#shelly peiken

[megameryl]

Theater Talk 3/9/24

Cole Porter once quipped about Rodgers and Hammerstein: "It's remarkable that it took two men, to write one song." It's not terribly offensive, really, because the R+H canon is magnificent nonetheless.

However...the (in)famous quote just came to mind...

From Cole Porter, we got "Let's Do It" and "It's De-Lovely."

From Stephen Sondheim, we got "Too Many Mornings" and "Someone in a Tree."

From Rodgers and Hammerstein- those two fellas- we got "You've Got to be Carefully Taught," among many others.

Then from Joacim Persson, Shelly Peiken, and Johann Alkenas- THREE people- we got "Rotten to the Core" from the DCOM Descendants.

THREE people wrote that s**t! If you ever needed to hear proof of the phrase "Too many cooks spoil the broth," that is it.

[my-chaos-radio]

Release: September 4, 1999

Lyrics:

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Yeah, c'mon

Ooh, oh yeah, oh yeah

I wanna thank you for giving me time to breathe

Like a rock, you waited so patiently

While I got it together, oh

While I figured it out (yeah-yeah)

I only looked but I never touched

'Cause in my heart was a picture of us

Holdin' hands, makin' plans

And it's lucky for me you understand

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever makes me happy sets you free

And I'm thanking you for knowing exactly

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever keeps me in your arms

And I'm thanking you for giving it to me

What I want, is what you got

And what you got, is what I want

There was a time I was blind, I was so confused (yeah-yeah)

Run away just to hide it all from you

But baby, you knew me better than I knew myself

They say if you love something, let it go

If it comes back it's yours

That's how you know

It's for keeps, yeah, it's for sure

And you're ready and willin' to give me more than

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever makes me happy sets you free

And I'm thanking you for knowing exactly

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever keeps me in your arms

And I'm thanking you for giving it to me, yeah

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Somebody sensitive, courageous, sexy, cool, like you

What a girl wants, what a girl needs, oh yeah

What a girl wants (you're so right)

What a girl needs (you're so right)

You let a girl know how much you

Care about her, I swear

You're the one who always knew

You knew, you knew, you knew, you knew

Ooh, I'm thanking you for being there for me

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever keeps me in your arms

Whatever keeps me in your arms, that's what I need

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever makes me happy sets you free

And I'm thanking you for knowing exactly

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever keeps me in your arms

And I'm thanking you for giving it

What a girl wants, what a girl needs

Whatever makes me happy sets you free

And I'm thanking you for giving it to me

Songwriter:

Oh baby, oh darling

Thank you, thank you for giving me what I what

And what I need

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, yeah

I turn around there

Whenever you're not there

Oh yeah, yeah, yeah

Guy Roche / Shelly Peiken

SongFacts:

👉📖

[mubutv-blog]

What Level of Development Music Publishers Expect of Songwriters Today | Music Publishing 101 📢 Insiders! Join us today as we’re joined by veteran music publisher Suzan Koc. Suzan has worked with acts such as: Ace of Base, Phil Collins and was instrumental in developing the song writing career of hit songwriter Shelly Peiken. In this insightful podcast, we delve into the world of music publishing and explore what level of development music publishers expect from songwriters in today's music industry. If you're a songwriter looking to understand the expectations of music publishing companies and gain a deeper understanding of the music publishing 101 essentials, this is a must-listen. Join us to discover what music publishers do and how to meet their expectations. We discuss the evolution and art of songwriting over the last decade as well as what level of development and prior success music publishers expect of new songwriters today, and the variety of publishing and administration deals that are available to you and much much more.

[paulodebargelove]

Christina Aguilera - Come On Over (All I Want Is You) (Official Video) October 14, 2000 - 23 Years Ago Today: Christina Aguilera began a 4-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with her single, "Come On Over Baby (All I Want Is You)." This was the 18-year-old former Mickey Mouse Club child star's 5th entry on the chart and it became her 4th Top 3 and 3rd No. 1 single from her No. 1 self-titled debut album which has been certified 8X Platinum. The single was written by Johan Aberg, Paul Rein, Christina Aguilera, Ron Fair, Chaka Blackmon, Raymond Cham, Eric Dawkins, Shelly Peiken and Guy Roche. Her flow of Top 3's were interrupted by releasing a Christmas single, the classic "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)," which peaked at No. 18 on the Hot 100 on Christmas Day 1999. Aguilera earned a Grammy for Best New Artist: 1999 two months following her 20th birthday.

