In honour of International Women’s Day coming up on 8th March, I thought I’d share my top songs that should be on all your girl power playlists. Hopefully this amalgamation of sorts will remind you that you should always unapologetically, proudly, and loudly be yourselves and that women rule. So here you go queens!!!! I present to you…
Kinza’s Girlboss Mixtape
10. The Man – Taylor Swift
Coming in hot at number 10 is the first of many Taylor Swift songs. The Man perfectly highlights the double standards the music industry, or indeed society, holds for men and women – something Swift has unfortunately been subjected to her entire career. As a former Taylor hater, (I am so sorry I was 8 and annoyed she was dating Harry Styles) I’ve fallen trap to the media’s image of her as someone who profits off and milks relationships for music etc. whilst they applaud men for the same thing. All in all, love T-Swift, hate Jake Gyllenhaal, this song is slay and she will be returning later on.
9. Good As Hell – Lizzo
Lizzo is one of my favourite singers ever and every song she releases is a megahit in my book. From Juice to Truth Hurts Lizzo is THE hype woman we wish we all had in our lives and constantly reminding us of our worth. In this song, Lizzo tells us to take that precious self-care time as well as party on the weekend with our besties – the perfect formula to feel Good As Hell. She also has +10000000 points for her viral Tiktoks and speculated relationship with Chris Evans who is an absolute bae.
8. Single Ladies – Beyonce
Did you really think I could make this list without including Queen Bey herself? She is a global superstar, uses her voice to advocate for gender equality, and has produced banger after banger. Also HELLO her Coachella performance was one of the best things I’ve ever witnessed in my entire lifespan of 18 years, every day I wake up upset that I wasn’t living in America in 2018. In my opinion, this song is way better than the cliché Who Run The World?, the message isn’t as in your face but still celebrates sisterhood and no matter what, single or not, I will always be putting my hands up when commanded to by Beyonce.
7. Girl is on fire – Alicia Keys
I’m not going to lie to you dear readers, I completely forgot this song existed until I recently heard it again in one of the greatest movies of our time – Sing 2. I remember absolutely loving the ballad in Year 4, it is the ultimate pick me up and really reminds you of your power. The lyrics could not be truer – this girl is INDEED on fire, and yes, she IS walking on fire. Keys reminds us that even in our worst of times, we are the hottest of hottest girls and are on top of the world. I couldn’t have put it better myself!
6. RESPECT – Aretha Franklin
RESPECT is one of the biggest hits by Aretha and for good reason. From highlighting the importance of financial independence, to politely demanding respect as well as affection in relationships Aretha certainly taught us all that we are entitled to RESPECT (just a little bit…) A major karaoke tune and also taught me how to spell the world, hence I had to give it 6th place.
5. B.U.S.T.E.D – Candace and Vanessa, Phineas and Ferb
This song rocked my entire world and might be one of the best ever made. The dichotomy that is Candace and Vanessa, the power they held belting out what would’ve been a chart-topping song if it wasn’t from a fictional cartoon universe, all whilst trying to defeat the troublesome men in their life is the most girl power thing ever. Honestly the only reason this is 5th is because I didn’t get to do a rap verse on this track…
4. I Will Survive- Gloria Gaynor
The ULTIMATE karaoke song to ever be made. I will be screaming this song out at any given opportunity; it just probably won’t ever be in tune (bad singers are valid too guys). This is my favourite girl power, girlboss song ever and the Glee mashup with Survivor by Destiny’s Child revolutionised my life. This had to get top place because of its timelessness and sheer danceability alone.
3. Before He Cheats – Carrie Underwood
“I dug my key into the side of his pretty little souped up four-wheel drive…. SLASHED A HOLE IN ALL FOUR TIRES” – the lyricist that is Underwood should be enough alone to give this 3rd place. Only real queens know to use a different blade for the 4th wheel, I sincerely hope she got her cheating ex done for insurance fraud. Maybe next time he’ll think before he cheats!
2. This is Why We Can’t Have Nice Things – Taylor Swift
I told you she would be back. THIS IS UNEQUIVICOLLY TAYLOR’S BIGGEST BOP EVER! This entire album and era of Taylor was one of the best and if I could, I would put every single song from Reputation on this mixtape. Best lyric: “AND HERE’S TO YOU, CUZ FORGIVENESS, IS A NICE THING TO DO…. HAHAHAHAHHA I CAN’T EVEN SAY IT WITH A STRAIGHT FACE!” Especially in light of everything happening with Kanye right now, this should be at the TOP of everyone’s 2022 girl boss anthems. I mean with their entire history stemming from Kanye storming the stage and interrupting her acceptance speech at the 2009 VMAS, TSwizzle hit the nail right on the head with this one and put her bullies in their place. Taylor taught us that you don’t always have to forgive and take the high road, but you can always be elegant whilst you do it. You could say that all her success and acclaim she received based off this song alone was Better Than Revenge…
- Maneater – Nelly Furtado
This song singlehandedly carried all of Tiktok on its back for months, I’m surprised Nelly Furtado hasn’t had to go to a chiropractor in the last year, and for that it deserves first place. I’m seriously considering walking down the aisle to this absolute tune. As well as being the best soundtrack to any transition Tiktok, Maneater perfectly describes every girl boss ever. We will make you work hard, spend hard and most importantly, wish you never met us at ALL.
Special shoutouts:
Fabulous – Sharpay Evans
Dancing Queen – ABBA
Any Nicki Minaj song ever
