Girl Power! Top 10 Empowering Female Anthems

Being a girl comes with its ups and downs, but for the most part, we pretty much kill it on a daily basis. While feminism is favorably on the rise, sometimes it’s hard to feel worthy in a male-dominated world. But of course, when Beyoncè reminds you “who run the world” it gets a little easier to remember where we stand. These ten tracks are a healthy dose of non-stop girl crushing strength set to empower and remind you that we are equally as bad ass as any man. Press play on our top picks and remember that slaying is all part of the average day for a woman. 😉

Destiny’s Child – “Independent Women, Pt. 1”

I recently heard this song in a store the other day and it brought me right back to 7th grade when this song was at the top of the charts. It’s kinda hard not to get all caught up in its charm.

Alanis Morissette – “You Oughta Know”

Before Taylor Swift called out her exes in her music, there was Alanis Morissette. Rumored to be about Full House star, Dave Coulier, “You Oughta Know” is Morissette’s top female anthem and carried out the success of her debut album, Jagged Little Pill, which turned 20 this year.

P!nk – “So What”

I was never much of a P!nk fan until she released “So What” back in 2008 off her album, Funhouse. Written about her then on-again-off-again relationship with husband, Carey Hart, “So What” embodies what it’s like to lose everything you’ve ever wanted and still come out on top. I seriously need her to teach me her ways.

Charli XCX – “Sucker”

You’ve been there before: You’re in public and some creepy dude decides to either stare at you or hit on you in the most uncomfortable way possible. Charli XCX’s “Sucker” is one of those songs you’d kill to play during those moments to tell those sleazeballs to back the eff off. While it also can be about pretentious pricks who think they get you while trying to show off, this is one track you’ll want to keep handy for any unfortunate situation involving any unwanted attention.

Melanie Martinez – “Alphabet Boy”

Melanie Martinez is known for her rather eccentric ways and “Alphabet Boy” off of the singer’s debut album, Cry Baby, is the most refreshing anthem I’ve heard in a while. About a boy Martinez was once ridiculed by, she bluntly tells him to, “f#$% his degree” while demonstrating how she can indeed spell and that just because she doesn’t have a piece of paper that proves her intelligence, she clearly has more brains than him. UM YES!

Garbage – “Special”

Whenever I hear “female empowerment,” Garbage frontwoman Shirley Manson immediately comes to mind – mainly because she’s been such a huge influence in my life and has taught me to be the woman I am today. “Special,” taken from the band’s 1998 sophomore effort, Version 2.0, takes liberation into a whole other dimension as the chorus goes, “Do you have an opinion? A mind of your own? I thought you were special. I thought you should know. But I’ve run out of patience. I couldn’t care less.” There’s no telling how many times I’ve obnoxiously belted out those words whenever I hear this song as it reminds me of all the douchebags I’ve stupidly put up with who really wind up disappointing me whenever their true colors show.

Banks – “Goddess”

Banks is a goddess in her own right so it was only appropriate for her smashing 2014 debut album to be titled, Goddess. This track is probably my favorite on this list because of the major role it has played in my life. I recently had the chance to tell off an ex-boyfriend that made my world very dark for a while. Afterwards, I blasted this song and honestly, I’ve never felt more like a goddess in my life! I texted Banks the next day (her number is up on her Facebook page) to thank her and she actually responded, telling me to keep my head up. That pretty much made my day.

Spice Girls – “Wannabe”

The Spice Girls came in with a bang back in 1996 with first single, “Wannabe,” expressing every demand straight up to a potential lover, which, let’s be honest, a lot of us may be able to agree is one way to have your crush flee nowadays. However, if he’s still standing after you’re done, he’s a keeper, which is one of the many lessons the Spice Girls have taught us growing up. I think it’s safe to say that this song is an instant classic and what we all really, really want is a 20th anniversary reunion in 2016!

Selena Gomez – “Me & My Girls”

Sometimes all you need is some time with your girls. Selena Gomez knows this notion all too well as she clearly expressed her love for her besties in bonus track, “Me & My Girls,” on the deluxe edition of Revival. An anthem about ignoring the boys for one night to enjoy life and the people you love, this is a party track for sure.

What are some of your favorite empowering anthems?