Lately, the radio has been overcome by several female-fronted hits, and I am all about it. So many incredibly talented women have made their way through the charts, their songs filling our ears. The current surge of female-led music makes me so happy for a number of reasons, one obviously being girl power, of course. But, there is a wide range of female artists currently getting radio time and internet recognition, which I think is most important. The current state of Top 40 music goes to show that popular female artists are not just pop singers, but rappers, rockers, indie-girls, EDM-collaborators, etc. So, below are a few examples of what Top 40 looks like today, filled with females:
1. "Into You" - Ariana Grande
This classic summer song made me fall back in love with Ariana Grande's music (all doughnut-licking aside).
2. "Gold" - Kiiara
I have been waiting for this song to blow up! I heard it on the internet a few months ago and have been obsessed with it since. Kiiara's alt-pop style has me head over heels for her music.
3. "Sit Still, Look Pretty" - Daya
Classic feminist anthem from breakout-star Daya.
4. "The Greatest" - Sia (Featuring Kendrick Lamar)
This song makes me want to run around in circles and accomplish everything on my to-do list.
5. "Send My Love (To Your New Lover)" - Adele
This is a more upbeat song for Adele, and I definitely had it blasting all summer.
6. "Starving" - Hailee Steinfeld (Featuring Grey and Zedd)
This catchy banger has me singing along at least twenty times a day.
7. "Needed Me" - Rihanna (Disclaimer: Video NSFW, Included Audio Video Instead)
This song makes me feel invincible. Sure, the lyrics can get a bit too explicit, (video included) but the overall message about being a bad-a** woman has me listening to it on repeat.
8. "Ain't My Fault" - Zara Larsson
This single just recently came out within this past week or so and I am obsessed with it. Zara Larsson is definitely on the rise and a name to look out for.
9. "Cool Girl" - Tove Lo
Tove Lo's latest single adds to the list of awesome feminist jams, proving that you can be a dream-alt-pop singer who breaks down gender roles by not caring about boys too much.
10. "Final Song" - MØ
This catchy song always makes me want to dance. I also love hearing solo-stuff from MØ after hearing her constantly on the radio as a collaborator with other artists, most notably Major Lazer.
11. "Make Me..." - Britney Spears (Featuring G-Eazy)
Britney is back and better than ever! I also love the fact that Asaf from "Are You The One?" is in this video, no lie.
12. "Never Be Like You" - Flume (Featuring Kai)
Note: Flume is male-fronted, but the featuring singer, Kai, is female. And this song is BOSS.
13. "Come First" - Terror Jr.
Fun fact: There are rumors that this group may have Kylie Jenner as its lead singer.
14. "All In My Head (Flex)" - Fifth Harmony (Featuring Fetty Wap)
The ultimate summer jam featuring my favorite girls from the U.S. version of "The X Factor."
15. "In The Name Of Love" - Martin Garrix (Featuring Bebe Rexha)
Another song that is fronted by a male EDM artist, but features female singer Bebe Rexha. Watch for the incredible chorus/drop during this song.
16. "Closer" - The Chainsmokers (Featuring Halsey)
Okay, so this song is not technically female-fronted. But, it is amazing, and features the queen herself, Halsey. So, it had to be included in the name of all things good and right with the world.
Honorable Mention: Ari 2.0- "Side To Side" - Ariana Grande (Featuring Nicki Minaj)
How could I not possibly include this song? It features America's pop queen and (in my opinion) the best rapper, possibly to date. I love Nicki and Ariana's music, and this song is no exception.
