—Estelle Tang, If anyone tries to compliment you by saying you're not like the other girls, it's time to blast The Slits' "Typical Girls." —Estelle Tang, Appearing as the women's liberation movement was growing, Helen Reddy's refrain of "I am strong / I am invincible" resonated with many hoping to equalize opportunities for "the fairer sex." You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, Hayley Williams Releases Intimate New Solo Album, Here's the Best Sleepover You'll Ever See, Taylor's New 'Love Story' Re-Release Is Coming, Watch CNCO Take On Round 2 of Song Association, Masego Brings His Own Music to Song Association, Skai Jackson Also Wants Rihanna's Next Album, Melanie Martinez Masters Song Association, "Independent Women, Pt. Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. 2019: “Hot Girl Summer” by Megan Thee Stallion with Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign is not just about the summer. Tracks by Queen Bey and Rihanna, and newcomers like Lizzo and Yung Baby Tate, are the goal-getting inspiration you need. She succeeded in removing school girl costumes from the male gaze, which I know seems impossible, but it’s true! Below are our staff's 100 favorite songs of 2019 -- a mix of cultural events, personal favorites and everything else that tattooed itself inside our brains in the last 12 months. This song is no different. Towards the end of the year, Chilean feminists wrote what has become the defiant anthem of 2019: a protest song about rape culture and victim shaming, which rapidly went viral. "I Will Survive" can mean both emerging triumphant from a difficult time and coming out of it a warrior, which is probably why this track has managed to pass the test of time. University of Georgia. “Sofia” was her first song I ever heard, and I’ve been attached to it since. Reproductive rights are under attack in multiple states in the United States, and a number of people have died at the hands of the police. The feminist movement is making leaps and bounds. This is the bisexual witch representation we all deserve.—KR, The rockin’ hook of the original two minute pre-Billy Ray Cyrus version caught my attention in a big way the first time I heard it. Makhna. This is the perfect song for anyone whose finally found a place to call their own and knows that they can “Walk around this bitch naked/ And nobody can tell me shit.” You can take comfort in knowing that the dishes in the sink were left by you and only you.—Patricia Romero, community programs manager, Summer Walker’s debut album, Over It, is full of anthems, including “Playing Games,” which intersperses Destiny’s Child’s classic 1999 song “Say My Name.” Singing about being treated with respect by a romantic partner while paying homage to an iconic group? A queer Black kid dominating country charts in 2019? —Carmen Rios, Popaganda host, Ari Lennox’s album Shea Butter Baby is a whole, big ass mood, and “New Apartment” is definitely a standout. Also, the lyrics “I’ll run my hands through your hair/ You wanna run your fingers through mine/ But my dreads too thick and that’s alright” deserve every award.—RCL. What could be more fortifying than smashing through the rules of gramar itself? BTW, Beyoncé made the list more than once. Listen to the best feminist songs. Like what you just read? DOI: 10.1177/1103308819831473 —Nerisha Penrose, It’s easy to succumb to the unrealistic beauty standards social media feeds us daily. “I always knew I was the shit,” she confidently raps towards the end of the song. It’s the song that puts a smile back on your face when fear and doubt start to pick at your self-esteem. —NA, I’m enamored with the idea of women taking back our notions of the American West, and not only because I’m a little bit country in addition to a little bit rock and roll. Of course, this isn’t an exhaustive list; there are a number of other songs that could’ve made it, but these are the songs we hope you’ll listen to leading up to 2020. Thousands of women worldwide gathered together, inspired by a Chilean rap song in a movement fighting rape culture. “Brown Skin Girl,” one of the album’s singles, is a masterpiece that celebrates melanin. You don't need another person there to feel good—just this tribute to taking the d-floor solo by Swedish hypewoman Robyn. At a time when the rights of women and girls are all too often being rolled back, these wins are a reminder of the power and promise of feminist organising and its transformative potential. —Estelle Tang, This EDM-laced pop tune is so powerful that Grande got away with singing the line "Now that I've become who I really are." —Starr Bowenbank, The outsiders weren't always the cool ones at school, but Bikini Kill's Riot Grrrl classic celebrated the confidence, appeal, and revolutionary politics of the "rebel girl." ELLE participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Basically, this entire 1995 song is an explicitly feminist anthem — listen to this when you need a healthy dose of kickass empowerment, Salt-N … Fri 6 Dec 2019 02.45 EST. 2. Same. Do your hair toss and check your nails, because this track will leaving you feeling higher than the clouds. University of Georgia. —ED. —Estelle Tang, Financial woes got you down? —Starr Bowenbank, No Britney Spears catalog is complete without "Stronger." Add a video featuring the two bungee jumping in platform boots for a real hit of Big Dame Energy. "Thunder Thighs" - Miss Eaves. These girl power songs and feminist songs will inspire women empowerment from artists like Beyonce, Lizzo, Dolly Parton, Little Mix, Yoko Ono, and other female singers. The Dap Kings "Woman" Ariana Grande "God Is A Woman" Dua Lipa "IDGAF" Christiana Aguilera feat. Facts: Kiyoki directed the video for “I Wish” and it’s so cute. Below