Feeling low, or riding high, there’s a song out there that supports your mood. For Women’s History Month, we collected our favorites - the strong, Black women’s anthems that either pumps us up at a party or gets blasted on full volume while we’re driving in the car! However music moves you, here’s a list of our long-time and current faves for the perfect mood.

Lyrically Speaking - Motherly and Sisterly Women In Music

Alicia Keys – “Doncha Know (Sky Is Blue)”

Alicia can always take us back, and this soulful funky sound brings us back to the power of positive thinking and realizing that there are lots of great things to focus on, no matter what.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AQFr16UIkc

 

India Arie - “Worthy”

These lovely, affirmational lyrics are the pep talk you need, from that big sister/mama voice you long for at any given moment  - “Baby girl, worthy woman - every one of us is worthy”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ws8PLGQXokQ

 

Lizzo - “Good As Hell”

It’s the song that believes in you, even when you don’t. (NPR) It’s the kind of song that makes you feel things you didn’t know you needed to. Do your hair toss, find your wings, and fly, girl.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WmgQekz4RQ

 

Erykah Badu - “Didn’t Cha Know”

So what if you made a mistake? According to one of the finest, poetic women in music, “Love is life and life is free,” and “Free your mind and find your way,” are the only ways to a brighter day!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rte5N6mF9ic

 

Go On, Now - Strong Black Women Get It

Beyoncé - “Naughty Girl”

The first Bey song on our list is the one that gets you pumped for a night out, maybe finding that sexy vibe in yourself as you head out to do whatever it is you want, however you want!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pvv6AD8mmPc

 

Missy Elliott - “Get Ur Freak On” 

In the keeping of the “Party Girl Power” anthem, Missy calls it like it is and encourages women everywhere to live their lives the way that makes them happy and forget everyone else and their opinions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPoKiGQzbSQ

 

Feminism Means Being Proud Of Who You Are

Kelly Rowland - “Grown Woman”

As Michelle Obama once said, “When they go low, we go high,” this song shows that a strong, Black woman who chooses to rise above the petty, immature acts of her man’s ex is the one who wins.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7J2MA0Og_Kk

 

Janelle Monáe – “Q.U.E.E.N.”

Black feminism and artistry are pulled together in pure perfection by Janelle and Erykah Badu on this track - she says it was inspired by "private discussions between her and Erykah Badu," and "is meant to make you jam, dance, funk out and dialogue later."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEddixS-UoU

 

Mary Mary - “Can’t Give Up Now”

Let’s hold our heads up high, no matter how we fall. Believe that you are right where you’re supposed to be and that you can’t give up now after you’ve come so far!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37PCbh9KppA

 

Beyonce - “Run the World (Girls)”

Girls, our persuasion can build a nation! Bey had to make it on the list more than once, of course, but just try singing this song to yourself in the mirror and not feel like you could take on an army!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8t078YDojM

 

Let’s Take It Back - Strong Black Women In Music History

Aretha Franklin - “Respect” & “Think”

Everyone knows these women’s anthem from the ‘60s because no one demands respect like Aretha! Her voice over such lively beats has had people rocking their heads for decades and will for decades to come!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FOUqQt3Kg0

 

Tina Turner - “Proud Mary”

Sometimes you’ve got to be right where you are, and other times, you’ve got to take a ride on the riverboat to see the good side of the city. Don’t settle for what you’ve got, but don’t complain, either - just keep rollin’!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02QUmKVsyFY

 

Queen Latifah - “U.N.I.T.Y.”

Queen gives us the perfect anthem for feminism that speaks out against the disrespect of women in society. No strong woman should feel boxed into any category.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8cHxydDb7o

 

Destiny’s Child - “Hey Ladies”

Need that extra boost to ask yourself why you’ve been hanging on to someone who’s giving their best to someone else? DC not only asks but gives you the answer: He’s got to go!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmzccjPrH0s

 

Check out the playlist on Spotify here! https://spoti.fi/3lQomvK

Check out more at Black Girls Only Playlist and 20 Songs by Black Women That We Will Never Get Enough Of for building that list full of powerful anthems by and for Black women!