Top 10 Girl Power Songs

Top 10 Girl Power Songs

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Sometimes girls just wanna have fun; but sometimes they wanna rule the world. Welcome to WatchMojo.com, and today we’re counting down our picks for Top 10 Girl Power Songs. For this list, we only considered songs that promote female empowerment and do not objectify the fairer sex. Our usual “one entry per artist” rule applies and for this round we are focusing only on female artists. Sorry guys.

#10: “Girl on Fire” (2012) Alicia Keys

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Let’s start this list off on a happy note. The lead single from the album of the same name, “Girl on Fire” was released to widespread critical and commercial success. Keys has stated that the inspiration behind the track was the birth of her son as well as her recent marriage to rapper Swizz Beatz. Although this entry could have easily gone to Keys’ 2002 song “A Woman’s Worth”, it’s “Girl on Fire” that better demonstrates what it means to be female. As a strong woman and as a mother, Alicia Keys is on fire.

Dance-pop and rap, meet the Spice Girls. A monster hit from the group that used the term “Girl Power” as their slogan, “Wannabe” was the ladies’ introduction to the world, as it was the lead single off the band’s debut album. Despite mixed reviews from critics, the song quickly became a symbol for women everywhere. Stressing the importance of female friendship when it comes to being in a relationship, “Wannabe” pushed the girl power philosophy to which the band can contribute much of their success, and further proved that girls rule.

#8: “Roar” (2013) Katy Perry

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International superstar Katy Perry has been no stranger to the female friendly tune. She originally spoke out to women with her 2012 track “Part of Me”, but it’s “Roar” that perhaps resonates with the female gender even more strongly. Released as the lead single from Perry’s effort Prism, “Roar” is an upbeat pop song that promotes women’s independence and getting back up when knocked down. And if the song’s message doesn’t prove to you that girls rule, the track became Perry’s eighth non-consecutive number one single.

Dance-pop and Madonna go hand in hand. “Express Yourself” was the perfect example of this match made in heaven, which featured the sounds of heavy percussion and synthesizer. Released as the second single from Like a Prayer, “Express Yourself” quickly became a fan favorite due to its upbeat rhythm and its lyrics, which talk about rejecting material needs and just being happy with yourself. As a side note, the track has the third most expensive music video ever made, with big time director David Fincher at the helm to bring this female anthem to life.

#6: “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” (1999) Shania Twain

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It’s time for us to step away from the dance floor and put our cowgirl boots on. A country and crossover hit, “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” quickly became one of Shania Twain’s most popular tracks. The tune was recognized not only for its catchiness factor, but also for the powerful message hidden within its lyrics: Shania’s telling all the ladies that you are a woman and you need to be proud of who you are. The song became so popular it was eventually covered by other powerful female figures like Britney Spears and Carrie Underwood.

#5: “Most Girls” (2000) Pink

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Now here is an artist that is always breaking female stereotypes. While the Grammy-nominated “Stupid Girls” tackles subjects like a girl’s right to be both smart and sexy, we gave the honor to Pink’s 2000 single “Most Girls.” The song points out to the listener a serious problem in today’s society; women have become stereotyped in their place in our world. Pink breaks that boundary, saying that she is a strong independent woman who can take care of herself. Damn, don’t mess with her.

#4: “Miss Independent” (2003) Kelly Clarkson

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Empowering women can spread across all genres. A pop-rock tune with R&B influences, “Miss Independent” was released on Clarkson’s debut album Thankful. The song evokes many different emotions within the listener, as it is about a young woman who lowers her barriers, both emotionally and in terms of communication, to allow someone new into her life. Originally written for Destiny’s Child and then Christina Aguilera, the song was finally given to Clarkson when it was left unfinished. We sure are glad it ended up in Clarkson’s hands, as her vocals suit the R&B style perfectly.

#3: “Respect” (1967) Aretha Franklin

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There was no way we weren’t putting this classic on our list. Originally written by R&B artist Otis Redding, “R.E.S.P.E.C.T” was made popular by Aretha Franklin in the late ‘60s. The two versions of the song are told from two very different viewpoints, as Redding’s is about a desperate man while Franklin’s is about a powerful independent woman. Consistently recognized as one of the greatest R&B songs of all time, this one even snagged Franklin two Grammy nods. Respect.

#2: “Run the World (Girls)” (2011) Beyoncé

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If there is anyone who knows how to do a female empowerment song, it’s Beyoncé. The lead single from her fourth album, aptly titled 4, envisions a world run by women. What a strong message from Queen B herself. The track divided critics down the middle, with some praising the song’s message and direction while others criticized Beyoncé’s overuse of clichéd themes. This didn’t stop the track from earning commercial success; but let’s be honest, what Beyoncé song hasn’t? Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions: - “This One’s for the Girls” (2003) Martina McBride - “Skyscraper” (2011) Demi Lovato - “I Am Woman” (1972) Helen Reddy - “Independent Women” (2000) Destiny’s Child - “Video” (2001) India.Arie

Come on, you knew she had to be on here. Aguilera’s fourth album, Stripped, was the home for many female empowerment tracks such as “Can’t Hold Us Down” and “Beautiful.” However, we had to give top honors to “Fighter” for its sheer message alone – plus, it helps to have a kickass rock beat. In the song, Aguilera thanks a man for destroying her life and making her stronger in the process. Aguilera’s arena rock influenced anthem quickly became the theme song for troubled women everywhere, and became the female empowerment anthem to end all female empowerment anthems. Do you agree with our list? What is your favorite girl power song? For more inspiring top tens published every day, be sure to subscribe to WatchMojo.com.