to drive cars. Which in this day and age is mindblowing. She worked alongside the “Women to Drive Movement,” who are Saudi women reforming for the same rights as women the world over and their male counterparts, to be able to do simple things like drive their own car.
47 “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys (2012)
Album: Girl on Fire / 4.31 minutes.
Coming up next on my Best Women Empowerment Songs playlist rundown, here is a song to pop on and turn up the volume when you are ready to celebrate being a woman! “Girl on Fire” was originally written for the “The Hunger Games Movie Collection.” A four part movie-thon about a girl kicking ass in a post-apocalyptic world.
A great tune and one to get those vocal cords warmed up for. No empowered women’s playlist would be complete without a number from the iconic songstress Alicia Keys.
48 “Part of Me” by Katy Perry (2012)
Album: Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection / 3.36 minutes.
If you’ve ever been cheated on and had your word completely shattered. Take heed of Katy Perry’s wise words and know that there’s a part of you that will always remain untouched and intact. Draw strength from this part of you and move on to bigger and better things.
49 “Brave” by Sara Bareilles (2013)
Album: The Blessed Unrest / 3.40 minutes.
A song that promotes self-love and healing. Having the courage to step out from society’s restraints and your own personal hell and speaking your truth is how you can grow and “escape the cage where you live.”
Be brave in knowing you are enough, knowing your worth and that no matter what, it’s your very own brand of uniqueness that makes you so amazing.
50 “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor (2014)
Album: Title (Expanded Edition) / 3.08 minutes.
Women come in all shapes and sizes. The unrealistic sizing restrictions put on women to determine what’s beautiful and what’s not is ridiculous, and it’s got to stop! Huge shout to Meghan, who puts all the bass in that ass, and isn’t afraid to do so.
Let’s follow in Meghan’s footsteps and keep the junk in the trunk, bring our booties back and establish that body image is all about feeling beautiful in your own skin. Not by how “skinny” you are.
51 “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift (2014)
Album: 1989 / 3.39 minutes.
All the haters and liars and dirty, dirty cheats of the world, we all know they are out there and get us down and out. But when you start playing this song walking down the streets of your city, you just ain’t gonna care anymore!
This song is supposedly aimed at her exes, but really it relates to someone everyone has had to deal with at one point or another!! Get your self-esteem grooving and shaking, and be happy in the knowledge that nobody’s perfect. Nope, not even you!
52 “Try” by Colbie Caillat (2014)
Album: Gypsy Heart / 3.44 minutes.
“Try” by Colbie Caillat is an empowering ballad that affirms you are enough. You really don’t have to try so hard; you just have to accept yourself. We shouldn’t have to change ourselves to fit into what body image society has deemed “normal.”
53 “Love Myself” by Hailee Steinfeld (2015)
Album: HAIZ / 3.39 minutes.
Hailee shows us how it is done. Self-satisfaction is a gift, and making sure you know how to handle your own body inside and out screams female empowerment!
“Gonna love myself. No, I don’t need anybody else. I love me.” We, as women, are learning our worth and realizing it’s not worth staying in unsatisfying relationships, especially when we can be so intimate with our own selves!
54 “Confident” by Demi Lovato (2015)
Album: Confident (Delux Edition) / 3.26 minutes.
This electro-pop track reigns supreme in valuing your own identity. That no matter who you are or from what walk of life, you are amazing, and don’t let anyone tear you down.
55 “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten (2015)
Album: Wildfire / 3.24 minutes.
Rachel came out showing us she’s a fighter with this lyrically on-point song about finding the inner strength to keep going. Even when the weight of the world feels like it’s on top of you.
This song was also the background theme for Hillary Clinton’s epic world-changing presidential run in 2016. The fire is burning in more ways than one with this empowering number.
56 “Power” by Little Mix (2017)
Album: Glory Days / 4.08 minutes.
It used to be standard for men to “wear the trousers” in a relationship. Well, not in this modern day and age! The ladies from Little Mix remind their fellas who’s the boss of them (the girls are, of course!). Even if they’re happy to hand over the reins to catch a breather every now and then.
Let’s follow in their footsteps and let all the blokes know they can’t be the boss of you. Cause you’re already sitting on the board of directors.
57 “Sorry Not Sorry” by Demi Lovato (2017)
Album: Tell Me You Love Me / 3.24 minutes.
Do you ever get tired of apologizing for who you were? Or who you currently are? If so, it’s time to step into Demi’s shoes. Stop caring ’bout all them haters that don’t have it as good as you do and get on with living your brand of fabulous! Make life a party, hopefully as epic as Demi’s house party featured in her awesome music video.
58 “Most Girls” by Hailee Steinfeld (2017)
Album: Most Girls (Acoustic) / 3.20 minutes.
I’m sure we’ve all heard the classic line “You’re different from other girls” at least once in our lifetime. Hailee takes this damaging lineation and turns it into some celebratory girls got girls back, no matter what anthem!
Celebrating females in all forms and walks of life. No matter if you like to get dolled up and be out in the club, live to workout down the gym or prefer to kick around in your tracksuit, let’s love being free to be our version of a woman!
59 “Woman” by Kesha (2017)
Album: Rainbow / 3.16 minutes.
Kesha tells it like it is with this big feel song of freedom and her right to be a self-sufficient woman, who don’t need a man holding on too tight. After suing the music producer who raped her, this big brass band backed tune screams power, strength, and resilience.
60 “IDGAF” by Dua Lipa (2017)
“Album: Dua Lipa Complete Edition / 3.37 minutes.
Ahhh, the age-old story of a long-gone ex hearing of your rising success. Only to slide into your DMs thinking he’s got a chance. Ha! As if!