[theartofcoverart]

CD insert from Meredith Brooks Blurring The Edges released 1997 on Capitol Records. Art Direction by Tommy Steele. Design by David Lau. Photography by John Dunne. Additional Photography by Robert Zuckerman and Shelly Peiken.

[thehollywood360]

Guitarist Gretchen Menn to be Honored at the 11th Annual She Rocks Awards

Stellar guitarist joins lineup of honorees that include Judy Collins, Noelle Scaggs (Fitz and the Tantrums), hit songwriter Shelly Peiken and more at live event on April 13, 2023 in Anaheim, CA. The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) is proud they will honor guitarist Gretchen Menn at the 11th annual She Rocks Awards on April 13, 2023. The event celebrates and honors female artists,…

[songsalive]

On Sunday August 9 10am PST Songsalive! continues their 20 year success of advancing songwriters and composers worldwide. Are you a songwriter willing to take your songs to the next level? Workshop your songs to be the best they can be, to showcase them to the world. THIS EVENT IS A VIRTUAL EVENT! Attend in the comfort of your home. We have a fabulous GUEST SPEAKER: SHELLY PEIKEN who will listen and give feedback to your songs and speak about "How to stay engaged and inspired (when our business is so up in the air.)" Hosted by the Songsalive! Team, Gilli Moon, Rik Lawrence and Rod O'Riley, The Songsalive! Song Sessions are open to our Members worldwide and is open to songwriters, composers, lyricists and music creators of original music. This event will offer a Song Critique Session - focusing on in-the-round song critique where Songsalive! and each other provide feedback and positive critique, sharing insights on how to take your song to the next level. See below on how to prepare. GUEST SPEAKER: SHELLY PEIKEN with her TOPIC: How to stay engaged and inspired (when our business is so up in the air.) Shelly Peiken is a multi-platinum American songwriter best known for Christina Aguilera’s No. 1 hit, “What a Girl Wants,” and Meredith Brooks’ GRAMMY nominated smash, “Bitch.” Her book Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, a memoire that chronicles her journey from a young girl falling under the spell of magical songs to writing hits of her own, earned her a second GRAMMY nomination for Best Spoken Word Album. After decades of writing songs for and with established artists and years of creators’ rights advocacy with SONA (Songwriters of North America), Shelly is thrilled to have finally made an album of her own — 2.0 etc… will be a mix of well-known songs and some personal favorites that you'll get to hear for the first time. Watch for her album release on August 29th, available on your favorite music platform. Follow her music here: http://hyperurl.co/shellypeikenmusic Subscribe to her weekly blog: https://www.shellypeiken.com/about Come ready with your songs for feedback and create long lasting relationships in the songwriting community. Songsalive! is your songwriters squad! **************** COST: Free for Songsalive! Members. EVENT RSVP here in Songsalive! Backstage: https://members.songsalive.org/events - if you are not a member you will be prompted to join.

Join Songsalive! here. 7 day free trial! **************** Songsalive! is a 501c)3) non-profit organization and survives on its membership. Please support us so we can support you. More about us at http://www.songsalive.org Questions? Contact membership@songsalive.org for questions and membership inquiries. Songsalive! The largest songwriters squad worldwide. http://www.songsalive.org Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @songsalive

[nashmusicguide]

Honorees Announced for 2023 She Rocks Awards

Icon Judy Collins, Noelle Scaggs of Fitz and the Tantrums, and Hit Songwriter Shelly Peiken to be Honored at the 2023 She Rocks Awards.

