50 Badass Songs That Will Make You Feel Unstoppable

Unsplash | Omar Lopez

When I think about music that empowers me, I think about music being made by empowered creators. Empowerment can manifest itself in many ways in music, including lyrics, production, music videos, and any other creative decision that has the ability to run up against a prescribed way of doing things. It's as if the verve and passion behind some songs have the ability to reach through the speakers and infuse your own moment with the power radiating out of a song. The music that feels the most empowering to me is music created by empowered (usually female) artists. Some of my favorites at the moment include Charli XCX, Lizzo, and Slayyyter, but I could go on and on about trailblazing artists making music that helps to make me feel empowered in my daily life, both old and new.

This is a collection of songs that empower me and my friends in many ways. Maybe a song will empower you to break into a dance while waiting for the bus; one may empower you to finally kick that guy to the curb, because you don't need him; another song may empower you to put on your very favorite outfit and strut your stuff down the street. Next time you need a boost, or just want to listen to some sassy bops, listen to some of these songs and get ready to take over the world; you'd be surprised how much of an impact on your day a powerful song can have!

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"Independent Women, Pt. 1" by Destiny's Child

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"Woman" by Kesha feat. The Dap-Kings Horns

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"Fighter" by Christina Aguilera

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"Next Level Charli" by Charli XCX

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"The World Should Revolve Around Me" by Little Jackie

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"Brave" by Sara Bareilles

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"Sorry Not Sorry" by Demi Lovato

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"I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan

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"I Don't Want It at All" by Kim Petras

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"We Are Family" by Sister Sledge

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"Respect" by Aretha Franklin

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"Hollaback Girl" by Gwen Stefani

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"Juice" by Lizzo

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"You Can't Do Me" by Tay Money

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"Man! I Feel Like a Woman" by Shania Twain

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"Deal With It" by Girli

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"God Is a Woman" by Ariana Grande

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"Good as Hell" by Lizzo

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"Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift

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"100 Bad (Charli XCX Remix)" by Tommy Genesis

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"Conceited (There's Something About Remy)" by Remy Ma

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"IDGAF" by Dua Lipa

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"Do My Thang" by Miley Cyrus

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"No Competition" by Pap Chanel

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"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga

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"Roar" by Katy Perry

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"BO$$" by Fifth Harmony

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"Grown Woman" by Beyoncé

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"Toy" by Netta

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"S.L.U.T." by Bea Miller

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"Sissy That Walk" by RuPaul

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"I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor

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"Bossy" by Kelis feat. Too $hort

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"Feeling Myself" by Nicki Minaj feat. Beyoncé

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"Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys

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"Stronger" by Britney Spears

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"Da Baddest B*tch" by Trina

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"Bad Reputation" by Joan Jett

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"Just Fine" by Mary J. Blige

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"Act Up" by City Girls

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"Special" by Ashnikko

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"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

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"So What" by P!nk