While there is a great deal of music in today’s world that showcases a woman’s perspective, in the 1980s, it was rare to find a song by a female singer that wasn’t a love or dance song. The music business was also still heavily male-dominated during this decade. But there were some tracks that still managed to be powerhouse female anthems. These next eight tracks were definitely ahead of their time, and are perfect songs for all the strong ladies out there!
- “Heart of Glass” by Blondie
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Ever been stuck in a relationship that is more than it’s worth? This Blondie track explores the trials and tribulations of a love gone wrong. And the final takeaway message: while the love may be gone, and your heart may be shattered like glass, at least you have back your self-respect and state of mind. The upbeat tempo and lighthearted outlook on being broken-hearted make this song a female power ballad!
- “Express Yourself” by Madonna
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Before there was Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way,” there was Madonna’s classic “Express Yourself.” The track details positive messages about always respecting yourself, and not being pushed around in your relationship. Your significant other should be proving themselves to you in more than material gestures, and if they can’t express their feelings, it’s time to move on. The track is super catchy, and good to have on a workout playlist for sure, as it’s very motivational!
- “Walk Like an Egyptian” by The Bangles
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The Bangles “Walk Like an Egyptian” is truly a timeless track. The song gives off strong independent woman vibes for sure, as it’s all about finding your own identity and not being afraid to express your inner self to the world. Its beat is infectious, and you’re going to want it on queue when you’re on the move, especially as a little pump-up music before a big presentation or interview. So…what are you waiting for? Go ahead and “strike a pose on a Cadillac.”
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
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Dolly Parton explores the life of working girls in the modern age, on a shift from 9 to 5. The song, which was written for the 1980 comedy “9 to 5,” is very relatable to women who constantly face struggles at their jobs. While to some the concept of only working 9 to 5 may seem like a good day to some, in the 80s it was a fairly long workday. The track deals with the issues like unfair treatment from your boss, feeling exhausted on the job, and the concept that all your work is in vain. To all the working ladies out there, this one’s for you!
- “Our Lips Are Sealed” by The Go-Gos
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Sometimes it’s a really bad feeling to find out when someone is spreading dishonest information about you. And while it’s so easy to want to retaliate with your words, in the words of the Go-Gos, it’s best to keep your lips “sealed.” Silence is truly stronger than retaliatory action, because your lack of response displays an attitude that you really could care less about what people think about you; there are more important things to focus on. The track has an infectious beat, so you’re definitely going to want to keep it on loop while you’re making power moves down the city streets.
- “Venus” by Bananarama
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Venus is the goddess of love, sex, beauty, and fertility, and is often cited as being a symbol of strong and powerful females. Bananarama explores this idea in their cover of the track “Venus,” which was originally done by Dutch group Shocking Blue in 1969. The ladies of Bananarama explore the idea of taking control of your relationship and putting into context the idea that your significant other should view you with the highest respect. It’s a peppy track to give you a little weekday motivation and remind you in case you forget that you’re a goddess.
- “Reputation” by Joan Jett
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It’s hard to not care how the outside world views us, but in reality, it’s not what matters. With her female power anthem, Joan Jett exclaims the idea of forgetting the consequences of every little move you make, and just living life how you wish. Not to mention the fact that men typically don’t have to worry about these issues. In a world that’s still judging you by your appearance, your social life, and your relationship status, it’s refreshing to listen to Joan Jett who was fighting for female equality almost 40 years ago. Sorry Taylor Swift, but Joan Jett set the standard for songs about one not concerned about others’ opinions on reputations.
- “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” by Pat Benatar
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People will always be trying to tear you down, and women are especially susceptible to this issue, a lot of the time from other women. Benatar in her track exclaims that regardless of how hard others hit her, she will still be standing. The song holds true for any girl who has ever felt like they are constantly subjected to injustice, unnecessary insults, and just outright mean behavior. But fighting back isn’t even worth it; how you show negative words and actions don’t affect you is to rebuild and keep going with your life. In addition to being an internal motivator, it’s also a great gym song, with its upbeat rock-and-roll tempo.
I hope these eight female-empowering songs make it onto your next playlist! They are definitely worth listening to and jamming out to by yourself while you get ready or with a group of friends hanging out!
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