The Playlist: Six Empowering Songs to Commemorate Women’s Month
It’s officially Women’s Month aka the perfect season to jam out to a playlist brimming with brand-new beats created by women, for women!
While there are male artists who have put out excellent music in recent months, nothing can match the power of a song penned by a woman with the sole purpose of celebrating girlhood. Sure, female empowerment tunes are not a novel concept, but the best women-centric bops of today work to glorify the virtues of self-appreciation and urge ladies to take up space in a patriarchal society.
The arrival of March serves as an opportune time to honour the accomplishments of women throughout herstory and reflect on the strides that have been taken and the work that lies ahead. Whenever you need a reminder of who runs the world, blast these girl power anthems on your speakers to affirm and uplift every aspect of your femininity.
1. 'Welcome to My Island' by Caroline Polachek
American alternative artist Caroline Polachek’s first single off her comeback album “Desire, I Want to Turn Into You” features cathartic melodies reminiscent of the pop music from the ‘80s. The lyric “Forget the rules ‘cause nothing’s gonna be the same again” captures the essence of a woman breaking free from the expectations imposed by society, while the line “You’re so smart, so talented / You gotta go somewhere where you can’t pretend” provides a message for young girls to embrace their innate abilities and live life without any pretense. If you need a killer song to accompany you in your journey to self-discovery, add “Welcome to My Island” to your playlist!
Country: United States of America
Release date: Dec. 5, 2022
2. 'Takin' Over' by G22
If you haven’t hopped on the P-Pop love train, then you’re missing out! New-gen girl group G22’s latest record “Takin’ Over” is an adrenaline-charged masterpiece that speaks to their achievements and future aspirations: “We’re gonna own it all / You gotta be ready / We’re gonna take over.” Fearlessly showcasing their impressive vocal prowess, the all-female quartet shines the brightest during their full-on Tagalog semi-rap exchanges in the pre-choruses of the song: “Kagandahang ‘di mo akalaing parang perlas / Walang iba kami’y mutya ng Pilipinas!” (“Beauty like pearls / We’re the darlings of the Philippines!”) Produced by Frank Lloyd Mamaril and distributed by UMG Philippines, “Takin’ Over” is a high-energy, female anthem with a bombastic lyric video that is just as empowering as the song itself.
Country: Philippines
Release date: Dec. 7, 2022
3. 'SOS' by Sza
In a world that tells a woman to be demure and collected, Sza is not afraid to speak her mind. In the title track of her latest album “SOS,” the R&B singer-songwriter boldly addresses those who question her ability to craft her own songs: “Ain’t no writers, that’s just me!” She wastes no time in following it up with an equally assertive line: “So classic, that ass so fat / It look natural, it’s not!” The 33-year-old artist’s response to the speculations of her going under the knife shows her determination in reclaiming her power, proving that she is not one to be silenced and intimidated by outside forces.
Country: United States of America
Release date: Dec. 9, 2022
4. 'Flowers' by Miley Cyrus
With an impressive six-week reign atop Billboard’s Hot 100 list, it would come as no surprise to witness Miley Cyrus bag a Grammy award for “Flowers.” The opening track from her highly anticipated eighth studio album “Endless Summer Vacation” delves into her personal experiences following her split with former beau Liam Hemsworth. The line “I can take myself dancing / And I can hold my hand / Yeah, I can love me better than you can” exudes a strong sense of self-assurance that women can attain true happiness without relying on a man. Let this mid-tempo pop banger be a reminder that being single can be just as fulfilling as being in a relationship!
Country: United States of America
Release date: Jan. 12, 2023
5. 'teen dating psa' by Reikko
Gen Z songstress Reikko claims her spot in pop history with “teenage dating psa,” a grungy, early 2000s-inspired track depicting the widely relatable struggles of moving on from a breakup and the growth that it brings. The song starts in a sorrowful and melodramatic tone with the lyrics: “No point in telling you that I miss you / You never loved me / I see right through you.” As the music progresses, the 25-year-old musician realizes that there is no point in weeping over spilled milk: “I’m the best thing that you’ll ever find / I’m glad that you’re not mine.”
Country: Indonesia
Release date: Feb. 3, 2023
6. '20something' by Jinan Laetitia
Indonesian-born Jinan Laetitia’s “20something” is a coming-of-age story about growing up and embracing the uncertainties of adulthood: “20something is good right now / I may bend a little, but I won’t break down / Gonna be just fine.” In a society obsessed with pressuring women to secure a job and get married before turning 30, Jinan’s latest single is here to tell ladies that it’s completely fine to not have everything figured out in your twenties.
Country: Indonesia
Release date: Feb. 3, 2023
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