The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN) reveals Judy Collins, Noelle Scaggs and Shelly Peiken as the first announced honorees at the upcoming 2023 She Rocks Awards. Recognizing women who stand out as innovators and role models in the music industry, the 11th annual live awards event will take place on Thursday April 13, 2023 6:30 p.m. at the Ranch in Anaheim, CA during the NAMM Show.…

[dreaminofmyfuture]

Pretending

Face to face and heart to heart

We're so close, yet so far apart

I close my eyes I look away

That's just because I'm not okay

But I hold on, I stay strong

Wondering if we still belong

Will we ever say the words we're feeling

Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls

Will we ever have a happy ending

Or will we forever only be pretending

Will we always always always be pretending

How long do I fantasize

Make believe that it's still alive

Imagine that I am good enough

And we can choose the ones we love

But I hold on, I stay strong

Wondering if we still belong

Will we ever say the words we're feeling

Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls

Will we ever have a happy ending

Or will we forever only be pretending

Will we always always always be

Keeping secrets safe

Every move we make

Seems like no one's letting go

And it's such a shame

Cause if you feel the same

How am I supposed to know

Will we ever say the words we're feeling

Reach down underneath and tear down all the walls

Will we ever have a happy ending

Or will we forever only be pretending

Will we always always always be (pretending)

Will we always always always be (pretending)

Will we always always always be pretending

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Shelly Peiken / Adam Anders / Peer Astrom

Pretending lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Fox Music, Inc

[onestowatch]

“What A Girl Wants” Songwriter Shelly Peiken Talks “Song Sex” and A Changing Industry [ANATOMY OF A SONG]

There are some songs we all just know. There’s no telling exactly when or where we picked them up, but the melody is inexplicably ingrained in us. A shining example is “What A Girl Wants,” the female empowerment anthem that marked a career milestone for Christina Aguilera as the first #1 hit of the millennium. 

Co-written by Grammy-nominated songwriter Shelly Peiken,“What A Girl Wants” helped to define the sound of early 2000s pop. Peiken has an impressive resume, from working with Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Brandy, Meredith Brooks, and more to being a mother, a founding member of SONA (Songwriters Of North America) and most recently penning her first book, Confessions of A Serial Songwriter.

We sat down with Peiken to deconstruct “What A Girl Wants,” a changing music industry and the term “Song Sex.”

BRAIN: The Thought Process

OTW: Take us through the writing session for “What A Girl Wants.”

Shelly Peiken: I had just had a baby and wasn’t going to a lot of sessions. Todd Chapman invited me to come over and work with this ex-mouseketeer. He told me she could really sing. I was skeptical, because everyone says they can really sing, but I went. She was really sweet, petite and polite. And when she opened her mouth, she could really sing! Ron Fair wanted to make a record with her and was putting her with different people to see who she’d be compatible with. And then, on another day, I went to work with Guy Roche. We were fooling around with this idea and we thought it was pretty hooky. But we had to see if we felt the same in the morning. A good test is, if you wake up and it’s the first thing you think about, it’s probably worth revisiting. I feel the same way about shopping. If I like a jacket, I’ll leave it behind in the store, and if I’m still thinking about it the next day, I’ll go back and get it.

As it turns out, we still liked it in the morning. I felt kind of bad about sending the song to Ron because it was Todd who brought me into the project. But I sent it anyway. Ron asked if we could switch the order of the "What a Girl Needs” and the "What a Girl Wants.” Maybe he thought the “wants” was sexier, plus it alliterated with the “what.” I didn’t want to change it at first; I'd have to change the whole rhyme scheme, but she could really sing. So I did. And no regrets. The song became the first #1 song of the millennium.

OTW: You mention that verses come easily to you in your book. How do you usually start a song?

Shelly Peiken: Well, when I write with myself it is. I start having a conversation about whatever is on my mind. The title, which is usually in the hook, reveals itself when it’s ready.

OTW: In your book you mention “Song Sex.” Can you elaborate on that term?

Shelly Peiken: “Song Sex” is a term I coined for the act of writing a song. “Song Sex” with yourself is very satisfying in that you know exactly what you like. And you don’t have to compromise. “Song Sex” with two or three other people is a whole other game…you have to compromise and be flexible. But if you’re writing with suitable collaborators, they might take your idea and go in a totally new but exciting direction. And that’s how you learn!

HEART: The Core Emotion

OTW: How did you come up with the lyrics for “What A Girl Wants?”

