What is female empowerment? Through the years, female empowerment has allowed women to redefine and defy gender roles unapologetically. Nowadays, women are finally allowed more freedom to pursue their desired goals. While there is no better feeling than taking a stand and winning the battle, having the perfect song to describe the process is even better. While there are a multitude of “girl power” anthems, only a few will always be heard. As a result, here are six female empowerment anthems that will never be outdated.
Female Empowerment Anthems To Never Miss
“Respect” – Aretha Franklin (1967)
No one does it or has done it like Aretha Franklin! Born in Memphis, Tennessee, the Queen of Soul has released a multitude of classics that we all sing religiously. With so many choices, none seem to spell out female empowerment more than “Respect”. Originally performed in 1965 by soul legend Otis Redding, “Respect” was actually an up-tempo tune told from a male point of view.
Becoming a feminist anthem for the 1970s feminism movement, “Respect” became one of the biggest R&B songs, not only for Franklin, but for the entire era. In 1968, “Respect” went on to earn Franklin two Grammys at the 10th Annual Grammy Awards for “Best Rhythm & Blues Recording” and “Best Rhythm & Blues Solo Vocal Performance, Female“. Still heard everywhere today, Franklin’s version of “Respect” remains one of R&B’s best and most powerful songs in R&B history.
“I’m Every Woman” – Chaka Khan (1978)
In the 1970s, making hits seemed inevitable for soul icon Chaka Khan. Along with her band Rufus, the Chicago native created many timeless classics that the world still sings. The first single from her solo album Chaka (1978), “I’m Every Woman,” took female empowerment to new levels. During a time when women were seemingly restricted to domestic roles, the song reflected how women could wear multiple hats. It also reflected how each woman should do so unapologetically. Written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, the hit anthem was produced by Arif Mardin.
In 1992, “I’m Every Woman” was covered by fellow icon Whitney Houston. Featured on the Bodyguard Soundtrack, Houston’s version became a massive hit, reaching the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. Peaking at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, “I’m Every Woman” reached number 11 in the United Kingdom and number one on the Hot Soul Singles.
“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” – Cyndi Lauper (1983)
With her bold presence and sense of style, Cyndi Lauper knows how to make a statement. As a result, the Brooklyn, New York native remains one of the most innovative icons of the 20th century. Extracted from her hit debut album, She’s So Unusual (1983), “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is a national treasure. Lauper’s signature song became one of many that defined the 80s. Gaining recognition as a renowned feminist anthem, the upbeat pop tune was written by rock musician Robert Hazard in 1979.
Originally written from a male perspective, the lyrics were slightly changed to carry a feminist mindset. This suggestion was presented with the help of songwriter/producer Rick Chertoff. Lauper’s breakthrough hit, “Girls Just Want to Have Fun,” reached number 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The classic hit also received Grammy nominations for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance and Record of the Year at the 27th Annual Grammy Awards.
“Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” – Shania Twain (1997)
No one ruled the late 1990s like “Country Pop Queen, Shania Twain. With her catchy songs, sultry sense of style, and commanding stage presence, the Canadian songstress gained fans everywhere. With undeniable sass, Twain continued with a string of hits with her worldwide smash, “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” Featured on her third album, Come On Over (1997), the upbeat, sing-along tune was written by Twain and her then-husband and producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. Another popular addition to the song was its accompanying video.
Clad in a seductive black ensemble, Twain performed while backed by male models posing as musicians. The video pays homage to Robert Palmer’s 1986 number-one hit “Addicted to Love”. “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” reached the top 10 in six countries, while reaching the top 20 in Canada. The platinum single won a Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2000. The song remains one of Twain’s biggest hits and most infectious female empowerment songs.
“Girl on Fire” – Alicia Keys (2012)
“She got both feet on the ground and she’s burning it down. She got her head in the clouds, and she’s not backing down. This girl is on fire!”
These inspirational lyrics are a few of many classically delivered by Alicia Keys. With its commanding yet melodic hook, “Girl on Fire” remains among the Grammy winner’s most powerful songs. An ode to driven and accomplished women everywhere, “Girl on Fire” is one of the main definitions of female empowerment. With midtempo groove, Keys wrote the song along with Salaam Remi, Jeff Bhasker, and Billy Squier. “Girl on Fire” became Keys’ fifteenth top 10 hit, peaking at number 2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Ultimately, it has sold over 2 million copies in the United States. The song has also become an international hit for Keys, reaching number one in, South Korea, Slovakia, and Austria.
“Roar” – Katy Perry (2013)
With endless prismatic splendor, Santa Barbara native Katy Perry was always ahead of her time. A quality that shone throughout her energetic empowerment anthem, “Roar”. The lead single from her fourth studio album, Prism (2013), “Roar” was co-written by Perry, Bonnie McKee, and its producers Max Martin, Cirkut, and Dr. Luke. The uplifting pop song details the significance of standing up for oneself. A quality that we all must possess if we want to survive in this ever-changing world.
Roar” topped charts in multiple countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. At the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, “Roar” was nominated for Song of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. “Roar” continues to be one of Perry’s biggest hits worldwide. No matter the years they were created, the best female empowerment anthems are timeless. Because of this, they will always inspire us, never leaving our heads or hearts.
