There are so many great songs that will boost your confidence as well as your feminist morale. Whether they be performed by solo artists or all-girl groups, the songs listed below are sure to add a bit of feminism and self-confidence into your life this summer.
1. "Ain't Your Mama" by Jennifer Lopez
First and foremost, "Ain't Your Mama" by Jennifer Lopez is today's feminist anthem. J-Lo calls for women to shout out their windows, "I ain't your mama" in backlash against their significant others relying on them to cook and do their laundry for them. J-Lo puts her feminist power on blast with this song, reminding everyone that this is no longer the year 1950, and it is unacceptable to treat women as if they will do everything for you.
2. "You Don't Own Me" by Grace ft. G-Eazy
Next up on the list of feminist songs, we have "You Don't Own Me" by Grace ft. G-Eazy. This is a great remake of the original 1963 song by Leslie Gore.
3. "Sit Still, Look Pretty" by Daya
Daya throws out the stereotype that girls should just "sit still and look pretty." Proudly proclaiming, "this girl is going to rule the world," Daya serves as a great role model. She continues to crush the stereotype of girls only being able to have brains or beauty, with the line, "Sure I'm a pretty girl/ Up in a pretty world/ But they say pretty hurts/ And I don't want to sit still look pretty." Not only does Daya express confidence and the idea that it is okay to recognize your own beauty, but she also sets an example for her listeners to do the same.
4. "I'm Gonna Show You Crazy" by Bebe Rexha
Following in Daya's footsteps, Bebe Rexha demonstrates how it's not necessary for girls to conform to gender stereotypes.
5. "Doubt" by Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige is the definition of self-determination and self-confidence in her song "Doubt."
6. "Me, Myself, and I" by G-Eazy, Bebe Rexha
While this song touches on the bitter parts of living a sweet lifestyle, both G-Eazy and Bebe Rexha explain how their own hard work and self-reliance got them their success.
7. "Hard Out Here" by Lily Allen
Lily Allen hits the nail on the head with her song "Hard Out Here." Written after the horrifyingly popular "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke made its debut, Allen thoroughly explores the prejudices society holds against women. "Forget your balls and grow a pair of tits...always trust the injustice 'cause it's not going away." Nuff said.
8. "No" by Meghan Trainor
One of the weirdest phenomenons I have ever witnessed is how childish a guy will act after being rejected by a girl he asked to dance with. There is no reason to not respect a girl's decision to not dance with you. It's pretty simple, really. Meghan Trainor expertly reinforces the right of girls to refuse any unwanted attention with "No."
9. "Reflection" by Fifth Harmony
"Where you're from must be heaven/ you'd be rich if looking good was your profession/ think I'm in love 'cause you so sexy/ Boy I ain't talking about you I'm talking to my own reflection."
10. "Yellow Flicker Beat" by Lorde
Lorde boldly shines with lyrics such as "I have my fingers laced together/ I made a little prison/ And I'm locking up anyone who's ever laid a finger on me/ I'm done with it."
11. "Just Like Fire" by Pink
Pink encourages individuality and self-acceptance with her recent release of "Just Like Fire."
12. "Love Myself" by Hailee Steinfeld
"Love Myself" is the perfect anthem of self-confidence.
13. "America's Sweetheart" by Elle King
Elle King crushes the social norms of the "All-American girl" and relishes in her whiskey-drinking, tattoo-covered, too-loud-for-this-town self.
14. "Me Too" by Meghan Trainor
Meghan Trainor brings the fire once again with this track. You can't get anymore self-confident than singing, "If I was you, I'd want to be me too" over and over again.
15. "Work B**ch" by Britney Spears
I don't know about you, but if Britney Spears tells me that if I want to have a Bugatti or party in France I better work, I'm going to work. Besides the great lyrics, the beat also helps to make it a great pump-up song.
16. "Wings" by Little Mix
What says girl-power more than a self-confidence super-charged pop anthem performed by a girl group? "Wings" by Little Mix is the perfect way to round out this list of female-powered songs for the summer.
