8 Songs Where Women Were Empowered in 2017 | Playlist

Although geared for the women, our ‘8 Songs Where Women Were Empowered in 2017’ playlist has something for everybody to be ‘empowered’ about.

When it’s all said and done, not everybody cares to read about bad stuff like serial killers, mass murderers, unapologetic female rappers, and paraphilia. No, sometimes, the subject of a playlist is better off being upstanding – encouraging, uplifting, and empowering.  That’s exactly what this playlist is.  Geared towards the ladies, the dudes can get something out of it as well.  Here are eight songs were women were empowered in 2017.  The female artists empowered? Kelly Clarkson, Kesha, Ledisi, Katy Perry, Shania Twain, and India. Arie. #Star Studded Woman Power.

1. Kelly Clarkson, “Whole Lotta Woman”

Album: Meaning of Life, 2017

“Whole Lotta Woman” follows two ballads on Meaning of Life, the seventh album by Kelly Clarkson.  The record restores the tempo and the bite of Meaning of Life.  Once more, there’s a heaping dose of retro-pop and retro-soul, an awesome look for Clarkson.  “Whole Lotta Woman” reminisces to gems like “Ain’t No Other Man,” a Christina Aguilera hit in 2006.  Obviously, their two different songs from two different decades, but there are similarities in the conception. Here, Clarkson isn’t focused on her man like Aguilera was, but on herself and in the bigger scheme of things, women’s empowerment.  Who would’ve thought “Love So Soft” had competition for the crème de la crème?

“I’m a whole lotta woman / (From the way I walk and toss my hips) / I’m a whole lotta woman / (From the sound of my voice to the gloss on my lips) / I’m a whole lotta woman / (Anything I see, I want, I get) / I’m a strong, badass chick with classic confidence, yeah.”

2. Kesha, “Woman”

Album: Rainbow, 2017

On “Woman,” Kesha enlists The Dap-Kings Horns to construct a soulful backdrop for her empowering, feminist vocals.  Given the unfortunate series of events that Kesha has been part of, this song seems like the perfect complement. Vocally, she continues to do things that we didn’t think she could do. The biggest offense is the profanity, which seems counterproductive given her message. Still, “Woman” is irresistible – even for the guys.

3. Ledisi, “Add to Me”

Album: Let Love Rule, 2017 

The first thing the listener will notice about highlight “Add to Me” is the sound.  The production work is awesome – soulful, slick, and modern.  The content stands out as well. Ledisi wants to know what her man is “going to add” to her – what’s he going to bring to the table to make a sound relationship. “Add to Me” paints Ledisi as an incredibly confident, strong, and independent woman who understands her worth without a man.

4. Katy Perry, “Power”

Album: Witness 

“Power” is one of the better non-buzz records from Witness.  Vocally, Perry delivers a respectable vocal performance all in all. That isn’t to say that she’s a powerhouse on “Power,” but there’s a bit more opportunity.  To her credit, the theme of empowerment adds more weight, exemplified on the chorus.

“You can’t clip my wings, can’t wilt my flowers / Stole my time, but I’ll make up the hours / ‘Cause I’m a goddess and you know it / Some respect, you better show it / I’m done with you siphoning my power.”

5. Shania Twain, “Life’s About to Get Good”

Album: Now, 2017 

Naturally, the sound of “Life’s About to Get Good” is as enthusiastic as the title.  The production naturally straddles country and pop. In regards to the lyrics, the positivity doesn’t start from the onset.  On the first verse, Shania Twain discusses being shattered by a bad relationship. By the chorus, however, she’s looking up!

“Oh, life’s about joy / Life’s about pain / It’s all about forgiving and the will to walk away / I’m ready to be loved / and love the way I should / Life’s about / Life’s about to get good.”

The second verse is written similarly to the first, followed by the exuberant chorus once more.  On the distinct bridge, she’s regretful that she wasted so much time.

6. Reba McEntire, “God and My Girlfriends”

Album: Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, 2017

Perhaps “God and My Girlfriends” has a predictable script, but, the results are sound through and through.  Country musicians frequently reference God. Furthermore, “God and My Girlfriends” appears on a country-gospel album, so it certainly feels appropriate and right. Ultimately, Reba is thankful for both God and her girlfriends for getting her through the good and the bad times.

“God and my girlfriends / They’re always there when / I’m feeling down, always around, lifting me up / I love how they know me, forgive me, and show me / Again and again, I can depend / On God on and my girlfriends.”

“They were there when I walked down the aisle / And again when my first baby smiled / Good times and bad, happy or sad / What would I do if I didn’t have.”

7. India. Arie, “I Am Light”

Album: SongVersation: Medicine

“I Am Light” opens SongVersation: Medicine in enlightened, empowered fashion.  The production work is simple, led by acoustic guitar accompaniment.  Vocally, India. Arie sounds smooth as always, with her voice giving off a certain ambience.  The record doesn’t pack a knockout punch, but sounds true to India. Arie artistically. A different version appeared on SongVersation in 2013.

8. Kesha, “Learn to Let Go”

Album: Rainbow, 2017

“Learn to Let Go,” the third single from Rainbow, continues to showcase newfound maturity from Kesha. She reflects on the past, but arrives at the point that she must move forward in order to heal.  Being an encourager to others, she realizes she needs to embrace her own advice for herself.

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