I had these words about my boyfriend giving me space when I was trying to get the courage to move to LA. All my most successful songs come from real life experience.

OTW: How did it feel watching the song you wrote send Aguilera further into fame?

Shelly Peiken: Effing Amazing!

LEGS: The Means To Take Off

OTW: Tell us about your journey to becoming a songwriter!

Shelly Peiken: I was writing songs since I was a kid. But it wasn’t like I knew I wanted to be a songwriter when I grew up. Plus, I thought all the songs I heard on the radio were written by whoever sang them. I never met a songwriter before college! Didn’t study music at school. But after I graduated and came to NYC, I heard about this group of songwriters that met every week and of course I went because I was curious. What I found was a room full of song junkies just like me and I was in heaven. They took me down to the village where all these singer-songwriters had their 20 minutes of fame every night at the Bitter End and Kenny’s. I just knew I wanted to do that too. So I became a witness.

OTW: Your first U.S. hit was “Bitch.” How was writing different after that?

Shelly Peiken: It was funny cuz after “Bitch,” everyone wanted me to write another “Bitch.” And it doesn’t work that way. Very frustrating.

HANDS: Advice For Songwriters Who Need A Lift

OTW: What advice would you give songwriters who aren’t sure how to get a break? 

Shelly Peiken: If there is something else you love to do, consider doing it. Because this business is not for the faint of heart. On the other hand, if your fire is pretty consistent and you’re just having a bad day, distract yourself. Go to the gym…it definitely gets the endorphins going. And for God’s sake, get out of the house. Be available for opportunities to find you.

OTW: What advice would you give to songwriters who are balancing other commitments like motherhood?

Shelly Peiken: Make sure your partner, if you have one, is someone who wants to share parenting responsibilities. Duh! And if your partner has some bucks and you don’t have to wait tables, you’re going to write a lot more songs. If you don’t have a partner, make a songwriter friend who you can trade off with. Good luck! It’s do-able. Just a lot less downtime. And you learn to edit a lot more efficiently.

OTW: How did you come to the decision to write a book?

Shelly Peiken: I was reeling from all the changes in the business and I was a lot older than I was when I started out. There were stories to tell. Funny ones. Heartbreaking ones. I started writing them down, and it kind of took on a life of its own. I made a decision to finish and put it out myself if I couldn’t find a publisher. But I did find a publisher in the 11th hour. That shows you how the universe works. It wanted me to do that work. And I did it. I followed my truth. And that’s what it’s all about.

OTW: Who are your Ones to Watch?

Shelly Peiken: Hamish Anderson, Phoebe Bridgers, Lemon Twigs, Leon Bridges.

[jasminecrowesongbook]

Featured in SONGWRITING & COMPOSING MAGAZINE by the Guild of International Songwriters and Composers. Our song LIGHTNING IN A BOTTLE won the pop category in the 2016 UK Songwriting Contest and was also a finalist in two other categories, RnB and Love Songs!

Listen to LIGHTNING on #Soundcloud here: https://soundcloud.com/jasminecrowe/lightning-in-a-bottle

http://jasminecrowemusic.com

http://facebook.com/jasminecrowemusic

Instagram @jascrowe

[mubutv-blog]

Unveiling the Ingredients of a Great Song With Hit Songwriter Shelly Peiken

[paulodebargelove]

Christina Aguilera - What A Girl Wants (Official Video)  November 27, 1999 - 20 Years Ago Today: Christina Aguilera debuted at No. 71 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart with her single, "What A Girl Wants." This Shelly Peiken/Guy Roche-penned song was the 18-year-old's 2nd entry on the Hot 100 following her smash No. 1 debut, "Genie In A Bottle," which ran for 5 weeks and was certified Platinum. This single began a 2-week run at No. 1 on January 15, 2000 and was certified Gold. All 4 singles released from Aguilera's self-titled debut album peaked inside the Top 3 including the 4th single, "Come On Over Baby (all I want is you)," which ran for 4 weeks at No. 1. Her 3 No. 1's from the debut album accumulated to 11 weeks at No. at the top of the Hot 100.