As always, he’s forgotten how awful he was to you during the breakup. Sorry not sorry, dude, but hell no! IDGAF tells it exactly how it is; no sugary coating is needed. Dua Lipa gives us an epic post-break-up song that hits home hard. We are living for it!
61 “God Is a Woman” by Ariana Grande (2018)
Album: Sweetener / 3.18 minutes.
With a title as bold as this, Ari instantly got our attention and kept it with her powerful pop track. As women, we all deserve to be worshipped from our heads to the very tips of our toes!
With empowering vocals by the likes of “When you try to come for me, I keep on flourishing, and I can be all the things, you told me not to be,” plus a racy music video to boot. All should bow down and listen to Ari, cause she knows what she’s talking about!
62 “Juice” by Lizzo (2019)
Album: Cuz I Love You / 3.14 minutes.
Respect and power, aka “Juice,” has been an “it” word since the release of a 1992 movie also titled “Juice.” Lizzo is preaching to the choir on self-love, acceptance, and all that sexy swag that empowers any successful woman. If your girls shining, then everybody gonna shine, cause that’s how women uplift each other in this modern world!
63 “The Man” by Taylor Swift (2019)
Album: Lover / 3.10 minutes.
Swift is on to a winner here, spelling out the contrasting principles of praise and acceptance she’d be facing if she were, indeed, a man. Reversing every sexist double standard and playing it all out in style in her hilarious music video. Taylor Swift gets her point across about the continued inequality between being a woman, and being “The Man.”
64 “Nightmare” by Halsey (2019)
Album: If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power / 4.06 minutes
Halsey sets the tone with her kickass modern, emo-inspired anthem. She’s tired and angry with men taking advantage, and she’s letting the world know. From calling out catcalling, slut shamers, and controlling men, Halsey implores women to set boundaries for themselves so as not to fall victim those these types.
She is a warrior woman full of creativity and always uses her platform to rally behind all kinds of social injustices. I know we all wanna be like her, empowering women the world over and calling out men with their tiresome bullshit.
65 “Watch Me While I Bloom” by Hayley Williams (2020)
Album: Petals For Armor / 3.44 minutes.
Hayley wrote this for her first solo album after taking some time out of her crazy band schedule for some self-love and healing. She’s said that her favorite part of songwriting is the lyrical element, and as a fan of new starts, she’s a huge fan of Mondays, the beginning of each month and season.
“If you feel like you’re never gonna reach the sky, til you pull up your roots, leave your dirt behind” is an epic lyric of rebirth, and we love it as much as we love this amazing woman! “Watch Me While I Bloom” is a fun, boppy tune with a funky beat, and we are seriously loving this new blooming material.
66 “Gaslighter” by The Chicks (2020)
Album: Gaslighter / 3.56 minutes.
The term ‘Gaslighter’ stems from a 1944 film by George Cukor, in which a housewife is left doubting her own sanity after her husband’s intense manipulations. The term has gained serious moment in this recent decade, and the song is all about living through the same experiences as the film.
The Chicks lyrics scream of broken hearts and betrayal and, most of all, lie-lie-lie-lie-lies. It covers mostly the bad and ugly parts of a divorcing marriage and accepting a shattered “til death do us part.”
More 34 Best Women Empowerment Songs
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- Independent Women, Part 1 by Destiny’s Child
- What a Girl Wants by Christina Aguilera
- Shower by Becky G
- No Scrubs by TLC
- I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me) by Whitney Houston
- Salute by Little Mix
- I’m Not Afraid by Eminem
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
- Stronger Than You Know by Jordin Sparks
- Firework by Katy Perry
- I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
- Thank U, Next by Ariana Grande
- The Greatest by Sia ft. Kendrick Lamar
- Rise Up by Andra Day
- Brave Enough by Lindsey Stirling ft. Christina Perri
- Black Horse and the Cherry Tree by KT Tunstall
- Girl Like Me by Lady Gaga ft. H.E.R.
- Miss Me More by Kelsea Ballerini
- Scars to Your Beautiful by Alessia Cara
- You Don’t Own Me by Lesley Gore
- Independent Women Part I by Destiny’s Child
- Who Says by Selena Gomez
- She’s a Lady by Tom Jones
- U.N.I.T.Y. by Queen Latifah
- Superwoman by Alicia Keys
- Strong Enough by Cher
- You Gotta Be by Des’ree
- Perfect by Pink
- Little Black Dress by Sara Bareilles
- A Woman’s Worth by Alicia Keys
- Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell
- Unstoppable by Sia
- Secrets by Mary Lambert
- This Is Me by Keala Settle
Looking for more great Songs?
Then find out our thoughts on the Best Sarah McLachlan Songs of All Time, the Best Tina Turner Songs of All Time, the Best Mary J. Blige Songs of All-Time, the Best Alanis Morrissette Songs of All Time, or the Best Gloria Estefan Songs of All Time.
Or how about the Best Rhianna Songs of All Time, the Best Elle Kings Songs of All Time, the Best Sia Songs of All Time, the Best Ann Murrey Songs of All Time, or the Best Donna Summer Songs of All Time.
Best Women Empowerment Songs – Final Thoughts
The artists featured in this women’s empowerment playlist aren’t just saucy, sexy, sassy, and strong. They are inspirational icons who have helped shape the way for women’s equality and female empowerment for over six decades!
Defying cultural expectations and pushing man-made boundaries is what these women do before breakfast. While redefining the roles of women through lyrics and musical harmonies is what they do best.
Oh boy, aren’t we lucky to be living our best lives in awe of them!