are our staff's 100 favorite songs of 2019 -- a mix of cultural events, personal favorites and everything else that tattooed itself inside our brains in the last 12 months. Off the 2017 album Feminasty, "Thunder Thighs" was easily the body-posi banger of the... “Amigas Cheetahs” - The Cheetah Girls. Basically, this entire 1995 song is an explicitly feminist anthem — listen to this when you need a healthy dose of kickass empowerment, Salt-N … The Lion King: The Gift, a compilation album she curated and tapped African producers to bring to life, features a wealth of songs that both celebrate Blackness across the diaspora and complement the experience of watching the rebooted Lion King. “Ever Again” brings the same magic as earlier hits like “Dancing on My Own” and “Call Your Girlfriend.” —Marina Watanabe, social media editor, Big Freedia featuring Icona Pop, “Louder”, Big Freedia could not be more herself than in the video for “Louder.” She’s got the trademark checkered suit, the gospel choir turned twerk team, the slick ’90s aesthetic, and at least two of her original dancers. This transnational feminist response in the form of a song proposes solidarity and … Also read: 10 Feminist Songs To Listen To When The Patriarchy Has Got You Down. —Estelle Tang, Lesley Gore had a message for bad boyfriends in 1963. We hope they bring you as much happiness as they’ve brought us. From stand-up comedy to musical protests, we’re looking back at some inspirational feminist moments of 2019. This is the go-to song to cite whenever someone accuses feminism of being militant, man-hating, or whatever the latest label is. From the get-slim-quick solutions to magical supplements and lip fillers, social media has taught us that to look beautiful we should alter the features that make us unique. 2019 has been a hellacious year. Here’s an Essential Listening Guide. (It’s still my favorite version.) "Watch me make up my mind instead of my face," Tucker demands. “Juice” is the very embodiment of Lizzo’s ethos: It’s catchy, it’s fun, and it leans fully into the idea that self-love solves all. Here are some highlights. —Rachel Charlene Lewis, Senior Editor, I don’t actually know if Robyn is queer—nor do I care to speculate about a celebrity’s sexual orientation—but Robyn has firmly established herself as a queer icon for a reason. Come through, Summer!—ED, As a TikTok fanatic, I heard approximately 15 seconds of “Wait A Minute!” on a loop as I scrolled through the app for weeks before I realized it was by the one and only Willow. These Girl Power Songs Are All You Need Today & Every Day Demi Lovato "I Love Me" Dixie Chicks "Gaslighter" Taylor Swift "The Man" Le Tigre "Deceptacon" Kesha feat. 4862 Here’s some girl power for you to jam out to no matter where you find yourself this summer. She reminds me of favorite artists of my teen years like Fiona Apple and Alanis Morisette and Hole. In “Rodeo,” he opts for Southern twang and pulls in Cardi B, blending genre as flawlessly as he does in the larger album. From Beyoncé to Hailee Steinfeld. This transnational feminist response in the form of a song proposes solidarity and … —Estelle Tang, Kelly, Michelle, and Beyoncé could handle it. Here's a corrective: Cardi B's hymn to "money moves." It wasn’t my fault, nor where I was nor what I wore. The 2000s classic sees the starlet leaving behind the loneliness she felt in "...Baby One More Time" and embracing a more confident and powerful version of herself. By Britni Danielle. Do you think Bieber regrets it?—Danny Fish, operations support coordinator, Lil Nas X is important to a generation of folks, including me, a queer Black person who lives for memes. —Estelle Tang, Just think of Lena Dunham's Girls character Hannah Horvath turning this up to 11 and getting her own party started. It wasn’t my fault, nor where I was nor what I wore. —Estelle Tang, How powerful it was to see Gossip lead singer Beth Ditto raise her formidable voice against 2006's proposed Federal Marriage Amendment, which aimed to outlaw gay marriage in the US. Bonus: a songwriting credit by SZA. “Cuz I Love You’s” self-love anthems aren’t cheesy, forced, or performative, thanks to Lizzo’s evolution as an artist. I started browsing for more info on Lil Nas X and the origin of the song right away. The Welsh singer reminds her listeners that empowerment sometimes comes from simply leaving bad memories in the past. 20 Feminist Songs All Women Should Listen To Right Now Stay strong, ladies, and I hope this playlist inspires you to become the best version of yourself. This song encourages us to call people out for their selfishness, their tired excuses, and for assuming that we will be there when, and only when, they need us. King and Willie Nelson, is an example of a feminist protest song. I’m ready for Hayley Kiyoko’s new Netflix show about a queer school girl witch coven supporting each other and exorcising their toxic ex-girlfriends. Honey Singh is known for singing songs that are nothing but misogynist masterpieces. On how this song, which has also been associated with male musicians like B.B. Janelle shows us that individuality needs to be celebrated and embraced, not hidden. Obviously. —Starr Bowenbank, The real power in this Princess Nokia track comes from the repetition of "Don't you fuck with my energy," simultaneously a powerful expression of strength as well as a warning to those who dare to disturb a woman thriving in her element. Bikini Kill, Heavens to Betsy, Tribe 8 and more: Hear 25 songs that fueled a rock revolution. So, we are continuing an age-old tradition of presenting our staff-selected best songs of 2019 list. As 2019 comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the successes achieved this year by women’s movements regionally and globally.