[harryandcarrison]

Carrie Fisher scored a posthumous Grammy Sunday with a win for Best Spoken Word Album.

The late "Star Wars" actress, who died in December 2016 at 60, earned the prize at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards for narrating her 2016 memoir "The Princess Diarist."

The book gave readers an intimate look at Fisher's life while filming the very first "Star Wars" movie — including the bombshell confession of her affair with co-star Harrison Ford.

Fisher beat out Neil Degrasse Tyson, Bruce Springsteen, Shelly Peiken and Bernie Sanders and Mark Ruffal.

This was the actress's second Grammy nomination; she was nominated in the same category in 2009 for her other memoir, "Wishful Drinking."

[sleemo]

Carrie Fisher is gone, but she’s certainly not forgotten. The legendary Star Wars actress passed away in December 2016, just a month after her memoir The Princess Diarist was released. For the audio recording of her memoir, Fisher was nominated in November for a 2018 Grammy in the spoken-word category.

The Princess Diarist is a funny, truthful, and somewhat scandalous recounting of how Fisher came to be Princess (and later General) Leia in the Star Wars franchise. Pulling excerpts from the diaries she kept while filming the first Star Wars flick, Fisher wove together a memoir that made headlines and gave fans a look into the young life of real-life Leia.

Fisher shares this year’s spoken-word Grammy category with Neil deGrasse Tyson, nominated for his book Astrophysics For People In A Hurry, Bruce Springsteen’s Born to Run, Shelly Peiken’s Confessions of a Serial Songwriter, and Bernie Sanders’ Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In.

Tune into the Grammy Awards this Sunday, January 28th, to see if Fisher will posthumously win her first Grammy award. We’ll certainly be watching!

[beautifulnightmarepost]

A Powerful Playlist

1. Respect - Aretha Franklin (Song details)

Released: April 29, 1967 Genre:

Songwriter(s): Otis Redding

Producer(s): Jerry Wexler

For me, the song "Respect" has always been one of the first songs that comes to mind when I think of Women's empowerment. Even though I have heard the song before, listening to this song takes me back to my marching band days. Researching this song promoted motived me to learn the lyrics.

"A little respect oh yeah (just a little bit)

A little respect (just a little bit)

I get tired (just a little bit) Keep on tryin' (just a little bit)

You're runnin' out of fools (just a little bit)

And I ain't lyin' (just a little bit)"

While the song wasn't originally written by Aretha, she truly made it her own by adding a few details. It is worth noting that Aretha was the first one to add the iconic “R-E-S-P-E-C-T" hook line. Thus she, and her creative team helped to make this a woman's empowerment anthem.

Aside from the amazing lyrics, there is just something so cool about the tempo and arrangement of this song. The intro is so upbeat and fun I cannot help but start to dance.

2. “Miss Independent” – Kelly Clarkson

Released: April 10, 2003

Songwriter(s):  Rhett Lawrence, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Matt Morris

Producer(s): Rhett Lawrence

The song “Miss Independent” is another that comes to mind when I personally think about the woman’s empowerment movement. Kelly Clarkson combines creative vocals and thoughtful lyrics to really drive the point home. It is also interesting to note that other artists had turned this song down before it arrived to Clarkson. It would turn out to be her first attempt at writing a song with a group and, after her American Idol Win, it really made her as a star. The lyrics:

“So, by changing her

Misconceptions, she went in a new direction

And found inside she felt a connection”

really drive home the meaning. In short, a catching driving pop tempo and creative lyrics are the reason this song made my list.

3. “Independent Women (Part 1),” – Destiny’s Child

Released:  September 14, 2000

Songwriter(s):  Tone, Poke, Cory Rooney & Beyoncé

Producer(s): Beyoncé, Cory Rooney & Trackmasters

Desitny's child has many inspiring songs about empowerment. I could list, at least five songs that I could have used for my play list! Nonetheless, “Independent Women” is my favorite of their catalog and that is why I picked it for my list. The overall song has creative lyrics and a fun catchy beat. I can still really dance along to this song as a teen. Even as an adult, I still find the words fun and inspiring. This song drives home the idea that woman can provide for themselves. Fun fact, this song spent 11 weeks (about 2 and a half months) at number one on the Hot 100, becoming the group’s longest running number one.

