Music speaks to the soul. It has the power to make you feel different emotions depending on the lyrics, rhythms, and beats. Each song on this list is sung by an inspiring woman in the music industry and they send an empowering message too. Anytime you need to take a step back from the daily grind, add these more-than-uplifting female artist tracks to your playlist and you’ll feel a wave of funk-fighting relief.

Female Artist Playlist collage with Sia, Katy Perry, Shakira, and Rachel Platten

The music scene is swimming with catchy songs – which, don’t get me wrong are great, but when you listen to the lyrics they can be less than motivating. The songs on this list are both catchy and have encouraging lyrics. These songs bring me joy, happiness, and frankly make me feel like I can take on the world. Whether you need a good beat to help you keep up the good fight, remain confident in yourself, or get back up after you fall, you can rely on these songs and artists to give you the boost you need.

Sia album cover never give up

Sia: Never Give Up

The premise of this song is pretty basic: Never give up! It’s a lot easier said than done for sure, though I love how this song gives you an extra push. The upbeat rhythm paired with simple, yet energizing lyrics makes for a top-notch jam if you’re ever feeling down on yourself.

“And I won’t let you get me down
I’ll keep gettin’ up when I hit the ground
Oh, never give up, no, never give up no, no, oh”

Rachel Platten album cover Fight Song

Rachel Platten: Fight Song

Rachel Platten’s Fight Song is truly music to your ears. This one has less of an upbeat and fast paced feel but is still about showing the world what you’re capable of. It’s a battle cry. It’s a fight song.

“This is my fight song
Take back my life song
Prove I’m alright song
My power’s turned on
Starting right now I’ll be strong
I’ll play my fight song
And I don’t really care if no one else believes me
‘Cause I’ve still got a lot of fight left in me”

 

Demi Lovato Album cover Confident

Demi Lovato: Confident

I’ve gotta say Confident was one of the best self-loving anthems of 2015. It really does say that it’s okay to shout out to the world who you are and be proud of it. It’s almost impossible to not get a little extra confidence boost after listening to this one.

“So you say I’m complicated
That I must be outta my mind
But you had me underrated
Rated, rated
What’s wrong with being, what’s wrong with being
What’s wrong with being confident?”

Katy Perry album cover Firework

Katy Perry: Firework

Katy Perry’s Firework was EVERYWHERE when it was released. It really caught people’s attention and addressed people’s feelings of being powerless and afraid. It was a difficult time when this song was released, and the lyrics made things just a little bit easier. To this day, whenever I listen to it, it lifts me up when I need it the most. The emotional impact one song can make is truly phenomenal. The music video is a visual of common struggles many of us have suffered through and is a perfect compliment to the tune.

“Cause baby you’re a firework
Come on show ’em what you’re worth
Make ’em go ‘Oh, oh, oh!’
As you shoot across the sky-y-y”

Kelly Clarkson album cover Stronger

Kelly Clarkson: Stronger 

Stronger is one of those songs that you listen to after a major struggle or barrier you have to overcome. This song was released back in 2011 and still makes the list of one of the most badass, motivational songs to date. Kelly Clarkson’s vocals are incredible in this masterpiece and you should definitely give this one a listen if you haven’t in a while.

“What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger
Stand a little taller
Doesn’t mean I’m lonely when I’m alone
What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter
Footsteps even lighter
Doesn’t mean I’m over ’cause you’re gone”

Jess Glynne album cover Don't Be So Hard on Yourself

Jess Glynne: Don’t Be So Hard On Yourself

A lot of us out there strive for perfection, but we’re only human. We make more mistakes than we’d like to admit. This is the perfect tune to release built up stress and emotions. We’re all allowed to give ourselves a break and this optimistic melody gives us the permission to do so.

“Don’t be so hard on yourself, no
Learn to forgive, learn to let go
Everyone trips, everyone falls
So don’t be so hard on yourself, no”

Zootopia album cover Try Everything (featuring Shakira)

Shakira: Try Everything 

This track is all about having the courage to get back up once you fall. Shakira brings to life this tune for Disney’s Zootopia, but it’s a great listen for anyone in need of a fight song. The song matches perfectly with the theme of the movie too. If you’re also looking for a feel-good movie and a great track, I recommend both! The song in particular really touches on everyday expectations and struggles.

“I wanna try everything
I wanna try even though I could fail
I won’t give up, no I won’t give in
‘Til I reach the end
And then I’ll start again”

Whether you’re just having an off day or you need a pick me up, these songs are sure to lift your spirits. We all need an escape once in a while, and what better way than through music?

If you want to discover music that makes your day, check out Bookmans music sections. With new and used albums on hand and tons of employees like myself ready to recommend a great track, artist, or both, you will undoubtedly find something that makes your day (or at least makes it better).