This song by Dodie encapsulates what it feels like to be growing up as a girl, and the fear of it. Her soft vocals stand out to create this melancholic, nostalgic feel to it. Listening to this song is a tearjerker if you’re missing being a 16-year-old in your room, and as that girl who would religiously listen to Dodie when I was younger, I think it’s time to bring her back into your 20s, where quite frankly, the words hit a lot closer to home now.
2. Where You Lead by Carole King
In general, Carole King’s music reminds me of womanhood. Her songs about being a young girl, being in love, or having relationships with your friends most likely reflect that her first album came out when she was only 17. Her song ‘Will You Lead’ features as the theme tune for Gilmore Girls and is all about being there for someone you love. Her music is hopeful and compassionate; it reminds me of the powerful relationships I hold with the women in my life, such as my mother and my friends. Thus, she is a perfect candidate to celebrate Women’s Day.
3. Sweet Tooth by Maya Hawke
Many will know Maya Hawke as Robin from Stranger Things, or at least as a beloved nepo baby. However, most don’t realize she is an excellent singer! Her song ‘Sweet Tooth’ is one of my favourites; it reflects the complicated dynamic between mother and daughter. The first part of the song is about a willingness to please your mother, even if it hurts you. It also talks about finding joy in small things, so I find it a hopeful song focusing on the positive things in life. Maya’s ‘sweet’ voice explains unconditional love, whether for a mother or a partner, but it also does not hide away from the fact that this love can sometimes unexpectedly sting.
4. Austin by Dasha
I’ve always had a complex relationship with country music, but I can’t lie; this song is incredibly catchy whether you like the genre or not. Originally going viral on Tiktok, ‘Austin’ by Dasha resembles this generation’s version of ‘Before He Cheats’. Though it makes you want to get up and do some line dancing, the song captures the heartache, the hurt of betrayal, and the idea of having unanswered questions after being left behind. The song is emotional, and her vocals are melodic; nonetheless, it will make you addicted to learning the dance.
5. What I Wouldn’t Do by Elizabeth Liddle
For Woman’s Day, it only seems right to introduce a bit of local representation: Elizabeth Liddle is a rising musician based in Durham. She brings out 70s inspiration from the likes of Carole King and Carly Simon in her works, reminding me a bit of a current Daisy Jones. ‘What I wouldn’t do’ sounds timeless within the strength of her vocals, which explores the complexities of relationships and insecurities. This song will make you want to sway in a long skirt and cry while listening to old vinyl records...what more could you ask for?
6. Very Bad by Pomme
Pomme is an indie French singer, but ‘Very Bad’ is one of her few English songs. The song dives into feelings of personal growth and finding self-worth. It is a song about her experiences with relationships with older men; however, it delivers a theme of empowerment. It starts pretty soft and simple, but as it finishes, there is strength in her voice and words as she is joined by other people towards the end who are talking, laughing and joining in, making it feel like Pomme has found her strength and herself. To the audience, the end of the song feels like a celebration, it reminds me of sitting in a room and laughing with your friends at problems that no longer seem that bad. Therefore, I would highly recommend this singer, as most of her music is immersive and embodies a powerful femininity.
7. Paper bag by Fiona Apple
I've added this song to the list because of one specific lyric: "He said it's all in your head. And I said so's everything, but he didn't get it". There's something about this specific lyric – it captures feeling misunderstood as a woman and having your hopes turn into disappointment. A lot of the time, in conversations with my female friends, they tell me how men in their lives can often make them feel crazy or 'messy' for feeling 'too much'. Again, "Cause I know I'm a mess he don't want to clean up". What can I say? Fiona Apple gets it.
8. Honey, I by Wes Reeve
An utterly underrated artist, Wes Reeve's song, for me, embodies the essence of femininity. I think it's due to the artist's subtly sweet vocals alongside the foundation of an arrangement of instruments, including classical guitar, piano, violin, cello and trombone. The song's different elements and layers come together nicely as Reeve delves into the struggles of finding balance in life through her lyrics. Listening to this song feels like sitting in a grassy field, in the sun, reading a book and thinking about your regrets (Hoping that one isn't too niche).
9. God Above by Billie Marten
Billie Marten is a Yorkshire based musician and her song ‘God Above’ is based around themes of spirtuality and divine beauty. Her music is often noted for being quite soothing, and this one is no exception. The song symbolizes God as a woman “with golden hair” which I think is right on brand to celebrate women’s day.