“Try to control me, boy, you get dismissed Pay my own car note and I pay my own bills Always fifty-fifty in relationships”

The above lyrics drive home two important points, equality in the woman’s movement while still maintaining some independence”

4. “None of Your Business" by Salt-N-Pepa

Released: October 1, 1993

Songwriter(s):  Herby “Luvbug” Azor

Producer(s): Herby “Luvbug” Azor

Salt’ Peppa are another amazing female trio. They also have a catalog filled with impowering songs. While it was hard to pick just one, “None of Your Business” will always be one of my favorites. I remember when this song first came out. Yet the lyrics have a different feel now that I am an adult. “None of Your Business,” creative lyrics drive home a this fits right in with the overall theme for woman’s empowerment. This mix of rap and rock make this one of my favorites, because it crosses genres with its creation.

“So the moral of this story is: Who are you to judge?

There's only one true judge, and that's God

So chill, and let my Father do His job”

These words have still stuck with me to this day.

5. “Hard Out Here,” -- Lilly Allen

Released: November 17, 2013

Songwriter(s):  Greg Kurstin & Lily Allen

Producer(s): Greg Kurstin

Lilly Allen has a catalog of fun quirky yet meaningful songs. I cannot recall exactly where I was when I first heard about this amazing artist... but I remember being instantly hooked. Whenever I am having a rough day, her songs were always one of my go-too. So, needless to say, “Hard Out here” will always be one of my favorite songs by Lilly. This song is a mix of creative lyrics with the artists own brand of fun and quirky sarcasm. Thes lyrics are one of the main reasons why I picked this song for my list:7. “We Run This,” Missy Elliott

Released: February 21, 2006

Songwriter(s):  Rhemario “Rio Beats” Webber, Jerry Lordan & Missy Elliott

Producer(s): Rhemario “Rio Beats” Webber

Miss Elliot is another amazing female artist who has a lot of songs that fall under the theme over Woman’s empowerment. I picked the song “We Run This” because I thought it would best fit the overall flow of my playlist. This song mixes Electronic with hip hop genre of music. It has an upbeat tempo, making it one of those great songs with a fun “vibe.” Even though this song has some explicit lyrics, like the Liliya Allen song listed above, it also makes a point with those lyrics:

“You don't want beef, don't take it that far with a superstar I got my foot on the clutch, see me bounce my butt Misdemeanor too much and I don't give a fuck”

The lyrics shout “I am large and in charge,” and would make a good empowerment anthem.

“There's a glass ceiling to break, uh-huh There's money to make And now it's time to speed it up 'Cause I can't move at this pace"

The goal to break the glass ceiling is an ongoing one for the woman’s empowerment movement. It is nice that this song gives a slight nod to that ongoing struggle. Not to mention, the music video takes a few sharp jabs at entertainment industry. The overall tempo and music arrangement also makes this song memorable.

6. “Bitch” Meredith Brooks

Released: May 20, 1997

Songwriter(s):  Meredith Brooks & Shelly Peiken

Producer(s): Geza X

This song, by name will always come to mind when I think of Woman’s empowerment. Sure, the title might throw some people who are a little more sensitive. In my option its song’s main title is not used in a derogatory fashion. In my option, it feels empowering to call out the main part of the hook. I remember when it first came out... the lyrics struct me as very empowering, even at an early age. It was just fun to call out the tittle (much to the chagrin of my mother). "Bitch" starts off with a slow tempo and seems a bit unassuming, "innocent and sweet". Until the song changes up as the tempo song. Each time I hear this song I cannot help but song. The lyrics are fun yet gives you a something to think about:

“When you hurt, when you suffer I'm your angel undercover I've been numb, I'm revived Can't say I am not alive You know I wouldn't want it any other way”

8. “I'm Every Woman” Whitney Huston

Released: November 17, 1992

Songwriter(s):  Nickolas Ashford & Valerie Simpson

Producer(s): Narada Michael Walden

Whitney Huston will always be one of those amazing female artists. I can still recall when I first heard this song on the radio. As a young girl, it made me feel uplifted, as if I could grow up to be anything. That, hopefully, when I became a woman, that I would be able to go on to do remarkable things. Now, that I am older, I can full appreciate the importance of this song. As with some of the pervious songs, "I am Every Woman" has a good pace tempo. It is one of those fun, yet empowering songs, that gets people up and dancing. Hopefully, this powerful message will continue to be passed down to younger generations, and the singer's legacy will never be forgotten.

