Tired of listening to “Closer” on repeat, or just looking for some new music? Give some of these amazing women a listen!
1) Brittany Howard, Alabama Shakes
Often compared to Janis Joplin, Brittany Howard is the voice behind the alternative R&B, blues, and rock band known as Alabama Shakes. Howard’s voice is unique and soulful, and her music spans several genres and decades.
2) Florence Welch, Florence and the Machine
Florence Welch, the lead singer of the English alternative rock band Florence and the Machine, is known for her incredible vocal range and gospel-like sound. Welch has a magical and dramatic flair, and each one of her songs is packed with emotion. Although many are familiar with her newest album How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, with songs like “Ship to Wreck” and “What Kind of Man,” most are less familiar with her two older albums, Lungs and Ceremonials, which pack the same passion and power.
3) Hannah Reid, London Grammar
Hannah Reid’s deep, soulful voice is the focus of London Grammar, an indie pop band based out of (you guessed it) London. Reid’s melancholy vocals are sometimes paired with a fast paced instrumental, like in “Metal and Dust,” but her voice is certainly strong enough to stand alone.
4) Cass Elliot, The Mamas and the Papas
Cass Elliot, or “Mama Cass” was known for her powerful voice in the 60s band The Mamas and the Papas. Elliot’s voice made “California Dreamin” and “Monday, Monday” the hits that they were. After the band broke up, Elliot had a successful solo career, with songs like “Dream a Little Dream of Me” and “Make Your Own Kind of Music.”
5) Dolores O’Riordan, the Cranberries
One of the biggest pop groups of the 90s wouldn’t have been complete without Dolores O’Riordan. The Irish singer is known for her one-of-a-kind voice and strong accent. While she’s capable of belting songs like “Promises” and “Zombie,” she’s also able to shift into a softer tone, like in “Just My Imagination” and “Linger.” She’s able to switch between the two singing styles without warning, which makes the Cranberries’ music truly unique.
6) Nico
Nico was a German singer most widely known for her work with The Velvet Underground. Nico’s sound is certainly unconventional, and her deep voice is frequently cited as inspiration for many other musicians.
7) Cécile McLorin Salvant
Cécile McLorin Salvant is a Grammy award winning jazz singer who draws inspiration from classic jazz singers like Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughan to make her own unique music. She also sings classic songs like “Wives and Lovers” and “Nobody” to show how much ideas about race and gender roles have changed over the years.