“Whatever you want

Whatever you need

Anything you want done baby

I do it naturally

Cause I'm every woman (Every woman)"

9. “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” Eurythmics feat. Aretha Franklin

Released:  October 1, 1985

Songwriter(s):  David A. Stewart & Annie Lennox

Producer(s): David A. Stewart

While there are many modern songs for woman’s empowerment, I wanted to add this older tune to provide a better mix.  “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves,” is one of those classic songs that drives the point. These lyrics drive home the theme:

“There was a time When they used to say That behind every great man There had to be a great woman But in these times of change You know that it is no longer true So [,] we're coming out of the kitchen”

Like the other songs in my list, this one has a very upbeat tempo to match the lyrics. It is a very 80's song, but that is not a terrible thing! The arrangement is creative with that fun driving beat that brings out the amazing vocals of Eurythmics and Franklin. The music video also pokes fun of some of those old outdated ideas that once kept women back. Going back to the main theme, this song is about woman moving on to stand proud.

10. Karisome Otome - “Temporary Virgin” by Shiina Ringo

椎名林檎×斎藤ネコ「カリソメ乙女」の歌詞

Released: November 11, 2006

Songwriter(s):  Ringo Sheena, Soil & "Pimp" Sessions

Producer(s): Uni Inoue

I wanted to wrap this playlist with something a little different, but it keeps with the overall pop theme. I discovered this artist by happy accident while researching another topic. Shiina Ringo is an amazing vocal who has written most of her own songs. The fast tempo pairs nicely with Ringo’s voice. “Karisome Otome” is a song with an amazing mix of gernes. The tune starts of soft and sweet, much like Meredith Brooks’s “Bitch.” While the theme of her songs varies, I picked this one because it pokes a little fun at the role women take when it comes to flirting and such. Here is the English translation of the entire song:

I'm just like the women Who stand next to you and stare Sweet intoxication But I'm leaving this affair You lit up my daydreams Like so many other guys Don't you look so lonely There's no sorrow in goodbye

What women want are some simple pleasures To be special We don't need you forever But I fell for your trap Girls will fall like that I was floating on a breeze What you must be feeling It was too late yesterday Despite your deceiving It was me who had my way But women always attempt to tell lies And to disguise, conceal what we want So when I try to deceive won't you believe Or say that you forgive me

In my option the song pokes some light hearted fun at the stereotype that women need men in a long-term sense. There are serval versions of this song, even one in English. Yet, like many of the songs, I wanted to mix things up by adding an artist that might be new to some of my readers.

Thanks for reading my list! Please check out the playlist, on YouTube. Drop me a line if you know any other great songs! I am open and love listening to different genres of music.

Sources:

http://albumlinernotes.com/Liner_Note_Samples.html

https://parade.com/961387/jessicasager/girl-power-songs/

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/aretha-franklin/respect

https://popculture.com/music/news/aretha-franklin-respect-hidden-history-makes-it-more-powerful/

https://kellyclarkson.fandom.com/wiki/Miss_Independent

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/kelly-clarkson/miss-independent

https://genius.com/Destinys-child-independent-women-part-1-lyrics

https://genius.com/Salt-n-pepa-none-of-your-business-lyrics

https://genius.com/Lily-allen-hard-out-here-lyrics

https://genius.com/Meredith-brooks-bitch-lyrics

https://genius.com/Missy-elliott-we-run-this-lyrics

https://genius.com/Whitney-houston-im-every-woman-lyrics

https://genius.com/Saygrace-you-dont-own-me-lyrics

https://genius.com/Eurythmics-sisters-are-doin-it-for-themselves-lyrics

https://genius.com/Sheena-ringo-saito-neko-karisome-otome-temporary-virgin-lyrics